August W. "Bill" Carson, who served as the executive officer of the Indiana Builders Association for 42 years until his retirement in 2006, died on Aug. 1 at age 72.

Respected as an advocate for affordable housing in Indiana, Carson worked on housing laws with eight governors during his career at the Indiana HBA. He received Indiana’s highest citizen award, the Sagamore of the Wabash, from four of those governors.

In 1963, when he was hired as the EO of the Indiana HBA at age 25, Carson was the youngest lobbyist and CEO in the state. While there, he helped increase the state’s membership from 900 companies and 12 local associations to nearly 6,000 member companies in 33 local HBAs. During his tenure, he also served as secretary, treasurer and vice president of NAHB’s Executive Officers Council (EOC). 

Carson was awarded the EOC’s highest lifetime achievement honor, the Seldon Hale Award, for excellence in association management. He also was awarded Indiana’s highest housing honor, the John C. Hart Presidential Award, named after his long-time friend who served as NAHB's president in 1976.

When he retired from the Indiana HBA, Carson was named cairman rmeritus of the association’s board of directors. At that time, he also was honored by the Indiana Senate and House of Representatives, and U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) entered his accomplishments in the Congressional Record.

Carson also authored “Diary of a Mad Home Builder,” “Diary of a Mad Remodeler” and “High Pitches and Other Tall Tales,” which many local HBAs and NAHB members across the country have used for their member recruitment and sales presentations.

Carson is survived by his wife of nearly 16 years, Paulette Carson, three children and numerous grandchildren.