Jacqueline Dudley, The Beck Group - 2026 RECA Board Chair Edition

How did you start in the real estate industry?
I grew up on jobsites. My father owned a construction company in Houston for more than 30 years, and some of my earliest memories are walking job sites with him—carefully stepping over rebar before concrete pours and listening as he talked through how an idea on paper became a real, physical place.
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Being around construction at such a young age gave me a deep appreciation for the tangible nature of architecture and the built environment. I loved seeing progress happen in real time and understanding the teamwork required to bring projects to life. That early exposure made it clear to me that this was work I could be proud of—and it ultimately shaped my path into real estate and development.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a professional?
As I’ve grown into leading an architecture practice, one of my biggest challenges has been learning to shift my focus from my own work to the needs of my team. Early in my career, being deeply involved in every detail felt like a strength. Over time, I’ve learned that effective leadership requires a different mindset.

I’ve had to be intentional about not becoming the linchpin for design decisions or the bottleneck for progress. Trusting my team, empowering them to lead, and creating space for others to take ownership has been essential—not just for better outcomes, but for a healthier, more sustainable practice. Letting go in the right ways has been one of the most important lessons of my professional growth.

Who is your mentor?
My mentor is a former colleague of my father who owns a construction company in Houston. He has been a constant advocate for me throughout my career and someone I’ve trusted for perspective and honest guidance. As a fellow UT Longhorn, we also share a common foundation and values that have shaped how we approach both work and leadership.

He’s helped me think beyond the immediate challenge and focus on the bigger picture—the long game. He has an incredible ability to take my broader vision and help break it down into meaningful phases that align with different stages of life and career. Just as importantly, he is a devoted father who consistently puts family first, a priority that deeply resonates with me and continues to influence how I define success.

What is the best professional development advice you've received?
The best advice I’ve received is to say yes to the right things. It’s easy to say yes to everything, but that can dilute your impact. Being intentional about where you can be most helpful—and focusing your time there—helps you contribute more meaningfully and grow faster.

What other organizations or community interests are important to you?
One organization that is especially meaningful to me is my involvement with the Elizabeth Ann Seton Board. This work supports the NICU at Ascension Seton, which holds a very personal place in my heart.

My daughter spent time in the NICU after she was born, and I experienced firsthand how vulnerable and overwhelming that season can be for families. The care she received was extraordinary, and being able to give back to an institution that supported our family during such a critical time is incredibly important to me. 

How has RECA impacted you as a professional?
RECA has been an incredible connector of people and has played a meaningful role in my professional growth. Through RECA, I’ve built lasting friendships and a network of trusted peers and advisors who I continue to learn from and rely on.

The organization brings together mentors with deep historical and industry knowledge alongside an invaluable peer group that makes the work more collaborative—and more enjoyable. Those relationships add perspective, trust, and even joy to the often intense cycle of a real estate deal, and that sense of community is what truly sets RECA apart.​

As this year's RECA Board Chair, what are your goals for RECA and for ATX?
My goal for RECA is to continue strengthening its role as a trusted resource and convener—bringing together industry voices to have thoughtful, solutions-oriented conversations that meaningfully impact Austin. RECA is uniquely positioned to advocate for smart, practical approaches that support responsible growth and long-term economic vitality.

For Austin, I’m focused on the importance of making development more consistent, predictable, and achievable. We have to get out of our own way and ensure that economic development in the heart of the city is not unnecessarily difficult. Peer cities are attracting significant investment because they’ve created clearer, more efficient processes—and Austin needs to remain competitive.

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