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Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 with 67 chapters and more than 23,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC helps members offer a robust employee value proposition, develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.
Since 1972, Associated Builders and Contractors of South Texas (ABC South Texas) has been the leading voice for merit shop contractors across the region — dedicated to helping our members build safely, ethically, and profitably. Our mission is to strengthen South Texas’s commercial construction industry by providing the training, advocacy, and connections that empower businesses and craft professionals to thrive. Join our growing community to gain access to powerful resources, workforce development opportunities, and a network of industry leaders shaping the future of construction in South Texas.
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Shaping the Future of Construction Across South Texas
Dedicated to Safety, Integrity, and the Freedom to Build
At ABC South Texas, we are more than an association. We are a united network of builders, contractors, and professionals driven by the values of safety, integrity, and free enterprise. Our mission goes beyond business growth as we work to protect open competition and promote fairness within the construction industry. By advocating for the merit shop philosophy, we ensure every contractor has the freedom to succeed based on performance and quality. Joining ABC South Texas means becoming part of a movement committed to empowering members through training, business development, and advocacy while strengthening the construction industry and the communities we build across South Texas.
Our Value
Advancing Construction Excellence Across South Texas
Enhance jobsite safety with our comprehensive training programs. We equip your team with the knowledge and skills needed to work safely, efficiently, and confidently on every project.
Connect with contractors, suppliers, and industry professionals through our dynamic networking opportunities. Build lasting relationships, share knowledge, and stay at the forefront of South Texas’s growing construction industry.
We actively advocate on behalf of our members to ensure their voices are heard, promoting fair policies and legislation that support growth, innovation, and the merit shop philosophy throughout South Texas.
ABC South Texas is your trusted partner in professional growth, providing the training and resources you need to meet industry standards, sharpen your skills, and excel in your trade.
Through our just-in-time training and apprenticeship programs, we help build a skilled, safe, and efficient workforce ready to meet the demands of South Texas’s construction industry.
Our Team
Chapter Staff
Leah Villarreal
Safety, Workforce and Apprenticeship
Email Leah
Shalon LeBlanc
Workforce, Apprenticeship & Education Director
email shalon
Chantel Wilmer
Administrative Assistant
Email Chantel
Our Team
Executive Committee
Our Team
Board of Directors
The ABC-South Texas Board of Directors jointly oversees the entire organization. Board members work with the executive committee to set the chapter’s strategic direction and ensure business efficiency and mission alignment.
Tess Shelton
Director
Christian Trevino
Director
Our Team
Contractors Apprenticeship Trust
The CAT is the 501C-3 arm of the ABC-South Texas Chapter, responsible for the construction industry education programs and activities for the merit shop construction industry. As the CAT does not have the staff, structure and volunteer base to provide construction education activities an agreement was reached with ABC for ABC to provide all construction related activities on behalf of the CAT. There is a five member board overseeing the agreement between ABC and the CAT to ensure compliance with the agreement.
Stacy Gunderson
Chairman
Marek Brothers Systems, Inc
Michelle Seward Davis
ABC-South Texas Chapter President
ABC-South Texas
Isabel Abbott
Trustee
Marek Brothers Systems, Inc
Shalon LeBlanc
Trustee
Gillette Air Conditioning
Liam McMahan
Trustee
AiRCO Mechanical
Justin Kuehler
Trustee
Jack Laurence Corp.
Jerry Graeber
Trustee
Rogers-O’Brien Construction
Our Team
Past Chairs
Our Team
Committees
The Safety Committee is responsible for assisting ABC members to drive safety improvement, coordinating safety stand downs, communicating best practices to members, and assisting with safety events. The Safety Committee also assists with administering the chapter’s OSHA Partnership.
The Membership Committee directs the recruitment and retention initiatives of the association. Each committee member makes personal contact with current and prospective ABC South Texas members. The committee plans and facilitates the chapter’s business development socials, various events throughout the year and member outreach campaigns.
The ABC South Texas Apprenticeship Committee plays a vital role in strengthening the region’s construction workforce by guiding and supporting high-quality apprenticeship training programs. Made up of experienced industry leaders, contractors, and educators, the committee helps ensure apprentices receive hands-on training, classroom instruction, and mentorship aligned with real-world jobsite needs. By overseeing program standards, supporting employer participation, and promoting career pathways in the skilled trades, the committee helps develop safe, productive, and highly skilled craft professionals who are prepared to meet the workforce demands of South Texas construction.
The Chapter Workforce Development Committee serves to provide outreach to the high schools and post secondary schools that ABC sponsors through NCCER. The committee will collaborate to develop programs, presentations and public relations initiatives to promote the industry as a career of choice. The committee also provides input and assistance on professional development programming offered throughout the year at ABC.
The Government Affairs Committee is responsible for identifying local issues impacting the construction industry in South Texas and candidates for office that support ABC South Texas’ pro-business positions
Our Team
Affinity Groups
The Future Leaders Initiative is designed to develop the next generation of construction industry leaders by building essential leadership, communication, and management skills. Through education, mentorship, and peer engagement, the program prepares emerging professionals to take on greater responsibility within their companies and the industry. By investing in leadership development early, the Future Leaders Initiative helps create confident, well-rounded leaders who will drive innovation, strengthen company culture, and support the long-term success of the construction community.
LOGIC (Ladies Operating for Growth In Construction) is a professional development and networking initiative dedicated to supporting and advancing women in the construction industry. The program creates opportunities for education, mentorship, and meaningful connections that empower women to grow their careers, strengthen leadership skills, and expand their industry influence. By fostering collaboration and visibility, LOGIC helps build a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient construction community.
