aXess Homestm is supported by a program advisory committee (PAC) that consists of experts in their field. Below are current members:
- John R. Alexander – Waco Habitat for Humanity
Executive Director - Waco, Texas
John Alexander has 20+ years experience in the home building industry. He is a past president of the Waco Builders Association and remains active with the association. - Judith Babbitt - City of San Antonio Disability Access Office
Disability Access Manager - San Antonio, TX
Judith Babbitt is the Disability Access Manager for the City of San Antonio Disability Access Office. She played a major role in the San Antonio Universal Design Ordinance. Judith brings with her a vast knowledge of universal design, working with builders to consider accessibility issues as well as contacts in the industry. - Lucia DeBauge-Harcum, Ph.D - Harcum Homes, Inc.
Builder- Waco, Texas
Dr. Lucia DeBauge-Harcum earned her Master of Architecture from Kansas State University and Ph.D. in Architecture from Texas A&M University. She practices professionally as a special population interior designer to architectural and design firms. From 2002 to 20004 she held the rotating title of Coordinator for the Interior Design Program. Dr. DeBauge-Harcum is also a homebuilder based out of Waco, Texas. She has stated that all her homes meet and/or exceed the requirements for certification. - Rodney C. Hill, Ph.D. - College of Architecture, Texas A&M University
Professor - College Station, Texas
Rodney C. Hill, professor of architecture and associate dean for student services in the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University, received the Texas Society of Architects' Edward J. Romieniec, FAIA, Award in recognition of his contributions to architectural education in Texas. In addition, he was awarded the Eppright University Professorship in Teaching Excellence. - Donny Mack – Beaver Builders
Builder - Sanger, TX
Donny Mack is the President and CEO of Beaver Builders, a home building company based just outside of Dallas in Sanger, Texas. Beaver Builders was recognized by Better Homes & Gardens Special Publications as one of America's Top Home Builders in 1996. - Gene Rodgers
Disability Advocate - Austin, TX
Gene Rodgers is a self and public advocate for individuals with disabilities. He played a major role in the visitability ordinance passed in Austin, TX. His viewpoints and experiences related to his disability greatly benefit the aXess Homestm Seal of Approval / Certification program. - William S. Slease - Tapestry Homes
Builder - McKinney, Texas
William Slease, Custom Homebuilder, Remodeler, Consultant and Speaker on Universal Design. Slease is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and is currently on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) and is active with NAHB’s 50+ initiative. He is also active with the Homebuilders Association (HBA) of Greater Dallas where he is an Honored Life Director. Slease was awarded the NAHB CAPS Builder of the Year in 2007, was a National Judge for the AARP / NAHB Livable Communities Award 2007-2009, and won the HBA of Dallas Vesta Award for various Universal Design and Aging in Place entries. Tapestry Custom Homes is recognized as the first builder in Texas to have a certified accessible home. Slease also maintains his Real Estate license and continues to be active in the real estate industry. - Randy Stow
Remodeler - Houston, TX
Randy Stow specializes in remodeling for accessibility. Randy is a certified Age-in-Place specialist. He is also a member of the greater Houston Builder's Association. Randy brings a vast amount of knowledge about accessibility and visitability, as well as builder and disability advocate contacts locally and across the nation. - Kathy Strong - TX Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
Nacogdoches, TX 75561
Kathy Strong’s legislative contacts aid in spreading the news of aXess Homestm to future stakeholders and policy makers. - John Torkelson - Texas Registered Accessibility Specialist Association (TRASA)
Consultant - Austin, TX 78703
John Torkelson has a vast knowledge and experience of working with homebuilders. In addition, John is a homebuilder based out of Austin, TX, Straight Plate Management, LLC. - Marla Turner – AARP of Texas
Associate State Director of Community Outreach - Houston, TX
Marla Turner is responsible for the Livable Communities agenda, which includes housing and transportation. She is currently working with the city of Houston Mayor's Office and Council member Peter Brown on setting an aging agenda that includes housing. She has worked closely with Council Member Gordon Quan on city housing issues including tax breaks for contractors who implemented universal design and visitability in construction and renovation of homes.
