The Texas Association of Builders will induct GHBA’s longtime former CEO and the founder of the nation’s largest homebuilder into its 2026 class this November.
The Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) has a Hall of Honor moment to celebrate. Former CEO Kathryn Ann “Toy” Wood has been named to the Texas Housing Hall of Honor’s 2026 class, alongside DR Horton, founder of the nation’s largest homebuilding company. The Texas Association of Builders (TAB) announced the induction, which recognizes individuals whose vision and service have reshaped the Texas housing industry.
Both will be honored at TAB’s Excellence in Leadership Dinner on Wednesday, November 11, at the Dallas Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center.
Toy Wood: Nearly Two Decades of GHBA Leadership
Toy led GHBA for close to twenty years, and under her direction the association grew into the largest homebuilders association in Texas and one of the most respected in the country. A licensed attorney with a strong government affairs background, she was a formidable advocate at the Capitol, helping establish statewide residential building code consistency that made the industry more professional and efficient across Texas.
She also championed workforce development, raising educational standards for the industry and establishing the Toy Wood Legacy Fund to fund scholarships for future industry leaders. Her humanitarian work left just as deep a mark. Toy was instrumental in founding HomeAid Houston, rallying the building community to provide dignified housing for people experiencing homelessness, an organization that continues that mission today.
Toy is a past recipient of NAHB’s New Executive Officer of the Year Award, and her legacy of mentorship and service continues to shape GHBA and the broader Texas building industry.
DR Horton: Five Decades Building the Nation’s Largest Homebuilder
DR Horton, a longtime GHBA member, founded his namesake company in Fort Worth in 1978 with a goal of making quality, affordable housing available to every American. Over more than 45 years of hands-on leadership, he grew D.R. Horton from a single local operation into the nation’s largest homebuilder, closing its one-millionth home in 2023.
He introduced the Express Brand to keep affordability front and center for first-time buyers and built “Hortonisms” into the company culture to emphasize frugality and customer focus. Today D.R. Horton operates in 126 markets and has helped thousands of families become homeowners. He also established Camp Horton, giving employees’ children transformative summer experiences.
DR was inducted into the National Housing Hall of Fame in 2024. His Texas Housing Hall of Honor induction adds to a legacy built on scale, affordability, and the belief that homeownership should be within reach for everyone.
Learn more about the Texas Housing Hall of Honor at texasbuilders.org.