Austin, TX –
Stephen Thomas, the inaugural executive director of the Texas Residential Construction Commission, tendered his resignation Thursday, effective immediately.
Thomas, in comments to commission staff, said he was leaving to pursue other endeavors.
"With the commission's transition into more routine operations, I am taking advantage of other opportunities that have presented themselves," he said.
Chairman Patrick Cordero said in accepting Thomas' resignation, the commission members felt it was important to acknowledge his hard work and diligent efforts toward establishing the agency's rules, procedures and policies during its formative years.
"I'd like to thank Stephen for his able leadership during the past two years," Cordero said. "With his extensive experience in state agency administration and operations management, he was an effective tactician as the commission charted its way-especially in our first six months of existence. We wish him well as he moves on to new challenges."
Thomas humbly accepted the commissioners' praise and credited the agency's staff for much of his success.
"To build a state agency with a mission that benefits all Texans from the ground up was an exciting opportunity. With a great staff, the commission has been able to successfully implement all of the programs in the enabling legislation in a relatively short period of time," Thomas said. "I appreciate the opportunity I was given to lead this effort."
Before joining the commission, Thomas served as the senior deputy director for administration and constituent services for the Office of the Governor. In this capacity, he was also the chief financial officer.
For many years, Thomas served as an engineer officer in the U. S. Army Reserves in various staff and command assignments. He currently is a member of Cedar Park Kiwanis and is a Cedar Park City Councilman.
The commission was established by the 78th Legislature and officially opened its doors on September 1, 2003. The purpose of the agency is to provide homeowners and builders an opportunity to resolve differences through a state-sponsored inspection and dispute resolution process before pursuing court action.
The Commission is responsible for registering all homebuilders in Texas, adopting and updating building performance standards and limited statutory warranties, providing voluntary certification of arbitrators and the filing of arbitration awards, as well as managing three task force groups.
Thomas appointed Duane Waddill, deputy executive director, to assume executive director responsibilities until a permanent replacement is selected by the commission.