Issue link: https://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1460718
Sandy helped transform the once male-dominated association into one where women mattered. Sandy works with MBA Executive Officer Sam Anderson. pretty much the organizing body of all the things like that. So many things the association as a whole took on happened with us first." In the late 1990s, with encouragement from fellow members, Sandy launched her bid for President of the MBA. When she won the presidency in 2002, Sandy didn't waste time lamenting what the association had been before The Force. Instead, she got to work making it what she wanted it to be. Sandy put all her energy into promoting membership and was so effective that she won the MBA's first Life Spike Award for recruiting 350 new members—in addition to multiple Remodeler of the Year awards. On her behalf, the association established Women Building Hope, a charity fundraising group that quickly evolved into the Professional Women in Building Council. In further honor of her legacy, PWB established the annual Sandy McAdams Woman of the Year Award to celebrate women who demonstrate "excellence and commitment to making a difference in [their] professional life and community." Sandy wasn't content to only move MBAKS in the right direction. She also had a lasting, barrier-breaking impact on the homebuilding industry at state and national levels, serving on BIAW's Executive Board and the NAHB Remodelers Council— who presented Sandy with a special tribute commemorating her leadership at a recent meeting in Orlando. People who worked closely with Sandy recall a great friend, leader, and mentor. Sherry Schwab, president of HCS Construction Services Co. and 2020 BIAW president, said of Sandy, "She was my guide and inspiration to become involved in leadership at NAHB. She was undaunted by the [exclusion] of women in leadership roles, especially nationally." Darylene Denton, CEO and president of Solid Energy Inc. and a founding member of PWB, described her as a friend and mentor. "I am honored to have had her in my life…Her support gave me confidence and connections for my own leadership track. She is why we have the PWB Council." Traci Tenhulzen, MBAKS First Vice President and co-owner of Tenhulzen Residential, said, "Sandy McAdams was one of the amazing, great leaders." The pride colleagues feel even speaking of Sandy remains effusive to this day. A dedicated advocate for housing who led by example, Sandy's contribution to our association and industry will be remembered always. Sandy McAdams' family has created an online memorial commemorating her life, and request that people who knew her share their own stories and photos in a spirit of celebration. Visit memories.net/timeline/sandy-mcadams-14540 to contribute. Please send any donations in Sandy McAdams' name to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org. 19 SPRING 2022 | master BUILDER