Nominate for DBIA’s 2026 Board of Directors by May 5 — Time is Running Out!
Have you ever watched DBIA Board members in action –– on stage at a General Session, sharing stories in breakout panels or connecting across the room like they’ve known each other for years — and thought, “That’s the kind of leader I’d follow”? Or, “I belong up there”?
You’re not the only one. And this is your moment.
DBIA’s National Board is continually strengthened by the addition of new voices of leaders from across the industry who go beyond working in design-build to help steer where it’s going next. Serving on DBIA’s National Board of Directors is an honor and a commitment to shaping the future of our industry, guiding policy, programs and progress across every sector and market DBIA serves.
Nominations for DBIA’s 2026 Board of Directors close Monday, May 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Don’t wait — submit yours today.
Who We’re Looking For
DBIA is seeking passionate design-build professionals ready to lead across sectors and silos: designers, builders, Owners, innovators, strategists, doers. From public to private, startup to legacy firm, our Board should reflect the full spectrum of voices moving design-build forward.
Whether it’s bringing real-world Owner insights, elevating underrepresented perspectives or paving the way for the next generation, your nomination could help shape the direction of DBIA for years to come.
What Board Service Looks Like
Board members serve in a volunteer capacity, attending up to four meetings per year. More than a title, it’s an opportunity to:
- Influence national design-build policy and Owner outreach
- Help set the strategic direction for DBIA programs, education and advocacy
- Join a collaborative community of forward-thinking industry leaders
- Grow professionally through connection, perspective and purpose
The Company You’ll Keep
To get an idea of what kind of leadership you’d work with as a DBIA National Board member, get to know some of the recent Chairs:
Thomas J. Foley, P.E., CCM, DBIA (2025 Chair)
“Design-build empowers our staff. For too long, they were told what wasn’t possible. Now they’re proving people wrong by building world-class facilities faster, with excellence in design and sustainability. That kind of pride? It changes people. It changes cities.”
– Thomas J. Foley, P.E., CCM, DBIA
Foley is Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC), where he oversees a team of nearly 1,200 professionals managing more than 700 active projects valued at over $34 billion. A passionate advocate for design-build, Foley has led DDC’s transformation of municipal project delivery by embedding Design-Build Done Right® into the agency’s approach.
Under his leadership, DDC completed New York City’s first-ever design-build project — a garage and community facility in Queens — in just 22 months, saving $12.9 million and earning national recognition, including DBIA’s 2024 National Award of Merit and I.N.S.P.I.R.E.D. Owner Award. Foley continues to champion innovation through progressive design-build and has set a new standard for collaboration and efficiency in the public sector.
Hear from Tom on the Design-Build Delivers Podcast
Dana Pomeroy, AIA, LEED AP, DBIA (2024 Chair)
“It takes all experiences and all backgrounds to truly execute a project well. That’s what Design-Build Done Right® is about — creating trusting, inclusive teams where everyone brings something valuable to the table.”
– Dana Pomeroy, AIA, LEED AP, DBIA
Pomeroy serves as Whiting-Turner’s National Director of Design-Build and brings more than 36 years of experience in the design and construction industry. He was instrumental in launching the firm’s internal design-build “bootcamp,” training dozens of employees to deliver integrated projects across a wide range of sectors.
Known for his ability to connect practice with purpose, Pomeroy has led countless workshops for Owners, designers and contractors nationwide. He also supports IPD delivery strategies, Lean practices and full BIM integration. His leadership has helped drive lasting cultural change within his firm and across the industry.
Hear from Dana on the Design-Build Delivers Podcast
Deb Sheehan, ACHE, LEED AP, EDAC, DBIA (2023 Chair)
“This isn’t just about project delivery. It’s about elevating the entire industry. We need to grow, train and empower the next generation of leaders, and that starts by stepping up ourselves.”
– Deb Sheehan, ACHE, LEED AP, EDAC, DBIA
Sheehan is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare strategy, digital delivery and workforce transformation. With a background spanning business management, design, engineering and construction, she has overseen more than $9.5 billion in design solutions across the globe and helped position DBIA for its fourth decade of impact.
Sheehan has advised clients ranging from the Turkish Ministry of Health to the Kuwait Public Institution for Social Security. Her insights on innovation, equity and performance have been published in Fast Company, Forbes, Modern Healthcare and more. A mentor and educator, she’s taught at global industry forums including the Joint Commission International, ACHE and ASHE.
Hear from Deb on the Design-Build Delivers Podcast
These leaders have helped shape the direction of DBIA and the broader industry, but they’re far from alone. DBIA’s National Board is composed of the design-build sector’s top minds, representing public and private Owners, designers, builders, consultants and strategists from across the country.
When you serve on the Board, you’re in extraordinary company. You’ll be part of the team driving DBIA’s growth, advocating for policy change, elevating best practices and helping lead design-build into its next era.
Want to learn more about who’s shaping the future of our industry right now? Explore the full Board here.
How to Nominate
Nominees must be DBIA members in good standing. All nomination requirements are listed in our reference sheet, including details about supporting materials, eligibility and submission instructions.
You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room; you just have to be the right one. Nominate a design-build leader for the DBIA National Board now.
View the nomination reference sheet.
Deadline: Monday, May 5 at 8:00PM ET
Questions? Contact executive@dbia.org
