Tampa, FL — December 4, 2025 — Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida today announced that Richard Backa of Baker Construction will serve as its 2026 State Chair, leading the state’s largest commercial construction association as it works to advance free enterprise, protect competitive markets, and address the growing challenges facing Florida’s construction industry.
ABC of Florida represents more than 2,500 general contractors, specialty contractors, associates and suppliers and is recognized as the leading voice for commercial construction across the state. The association advocates for policies that support merit-based competition and open markets, where projects are awarded on performance, value and workforce capability.
Backa brings more than 43 years of experience in the concrete construction industry, with a professional background that includes Capform and Baker Construction. He has been an active member of the ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter since 2003 and served as Chapter Chairman in 2022. His involvement has also extended to the East Coast and Central Florida chapters. Backa is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana State University.
Backa’s work has been part of some of Florida’s most recognizable commercial and entertainment projects, including Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Ice Palace in Tampa, Kia Center in Orlando, Peabody Hotel expansion in Orlando, Water Street Block C in Tampa, 400 Central in St. Petersburg, Porsche Tower in Miami, Trump Hollywood in Hollywood, 1450 Brickell in Miami, Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas and multiple Disney projects. His experience covers stadiums, hospitality, residential towers and large-scale urban redevelopment.
Backa succeeds Kelvin Enfinger, Vice President and Partner of Greenhut Construction Company in Pensacola, who served as the association’s 2025 Chair. Enfinger is a lifelong tradesman and a native of Northwest Florida. At Greenhut, he has been part of a leadership team overseeing more than six hundred and fifty million dollars in construction across sectors that include retail, health care, aviation and education.
As state chair, Backa will focus heavily on ABC’s statewide advocacy efforts, including proactive engagement with lawmakers during the 2026 legislative session. ABC of Florida employs a full time lobbying team and organizes its annual Legislative Conference, which brings members to Tallahassee to highlight how government decisions directly affect project
delivery, workforce availability and economic growth. Construction remains one of Florida’s top economic drivers, and ABC will work to ensure state leaders understand the impacts of policy decisions on cost, competition and workforce development.
“In a growing state like Florida, public policy must support timely construction, workforce readiness and a competitive business environment,” Backa said. “ABC’s mission is to ensure that contractors can compete fairly, build safely and deliver high quality projects that meet community needs. I look forward to bringing industry experience and a statewide perspective to our advocacy efforts this coming year.”
Throughout 2026, ABC of Florida will focus on issues related to permitting delays, infrastructure demands, workforce shortages and regulatory mandates that affect project affordability and scheduling. The association will advocate for solutions that expand workforce pipelines, streamline regulatory processes and encourage private sector investment in infrastructure.
“Florida’s continued growth requires a construction industry that can respond quickly, innovate and recruit talent,” Backa said. “We intend to work with lawmakers to promote policies that make that possible.”
About Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida
Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida is the largest commercial construction association in the state, representing more than 2,500 member companies across five regional chapters. ABC is committed to advancing the free enterprise and merit shop philosophy and advocates for a competitive marketplace in which projects are awarded based on value, performance and safety.
Media Contact: Carol Bowen Chief Lobbyist, ABC of Florida cbowen@abcflorida.com