Regionalization: TXAPA’s Bold Next Step

BY EMILY ADAMS, TXAPA

The Texas Asphalt Pavement Association (TXAPA) is moving full speed ahead with one of its most ambitious initiatives to date: regionalization. While regional representation is common for chapters of larger national associations, TXAPA’s plan is uniquely bold. Focused solely on asphalt pavement, this initiative represents a strategic expansion designed to deepen member engagement, strengthen local relationships, and broaden the association’s statewide impact.

For years, TXAPA operated with a lean staff while growing its services, waiting for the right time to expand its reach. That moment has arrived. With the search underway for a permanent DFW home for a satellite TXAPA office, regionalization is no longer just an idea — it’s becoming a reality.

The Why Behind Regionalization

TXAPA already provides services statewide. Workshops, site visits, PIQs, and targeted outreach keep members supported throughout the year. But keeping up with the demand for services in a state as large as Texas from a single location has meant long hours on the road for staff, who often drive the equivalent of an entire workday to connect with members and agencies for only a few brief hours. Regionalization will help TXAPA meet needs more efficiently by adding people and, eventually, additional square footage in North Texas.

TXAPA’s last major expansion came in 2017, when the board of directors approved the purchase of property directly behind its existing facility just off I‑35 in Buda, TX, just outside of Austin. An existing structure on the property was remodeled to become the Association’s headquarters. At the same time, the original building was renovated to house the state‑of‑the‑art Hot Mix Asphalt Center (HMAC), which serves as the custodian of TxDOT’s training and certification program. Today, the Buda campus is home to both TXAPA and the HMAC. The TXAPA campus was born. From this campus, TXAPA provides professional education for industry and agency partners through workshops, meetings, and outreach, while the HMAC certifies the state’s technicians and specialists. These vital activities advance the quality of asphalt pavements across Texas.

The planned North Texas facility will build on this foundation, offering convenient access to both certification and professional education programs in one of the state’s fastest-growing, most populous areas. With two full‑service campuses, TXAPA and the HMAC will extend their reach, serving members, TxDOT, and local agencies more efficiently and creating greater opportunities for training, collaboration, and statewide impact.

This effort is designed to serve all stakeholders: the asphalt pavement industry and its partners, along with the 25 TxDOT districts and the growing number of local agencies relying on asphalt pavement solutions. By addressing this broad audience, TXAPA is ensuring that everyone involved in Texas roads is supported and heard. The initiative builds on TXAPA’s ongoing success with the Partners in Quality (PIQ) program, which will continue under Chuck Fuller while increasingly involving new regional leaders Sam Davis and Larry Peirce. In addition, TXAPA will conduct smaller, targeted membership meetings across the state, supplementing the major Annual Meeting in September and Membership Meeting in January.

Meet the Leaders

Larry Peirce, Director of Special Projects

Larry brings over 35 years of experience in civil infrastructure, from research with FHWA’s Strategic Highway Research Program to leadership roles with PaveTex Engineering (now Atlas Technical Consultants), Fugro Consultants, Lhoist, and the Lime Association of Texas. At TXAPA, he will focus on building relationships with partner associations, including APWA, ASCE, TACERA, and TML. He will also represent TXAPA at trade shows and lead business development efforts.

Sam Davis, North Texas Regional Director

A civil engineer with 25 years in the industry, Sam has worn many hats — from managing partner of a small paving company to VP of Construction for Texas Materials. “I’ve been building Fort Worth since 2003,” Davis says, capturing his deep roots in the region. His mission is clear: to connect personally with TXAPA members year-round. “Rather than waiting for our members to come to us, we’re going to meet them on their turf and do what we can to help,” he says. Sam is especially passionate about reaching smaller contractors, ensuring that every member feels supported.

Together, Sam and Larry will host lunch-and-learns, visit member firms, support the PIQ program, and in October 2025, launch a new podcast aimed at local agencies.

Local Agencies & MAPS: A Regional Focus

Regionalization also supports TXAPA’s growing emphasis on local agencies, complementing our service to TxDOT. In 2025, TXAPA relaunched its highly successful MAPS Conference and Trade Show as Municipal Asphalt Pavement Solutions (MAPS) and piloted a smaller regional format. The pivot from one centrally located trade show was a tremendous success, highlighting the appetite for region-specific engagement. Building on this momentum, TXAPA will host four MAPS regional meetings in 2026 — in Midland, Corpus Christi, North Houston, and the DFW area. These meetings will bring together municipal leaders, TxDOT representatives, engineers, contractors, and industry experts to address local needs while reinforcing TXAPA’s statewide mission.

APEX & Regionalization: Two Sides of Growth

While regionalization expands TXAPA’s reach, Jim Warren now leads the Asphalt Pavement EXchange (APEX), a complementary statewide initiative designed to elevate asphalt education and professional development for industry and TxDOT engineers and inspectors. APEX grew from the virtual Asphalt Education series of online-only courses and offers a combination of on-demand resources, classes, and workshops, creating a culture of continuous learning. Together, APEX and Regionalization ensure that TXAPA members not only gain access to high-quality education but also enjoy stronger, more personal connections across Texas.

The Road Ahead

Regionalization isn’t just about geography. It’s about building stronger, more responsive connections that meet members where they are. By serving both TxDOT and local agencies, TXAPA is creating a balanced approach that ensures all stakeholders in asphalt pavement benefit from the association’s work. With seasoned leaders, expanded programming, and a future North Texas hub, TXAPA is setting a new standard for what an association can deliver.

As Sam Davis put it, “At the end of the day, our members are working all year long. They deserve support all year long.” With regionalization, TXAPA is making that vision a reality.