Award Recognizes McCarty's Transformative Leadership, Bold Brand Innovation, and Influence on Home Building Marketing

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zonda, a CoStar Group company, today announced Stephanie McCarty, chief marketing and communications officer of Taylor Morrison, as the recipient of BUILDER's inaugural CMO of the Year Award. McCarty will be honored before an audience of industry peers at Zonda's Accelerate sales and marketing summit, taking place October 12–14 in Park City, Utah.

"Stephanie's recognition as CMO of the Year is a reflection of her exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to elevating the homebuilding industry," said Jeff Meyers, president of Zonda. "She has transformed marketing into a powerful driver of growth and customer engagement while helping build the Taylor Morrison brand into one of the most respected and recognizable names in homebuilding. Her ability to connect brand, customer experience, and business performance has set a standard for marketing excellence across our industry."

Selected from four finalists, McCarty was recognized for her accomplishments in transforming Taylor Morrison's marketing organization and building a brand that stands apart in the home building industry. Her achievements include:

• Transformational Leadership: As Taylor Morrison's first chief marketing officer, McCarty built a centralized, in-house marketing organization and elevated marketings role in shaping business strategy, product development, and customer engagement.
• Brand Innovation: Through bold storytelling, creative partnerships, and unconventional campaigns, McCarty has helped establish Taylor Morrison as a distinctive brand, including an unexpected collaboration with Liquid Death on the "Killer House" giveaway.
• Digital Transformation: McCarty has championed digital tools that simplify the home-buying journey, giving consumers greater transparency, flexibility, and control while driving measurable business results.
• Industry Influence: Drawing inspiration from consumer brands and industries beyond home building, McCarty has introduced fresh perspectives and creative approaches that challenge traditional industry marketing practices.

"Some of our best ideas started with, 'Can a homebuilder really do that?'" said Stephanie McCarty, Taylor Morrison's chief marketing and communications officer. "We've built a team willing to find out, and a brand with enough spark to give people a reason to pay attention. Being named the first CMO of the Year is an incredible honor, and I am so proud to be recognized by Zonda and BUIDER as we bring real imagination to marketing in homebuilding."

The CMO of the Year Award attracted nominations recognizing exceptional marketing leadership across the home building industry. In addition to McCarty, this year's finalists included:

• Ron Nelson, chief marketing officer, K. Hovnanian Homes
• Will Duderstadt, chief marketing officer, M/I Homes
• Janet Benavidez, national vice president of sales and marketing, Shea Homes

Learn more about these innovative marketing leaders at builderonline.com.

McCarty's journey from communications leader to chief marketing officer is a testament to the power of storytelling, curiosity, and creative courage. Her story will be featured in the Q4 print edition of BUILDER, offering a closer look at the vision and leadership behind one of home building's most memorable brands.

Visit ZondaHome.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for more information.

About Zonda
Zonda is the trusted source of homebuilding data, insights, and marketplaces that help housing professionals make smarter decisions, connect with homebuyers, and sell homes more effectively. We help builders, developers, building product manufacturers, mortgage lenders, and other housing professionals navigate every stage of the homebuilding lifecycle. Our mission is to advance the homebuilding industry because we believe better homes mean better lives and stronger communities. Together, we are building the future of housing. Learn more at zondahome.com.

About BUILDER
BUILDER is the No. 1 resource—via its award-winning journalism and industry events—for anyone involved in new-home construction. Primarily focused on the single-family sector, BUILDER strives to help home builders manage their operations, large and small, more efficiently and profitably. Residential construction pros turn to BUILDER for housing-related news, market analysis, design trends, M&A deals, building product coverage, and more.

Media Contact: PR@zondahome.com

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SOURCE Zonda