Home Builders & Contractors Association of Brevard Unanimously Select John Thomas as New Executive Officer

experienced in developing corporate partnerships, promoting economic development and event management

HBCA Vice President: ‘A successful leader and a great fit who possesses the vision, business acumen, has strategic agility and is mission-driven’

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – The Home Builders & Contractors Association of Brevard, Inc. (HBCA), announces that its leadership board has unanimously chosen John Thomas as the organization’s next Executive Officer.

“After a comprehensive search process, the Board is pleased to have found the best individual to assume leadership of this organization,” said Trevor Lewis, President of the HBCA board.

“John has a track record of strong, successful leadership in a variety of roles. His past experience combined with his deep understanding of corporate partnerships, government relations, and strategic planning makes him uniquely qualified to successfully lead the HBCA into the future.”

The selection of Thomas caps a process facilitated by the organization’s leaders, narrowing a large prospect pool of business leaders and former elected officials.

The process was narrowed to a group who interviewed with the board’s leadership before a final selection was made.
“John is the best choice from a deep pool of interested and highly qualified candidates,” said Christina Slate, 1st Vice President.

“He is a successful leader and a great fit who possesses the vision, business acumen, has strategic agility, and is mission-driven. We’re delighted that he’s accepted the position.”

“I’m honored, and I’m grateful to the board for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of creative, dedicated, and talented professionals,” said Thomas.

“We will push each day, in everything we do, to make HBCA a world-class organization, providing our membership unparalleled support to help them grow their business.”

Thomas, 56, has a diverse background that includes extensive experience in corporate partnerships, strategic planning, government, event management, and fundraising.

A former Associate Vice President at Florida Tech, Thomas oversaw the initiation and development of the university’s first football program, as well as the design and marketing of the university’s comprehensive corporate sponsorship packages.

Thomas coordinated and managed one of the largest community events, the popular Sporting Affair-Chopper Dropper as well as representing the university for economic development and community affairs.

Thomas served as Vice Mayor and City Council Member for the City of Melbourne (2006-2014), was a member of the Airport Authority for the Orlando-Melbourne International Airport and on the Board of Directors for the Space Coast Economic Development Commission.

Thomas’ accomplishments included spearheading a “buy local” campaign, facilitating a “sister city” relationship with Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, home to executive jet manufacturer Embraer, as well as initiating and playing an instrumental role in securing the Melbourne Air and Space Show, which brought the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to Brevard County and drew approximately 15,000 attendees annually from 2013 to 2019.

At the high school level, Thomas pioneered and was the first head football coach at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Melbourne. His teams won two district championships and made five playoff appearances in Holy Trinity’s first six years as a varsity program.

Thomas was selected District Coach of the Year three times by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association and was the school’s first inductee into their Hall of Fame.

Prior to coaching, Thomas served 14 years in law enforcement, primarily as a narcotics detective. Thomas also served as the Executive Director for the Greater Melbourne Police Athletic League.

Thomas is experienced in developing corporate partnerships, promoting economic development and event management. A lifelong Space Coast resident, he and his wife Debbie, a current member of the Melbourne City Council, have three grown children and three grandchildren.

The HBCA of Brevard County is a non-profit professional trade association made up of more than 300 members, representing residential builders, remodelers, subcontractors, suppliers and various other service providers to the building industry throughout Brevard and surrounding counties.

Our mission is dedicated to promoting, educating and advocating the advancement of the residential home building industry while serving our community.

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