KEY TAKEAWAYS: JBL Properties owner Bruce Layburn will take office as the association’s 2027 president, succeeding Marcus Campo. Anthony Quillen will serve as vice president and Nicholas Zepeda as treasurer. The association will name a secretary later. The gala marks the association’s 85th anniversary and runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Higgins Hotel and Conference Center. The association will present five awards, including Builder of the Year and the Extraordinary Service Award. The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans will install JBL Properties owner Bruce Layburn as its 2027 president and recognize industry standouts at its annual awards gala Dec. 3. The gala, which marks the association’s 85th anniversary, will run from 6-9 p.m. in the main ballroom of the Higgins Hotel and Conference Center in New Orleans. Bob Peterson, vice chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, will install Layburn. The association will also recognize outgoing president Marcus Campo, owner of Nola Construction Design. Anthony Quillen of Quillen Construction Group will serve as vice president, and Nicholas Zepeda of Right 4U Construction will serve as treasurer. The association said it will name a secretary later. The association will present five awards at the gala, including Builder of the Year, Associate of the Year, Council of the Year, Most Engaged Member and the Extraordinary Service Award. Founded in 1941, the nonprofit represents nearly 1,000 builders and associate members across seven parishes. It advocates for the residential construction industry and offers continuing education and networking for members. “As we look to the future, we are committed to expanding our work to ensure that builders are better trained, supported and protected, so they can continue strengthening our communities,” said Dan Mills, the association’s CEO. The gala will feature performances by the National World War II Museum’s Victory Belles and local band The Top Cats. Tickets and event details are available at hbagno.org. ...read more read less