Industry Leaders Guiding the Future of GCBX
The Gulf Coast Builders Exchange Board of Directors is comprised of respected leaders representing a diverse segment of the commercial construction industry. Together, they provide strategic direction, support member engagement, strengthen industry and civic relationships, and help ensure GCBX remains a strong voice for commercial construction throughout our region.
As a member-driven organization, GCBX relies on the leadership, expertise, and volunteer service of its Board of Directors to help advance the organization’s mission and create opportunities for members to connect, grow, and succeed.
Chairman’s Message
The success we all enjoy in the commercial construction industry on the Gulf Coast is built through relationships with trusted people. Many of those trusting relationships either start or are strengthened through GCBX.
At GCBX, these valuable relationships extend beyond the jobsite. They connect members with one another, strengthen our industry, and help ensure commercial construction has a respected voice with public leaders and decision-makers who have authority or influence in this region.
As Chairman, I am committed to supporting the priorities that matter most to our members: promoting education and jobsite safety, strengthening industry and community relationships, and developing the next generation of leaders. The future of our industry depends on the people we train and mentor, the connections we build, and the opportunities we create for others to become engaged and involved.
I also believe it is important to recognize the wisdom and commitment of the people who have led GCBX to be the excellent organization it is today. Their experience, service, and commitment continue to provide valuable guidance as we look toward the future.
Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen our industry, support our communities, and continue building trusted relationships that bind us together to build the region into one of the best places in the world to live, work and play.
Thank you for your support of GCBX and the commercial construction industry and the people we serve.
John Wiseman
Chairman, Gulf Coast Builders Exchange
2026 Board of Directors
Executive Committee
John Wiseman
Chairman
JP Wiseman Construction
Burt Whitenight
Immediate Past Chair
Service Contracting Solutions
Tom Rees
Chair-Elect
Halfacre Construction Company
Michael Forristall
Vice Chairman
Forristall Enterprises, Inc.
Brett Raymaker
Secretary
Willis Smith Construction
John Brown
Ex Officio Board Member
Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
Directors
Mike Bennett
Xcel Mediation LLC
Russ Bobbitt
Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency
Mark Freeman
McIntyre, Elwell & Strammer
Oliver Huff
J.E. Charlotte Construction
Chuck Jacobson
Aqua Plumbing & Air
David Karins
Karins Engineering Group
Brian Leaver
Tandem Construction
Maurice Opstal
Stellar Development, Inc.
Steve Padgett
Harvard Jolly | PBK & PBK Sports
Paul Stehle
Climatic Conditioning Company, Inc.
Darrell Turner
Turner Business Development, LLC
Leadership Through Service
GCBX is a member-driven organization led by industry professionals who volunteer their time, expertise, and leadership to support the organization and the commercial construction industry. Board members work closely with staff, committees, and members to help shape strategic priorities, strengthen industry relationships, and ensure GCBX continues to deliver value to the commercial construction community.
Many of GCBX’s leaders began their journey by attending events, serving on committees, participating in YPBX, and volunteering their time to support the organization. Leadership at GCBX is built through engagement, service, and a commitment to strengthening the commercial construction industry.
Board Responsibilities
- Establish strategic priorities and organizational goals
- Support member engagement and business development opportunities
- Advance Governmental Affairs initiatives and industry advocacy efforts
- Strengthen relationships with community leaders and stakeholders
- Foster leadership development throughout the organization
- Ensure the long-term success and sustainability of GCBX
Interested in GCBX Leadership Opportunities?
Honoring Those Who Have Served
For more than seven decades, dedicated volunteers have helped guide GCBX and strengthen the commercial construction industry throughout our region. Their leadership, service, and commitment have shaped the organization we know today.