Andy Kruger
Chief Executive Officer
Andy Kruger is the CEO of BuildSOS, bringing a career defined by building and transforming organizations across sectors. A seasoned executive and entrepreneur, he has founded companies in sustainable technologies, management consulting, and wine and spirits, and has led strategic improvement initiatives for organizations in manufacturing, import/export, public relations, aviation, luxury products, construction, education, and wellness. Between stints in the private sector, Andy spent more than a decade at UCSF, where he led complex change and project management initiatives and implemented financial, reporting, and clinical systems. He holds an MBA in Management and Organizational Behavior and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and is the author of a book on leadership. Andy’s cross-disciplinary experience and commitment to innovation drive BuildSOS’s mission to strengthen how communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Billy Ward
Chairman of the Board
Billy Ward brings more than four decades of experience in residential construction and a lifelong dedication to strengthening the building industry. Beginning his career as a first-class carpenter, he went on to found and lead Champion Builders LLC in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A past president of the Louisiana Home Builders Association (LHBA) and a Senior Life Director of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Billy has chaired and served on numerous state and national committees focused on advancing professional standards. He also represented NAHB on the International Code Council’s IRC Building Code Committee through multiple code cycles, helping shape modern construction practices nationwide. His leadership, craftsmanship, and commitment to the industry continue to guide BuildSOS’s mission of building stronger, more resilient communities.
Ken Jones
Chief Operating Officer
Ken Jones is a licensed architect, general contractor, and home builder with a career spanning more than two decades of leadership in Louisiana’s construction industry. A graduate of Louisiana State University, he has served for over twenty years on the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors and now holds an appointed seat on the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council. Ken is known for his technical expertise and precision in drafting and reviewing contracts, writing policies, and navigating complex regulatory processes. A respected voice in building standards and professional practice, he was inducted into the Louisiana Construction Hall of Fame for his enduring contributions to the industry. At BuildSOS, Ken’s architectural insight and regulatory experience ensure the integrity and effectiveness of every initiative the organization delivers.
Rob Hamilton
Treasurer
Rob Hamilton is a licensed commercial and residential builder and the president of Rob Hamilton Construction, Inc., a company he founded in 1998 specializing in custom homes and remodeling. Over his career, Rob has become a respected leader in Louisiana’s building industry, serving as Chairman of the Louisiana Home Builders Self-Insured Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, and Political Action Committee. He also serves on the Board of the Louisiana Home Builders General Liability Trust and is Vice President of the Southeastern Louisiana Home Builders Association. Rob has twice been honored by the Louisiana Home Builders Association—first as Remodeler of the Year in 2012 and later as Builder of the Year in 2020. His practical experience, fiscal discipline, and deep industry relationships help guide BuildSOS’s mission of strengthening the construction community statewide.
Charles “Chuck” Marceaux
Director
Chuck Marceaux brings more than three decades of experience in licensing, compliance, and organizational leadership to BuildSOS. He served as Executive Director of the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors for over 12 years and as an Executive Officer and Board Member of the National Association of State Contractor Licensing Agencies (NASCLA). His diverse career also includes roles with the Central Intelligence Agency and the White House Travel Office, as well as service as a U.S. Army veteran. Educated at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Louisiana State University, Chuck’s background spans petroleum engineering, pre-law, and business management. Today, as CEO of Backburner Project Implementation Process and Planning and a consultant with Marceaux Business Liaisons, he continues to advance accountability and best practices across the construction industry.
Michael LeCorgne
Partner Development Director
Michael LeCorgne is a veteran Risk Management Consultant with more than 38 years in the residential building industry. He holds multiple professional designations from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), including Certified Graduate Associate (CGA), Certified Green Professional (CGP), Certified Sales Professional (CSP), and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). For over two decades, he has served as an approved instructor for the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors and as a certified NAHB instructor, teaching courses in Risk Management, Customer Service, and Business Basics. Michael’s leadership has earned him honors including NAHB Associate of the Year, the Bill Polley Award, and induction into both the St. Tammany and Louisiana Home Builders Halls of Fame. His lifelong commitment to education and professionalism continues to elevate BuildSOS’s mission of empowering builders and communities to thrive.
Joe Mistich
Development and Strategy Director
Joe Mistich has more than 30 years of experience leading construction, infrastructure, and community development projects. As founder of Axcess Construction Management Services, established in 1987, Joe has guided a wide range of public and private initiatives with creativity and vision. He previously served as the youngest Director of Public Works for the City of Mandeville, where he spearheaded an innovative wetlands-assimilation infrastructure program recognized for its environmental impact. Joe was also instrumental in the early formation of BuildSOS, designing and rolling out one of the first contractor ID card systems in 2007 to combat contractor fraud after disasters. A Tulane University graduate with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Architecture and a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Louisiana State University, Joe continues to bring energy, creativity, and strategic insight to the future direction of BuildSOS.
Advisory Board
Randy Ward
Randy Ward is an accomplished Broadcast and Software Engineer with more than 39 years of experience in television production and technology management. Based in Louisiana, he has directed engineering for Louisiana Public Broadcasting and managed technical operations for more than 50 shows annually, spanning major sports broadcasts like the Super Bowl and Final Four to world-class cultural events such as the New Orleans Jazz and Essence Festivals. A two-time nominee for Emmy and Grammy Awards, Randy’s work bridges creativity, precision, and innovation. He is also a contributing founder of the Louisiana Optical Network Initiative (LONI) and the Louisiana Digital Media Archive (LDMA), both of which have advanced access to digital media and education across the state. His expertise in systems design and technical leadership continues to inform BuildSOS’s approach to technology, communication, and innovation.
