Empire Building Awards

David Bernardino is a seasoned growth leader with over 25 years of experience driving brand success across the building materials industry. As Founder of Bernardino Enterprises, he serves as a fractional CMO to organizations ranging from agile startups to Fortune 100 giants such as Procter & Gamble and Samsung. A recognized industry authority, David holds leadership roles with the NAHB and serves on the boards of Home Innovation Research Labs and the She Built Foundation.

Qadra Evans is a real estate industry veteran with over 20 years in the field joining Zillow in 2017. She is currently serving as the Director of Industry and Partner Engagement for Zillow New Construction. She brings her expertise to the homebuilding industry, creating the opportunity for key partnerships and sharing valuable updates, products, data, and research with the industry.

Andrew Kaye is a residential home builder and real estate developer with over 35 years of experience. Andrew is President/CEO of Amkco Construction Company, NAHB State Representative for Pennsylvania, and current National Area Chairman moderator at NAHB.

Dottie Mazzarella is currently the Vice President of Government Relations for the International Code Council, Inc. In this capacity, Ms. Mazzarella works to achieve the Department’s goals related to coalition building and national code adoption, implementation, and support of the International Codes. Ms. Mazzarella works closely with Members and Organizations nationwide. Additionally, Ms. Mazzarella serves as the Co-Chair of the Coalition for Current Safety Codes (CCSC).

Chris Ochoa serves as Senior Counsel for Codes, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs at the California Building Industry Assoc. (CBIA). Chris has 30 years of experience as an attorney and lobbyist, navigating the national and state building code adoption process in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. As a practicing attorney and legislative advocate, Chris represents the CBIA before state boards and commissions and at the State Legislature.

Lamar Smith is an award-winning builder and real estate developer based in Richmond Hill, Georgia. Smith Family Homes builds over 300 homes a year in Bluffton, South Carolina, and all along the Georgia coast. He has served as President of the Home Builders Association of Georgia and was inducted into the Georgia Homebuilders Hall of Fame in 2020.