About Our Chapter


As the seventh-largest chapter within Construction Financial Management Association, our chapter offers a network for financial professionals primarily within commercial construction, as well as resources for those within the industry. The CFMA Houston Board prides itself on the welcoming, diverse, forward-thinking, inviting, and professional nature of our group of members.    

 

The Chapter currently has over 170 members and is proud of its high membership retention rate.   More than 60 members have been members for more than 10 years, out of which 20 members have been members continuously for over 20 years. Our Chapter has been awarded numerous national awards over the years signifying the Board’s commitment to a successful chapter.  Houston is the five-time National Founder's Award, four-time Chairman's Award, and two-time President's Excellence Award winner.

 

We provide exceptional education and networking opportunities that allow members to grow as employees, leaders, and individuals within our industry.  Many lifelong friendships have been formed and developed throughout our membership.

Whether you are new to the industry or a lifelong member, CFMA offers the benefit of personal and professional growth and a diverse peer network found in no other association.

 

History of the CFMA Houston Chapter:

The CFMA Houston Chapter was founded in June of 1984 when Marty Eckert then with WS Bellows Construction, gathered a group of construction financial professionals to discuss the feasibility of having a local chapter.  The local chapter organizing committee also consisted of George Adams of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Company, Ronnie Dickerson of The Emde Company, Bill Fischer of Baxter/Basic Construction, Jay Kaplan of Mayan Construction, Greg Koontz of  Mayan Builders, Bob Morgan of Arthur Andersen & Company, and Byron Wake then of HA Lott, Inc.

 

The group saw the benefits of CFMA and subsequently met several times during the summer and fall with the focus of determining the level of interest in the construction community, building a list of potential members, establishing the details of the local chapter, and arranging the first meeting.  The planning culminated with the inaugural luncheon held on November 14, 1984, at the Westin Galleria with New Jersey construction attorney, Robert Peckar and one of the original members of CFMA as the speakers.

 

 The first meeting was a success thus the Houston Chapter of CFMA began and quickly became one of the largest and most active chapters in CFMA.  The Chapters involvement in the National Organization has been varied. 

 

 There have been five CFMA National Chairmen that were or are currently Houston chapter members, Marty Eckert, Byron Wake, Don Stephens, Danny Parrish, and Samantha Hutchinson. In addition, the Houston chapter members have consistently been active on various national committees and boards.  The Houston Chapter also consistently sends incoming Chapter Presidents to the Annual Spring Creek Leadership training.