Meet TxA’s 2026 Executive Committee

January 21, 2026

Headshots of the six additional members to the TxA 2026 Executive Committee

January 1 ushered in the new TxA Board of Directors for 2026. Along with the president and president-elect, our Board’s Executive Committee is made up of the treasurer, secretary, and four vice presidents, who all serve two-year terms. Meet our six executive committee officers below!

Michael E. Allex, AIA

Returning to the board as secretary, Mike is the design lead at Lainez Architects in the Rio Grande Valley. He has served TxA as a chapter director and vice president of Professional Development. Additionally, Mike has been a member of the Publication and Honor Awards Committees and chaired a Professional Development Task Force. Mike is deeply committed to his community where he has served as chairman of the board for various volunteer organizations including: The Harlingen Chamber of Commerce, Harlingen Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals, and Harlingen Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals. He was the past treasurer for The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, and he is currently the president of Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley.

Cale Lancaster, AIA

Joining the board as the vice president of communications, Cale is a principal at Rhotenberry Wellen Architects. He has led his AIA West Texas chapter as president, served as a TxA chapter director, and chaired the TxA Design Conference Committee.

Melvalean McLemore-Catina, AIA, NOMA

Joining the board as the vice president of practice and recognition, Melvalean is a director at Abstract Group, where she supports strategic initiatives that advance design excellence and collaborative practice. She is a past president of AIA Houston and has served in leadership roles with the Texas Society of Architects, AIA National, and NOMA National. She is deeply committed to strengthening architectural practice and expanding pathways through mentorship, advocacy, and professional development, with a focus on supporting emerging professionals and architects through service and leadership.

Eugenio “Pacelli” Mesta, AIA

Joining the board as treasurer, Pacelli is principal and lead designer at Exigo and he is profoundly influenced the El Paso community by carefully approaching each project to maximize its unique potential. Pacelli is a strong advocate for sustainable architecture and smart growth. He served TxA as a chapter director. And locally, he has been AIA El Paso president and part of the AIA El Paso Awareness & Advocacy Committee. Pacelli’s extensive community involvement includes serving as an advisory board member of the Borderplex Alliance, chair of the St. Jude Catholic Church Finance Committee, board member of the Center for Caracter Formation; and former board member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Management District.

Laura Sachtleben, FAIA

Returning to the board as the vice president of advocacy. She is a chief strategy officer for Landscape Forms and is deeply passionate about education, resilience, and advocacy. She has chaired multiple TxA committees including the Government Affairs Committee and the School Safety Subcommittee, and served locally as the AIA Houston president in 2023.

Maurice Thames, AIA, NOMA

Returning to the board as vice president of professional development. Maurice is a principal at Stantec in Plano. He has been an active member of the TxA EDI Committee and has held leadership positions with NOMA Dallas Chapter and the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) NTX Chapter. Previously, he served as a TAC Executive Trustee for Dallas. Maurice also finds joy in mentoring for the ACE Mentor of America Plano/Frisco Chapter.