Continuing his expansion of the Texas Industrialized Building Code Council, Governor Greg Abbott has again made headlines with recent appointments and reappointments to this vital regulatory body, someone new, and several familiar faces are set to guide Texas through the complexities of industrialized housing and building codes until 2026. According to the Office of the Texas Governor, Jorge Olivares joins the Council, bringing his expertise as an electrical engineer to the group, alongside the reappointed members: Suzanne Arnold, Edwin "Scooter" Lofton, Alex Morales, John "Johnny" Scholl, and W.F. "Dubb" Smith, each continuing their contributions to the state's growing industrialized construction sector.
The lineup showcases a diverse array of skills and experiences, Jorge Olivares, besides being an electrical professional engineer at HALFF, is engaged with multiple professional societies and volunteers for San Antonio Sports, his resume pockmarked by his commitment to community and technical expertise. In contrast, Arnold operates as McKinney's chief building official; seasoned by her past presidency at the North Texas Chapter of the ICC, she holds a perch within a range of construction and energy advisory roles, her long tenure on the Council since 2017 offers continuity and seasoned perspectives on regulatory affairs. "Scooter" Lofton, owner of Treo Signature Homes, occupies a dual role of builder and educator through his teaching efforts at the Church of Horseshoe Bay while simultaneously sitting on the Council.
Morales, from Cushman & Wakefield, balances his project management duties with a place on several architectural and construction organizations, hinting at a broad network across industry lines, in the same vein, Scholl's tenure spans over four decades within the plumbing and mechanical sectors, a testament to his depth of experience and his current role in Amarillo brings a practical boots-on-the-ground viewpoint. Smith, known for heading an appraisal firm, brings to the table over a decade of experience on the Council, his background in real estate economics and agribusiness from Texas A&M University framing his approach to the industrialized housing market, as per the Office of the Texas Governor.
The appointments, each set to conclude in February 2026, were showcased in a press release from the Governor's Office, providing both a brief biographical sketch of each appointee and the council's overarching role, the Council operates under the purview of and intersecting with various governmental and industrial touchpoints to regulate the sprawling landscape of Texas' industrialized housing and buildings, setting standards that resonate through the economic fabric of the state.
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