On June 26, 2026, JGM announced the addition of three accomplished industry leaders to its executive team. The appointments of Brian M. Jones PMP as vice president of business development; Amy DePaoli as director of marketing; and Garrick Weaver SPHR SHRM-SCP as director of talent acquisition and workforce development reflect the company’s commitment to building the infrastructure needed to become a nationally recognized force in industrial construction.

Jones joins JGM with more than 20 years of experience driving revenue expansion and market positioning across the industrial engineering, procurement and construction sectors. A strategic growth leader with a hands-on technical foundation, he brings a rare combination of full-cycle capture planning, competitive intelligence and deep client relationship management having served key markets in pulp and paper, refining, chemicals, metals and power.

DePaoli brings more than two decades of marketing leadership experience spanning logistics, food and beverage, retail and consumer brands. She has a demonstrated history of building marketing functions from the ground up, driving measurable growth, and establishing compelling brand identities for companies navigating rapid expansion.

A Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Weaver is a trusted HR leader with extensive experience building scalable hiring pipelines, designing workforce development programs and cultivating high-performance cultures across complex, multisite organizations including manufacturing, utilities and professional services.

Sebastien Roussotte Announced as New Achilles CEO

On June 30, 2026, Achilles announced the appointment of Sebastien Roussotte as chief executive officer, effective immediately. He succeeds interim CEO Craig Rodgerson, who will return to his role as chairman of the Achilles board.

S&B Receives Gold Safety Excellence Award From Industry Business Roundtable 

On July 07, 2026, S&B received a Gold Safety Excellence Award in the General Contractor Extra Large category from the Industry Business Roundtable for its work on the ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant2X Expansion Project. The team was recognized at an industry event in May.  The award recognizes S&B’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety performance while delivering complex projects in the Texas Gulf Coast region. Presented as part of the 2025–2026 Safety Excellence Awards program, the recognition highlights organizations that demonstrate exceptional safety leadership, continuous improvement and a strong culture of workplace safety.

Wesco Announces Alex Piwoschuk as U.S. Central Leader for Construction

On July 9, 2026, Wesco International announced that Alex Piwoschuk has joined the company as vice president of sales for U.S. Construction in the Central region. This role will be instrumental in developing the strategic direction to deliver industry-leading construction services and expertise to help manage customers’ most complex and demanding projects.

New Edge Contractors Expands Leadership Team to Support Continued Growth

On July 10, 2026, New Edge Contractors expanded its leadership team to strengthen the organizational capacity behind continued growth across its two disciplines: construction management and resource management. The transition formalizes the executive responsibilities of co-founders Mike Clay and John Wiegand. Clay has assumed the role of chief executive officer, providing enterprise leadership, long-term strategic direction and accountability for the company’s organizational growth. Wiegand has assumed the role of chief development officer, leading development strategy, client relationships, market expansion and new business opportunities.

Skanska USA Building Establishes Digital Transformation and Solutions Team to Expand the Use of AI Across the Business

On July 14, 2026, Skanska announced the formation of its digital transformation and solutions team, a move to scale AI and technology to continue enhancing project delivery. The group unites Skanska’s data solutions, emerging tech and AI capabilities to turn project knowledge into practical tools that support project teams and broader business priorities. Durham-based executive Will Senner has been appointed senior vice president, digital transformation and solutions to lead the team.

Swinerton Announces Leadership Promotions to Support Growth in Southern California Education and Healthcare Markets

On July 14, 2026, Swinerton Builders has promoted David Cramp and Brian Holley to vice president and division manager roles, strengthening the company’s leadership in two of Southern California’s most active construction sectors: education and healthcare. Cramp has been named vice president, division manager, K-14 Education–Southern California; Holley has been promoted to vice president, division manager, Healthcare–Southern California.

Branch Announces Key Executive Appointments to Strengthen Enterprise Growth

On July 14, 2026, Branch has announced key executive leadership appointments to strengthen long-term growth, business development, pursuit strategy and operational excellence. 

Brian Quinlan has been appointed executive vice president, strategic growth. In this new role, Quinlan will focus on where Branch should grow and help Branch create a roadmap the ensures our future.

Mike Colbert has been appointed executive vice president, enterprise pursuits. This role will serve as the accountable executive for all major pursuits. Colbert will oversee enterprise pursuit governance, estimating practices, pricing strategy, pipeline governance, win/loss analytics, and aligns preconstruction and operations. 

Brian Evans will take the lead of Branch Civil as executive vice president. Evans’ career in the heavy/highway construction industry spans over two decades. He has directly managed both state and federal highway projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with experience in both roadway and bridge construction.

Manhattan Construction Company Announces North Texas Leadership Appointments to Support Diverse, Complex Project Portfolio

On July 16, 2026, Manhattan Construction Company announced a series of leadership appointments and role confirmations in its Dallas-area regional office, strengthening the team responsible for delivering a growing portfolio of complex construction projects across North Texas. The leadership team’s new appointments include Travis Porter as Dallas regional leader, Jason Dunnam as operations manager, Anthony Wright as general superintendent and Kevin Gass as project director. 

Porter was promoted to Manhattan Construction Company’s Dallas regional leader, recognizing his proven ability to lead people, projects and operations across one of the company’s most active and complex markets. Porter has more than 15 years of experience delivering high-profile construction work in North Texas. He has steadily taken on broader leadership responsibility since joining Manhattan in 2010, starting as an intern on the George W. Bush Presidential Center project on the Southern Methodist University campus. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in construction science.

Dunnam joined Manhattan as operations manager for the Dallas regional office. Dunnam brings more than 25 years of commercial construction experience and previously served as vice president of construction at EMJ Corporation, where he led operational strategy for large, multidisciplinary teams.

Wright was promoted to general superintendent and brings more than 25 years of experience managing field operations for large, technically complex projects. His background includes professional sports facilities, commercial developments and mixed-use projects.

Gass was promoted to project director and will provide strategic oversight and leadership for project teams across the Dallas region. Gass holds a degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech and has more than 35 years of industry experience, representing more than $5.4 billion in completed construction work.

Sims Crane & Equipment Names Mike Kuffermann as Chief Operating Officer

On July 21, 2026, Sims Crane announced the appointment of Florida native Mike Kuffermann as chief operating officer. Kuffermann brings more than 17 years of experience with Sims Crane and represents a second-generation family legacy within the organization. He began his career as an apprentice and has advanced through service operations, dispatch, outside sales and executive leadership, most recently serving as chief sales officer. The appointment reflects both his proven track record of performance and the company’s continued focus on operational excellence.

ABC Supply Interiors Opens Location in Tupelo, Mississippi

On July 22, 2026, ABC Supply Interiors, formerly L&W Supply Corporation, opened a new location at 3406 West Main Street in Tupelo, marking its second location in Mississippi. The location is managed by Andy Witt, who was promoted to branch manager in March 2026. Witt brings more than 21 years of industry experience, including 10 years with ABC Supply Interiors.

Skanska U.S. Building Operations Selects Brian Urban as Executive Vice President-General Manager for California

On July 27, 2026, Skanska announced the appointment of Brian Urban as executive vice president and general manager for its Skanska USA Building operations in California, effective immediately. In this role, Urban will oversee project operations in the state, with a focus on strengthening customer and partner relationships, growing the business and continuing to build Skanska’s reputation across the region. Urban joins a well-established local leadership team with deep roots in the San Francisco Bay Area market. The team’s relationships with clients, partners, subcontractors and community stakeholders, built over many years, remain fully in place. Urban will work closely with local leadership to continue the office’s momentum and build on the trust Skanska has established across the region.

SEE ALSO: NEW NAMES AND FACES: JUNE 2026

The post New Names and Faces: July 2026        first appeared on Construction Executive.

What drew you into the entrepreneurial world?

I’ve been in construction my whole life starting at age 14 or 15. I worked in Lubbock framing apartments and learning all the ins and outs of how not to hurt yourself. Ultimately, after I graduated college, I tried all kinds of different jobs.

I ended up at a company in Grand Prairie, Texas, called Read Plastics. I had to wear a suit and tie and work indoors. We supplied colorant to any company throughout the U.S. that would manufacture a plastic product that had color. One of the companies that we supplied material to was called Sport Court out of Salt Lake City. So, I picked up the phone and gave them a call—fortunately it was family owned back then. They said for $250 they’d send me a [sport court starter] kit. So, I scrambled up $250, sent it on in, and that’s how it got started. That was around 1988, 1989—and I’ve just enjoyed the journey so far.

While sport courts themselves are prolific, construction-wise they are down a pretty niche avenue. Elaborate on the actual construction process of building a court.

It starts with a phone call or a referral. We talk to the family or business briefly about what they’re looking for, how many people will be using the court, what sports they are looking to play, etc. And then we work on setting up a time and a date to go out and meet with the client at their home or business, paying close attention to easements, HOA requirements, permitting, etc. If mother nature isn’t an issue, we can get permitted pretty quickly once we start breaking ground—typically about 45 days or less.

Then we work on design: If it’s outdoors, that means paying attention to the lay of the land, the flow of water, the orientation of the sun at different times of day. Once the design is set, we come in and pour a concrete slab, which sets up for a few days. Then we can start topping it out with the fencing, the lights, the hoops, the surfacing, the tennis net, the shuffleboard lines or other. Then it’s a cleanup, a handshake and years of fun.

All these courts are built custom, in one-foot increments, whether it’s a full-size tennis court or a compact sport court—which allows you to play up to 15 games from roller hockey to basketball to volleyball to pickleball to paddle tennis to badminton and more.

We do a lot of indoor courts, as well. We are seeing a trend of more and more families doing indoor courts, especially in homes up in Minnesota where they have frigid temperatures, or in incredibly hot climates. We actually have a ribbon cutting tomorrow with the Mavs Foundation—we supplied the floor and the sports equipment for the YMCA in Flower Mound.

Do you do work with any multifamily complexes or retail places?

We have an individual in our office who specializes in that area. There’s a huge amount of development going on in North Texas right now with homes, community homes, apartments, etc. We are staying busy every week building commercial pickleball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts.

How has your company grown since you first started?

Early on, it was just me and my dad. Eventually, I met my wife and she came on board and took care of all the stuff that I wasn’t doing properly—I had shoe boxes in our bedroom where I kept all my receipts. She got me organized and started handling the phones, entering in leads and more, and that enabled me to go out and continue to sell and build and so forth. Over the years we went from three people to now 12 employees, so it’s grown a lot. And of course our business seems to keep growing as well.

We want to continue to grow. We are always looking at potential new products and partnerships. Ten years ago, we teamed up with Donnie Nelson of the Dallas Mavericks. He created the PFL, the Professional Futsal League, and we helped promote that league for him and it just slowly keeps growing and growing and growing. And we’ve partnered with FC Dallas, building eight mini-pitch soccer courts for them. We are always looking for ways to grow our business, and a lot of that’s going to have to do with making sure that we know what’s coming down the pike as far as new sports and new equipment and things of that nature.

Talk about your philanthropy efforts—namely the Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Award from D CEO magazine—but also where did these efforts originate? Was this always something you wanted to make part of your business plan?

It started probably 25 years ago with the Mavs Foundation. I learned that they would go out once a year and renovate an old basketball court. And I actually saw them doing that in South Dallas 25 years ago. What they were doing back then is taking an old basketball court and then putting a layer of paint on it. But in six months to a year, that paint would either peel or crack or the logos would fade. So, I introduced them to the modular-tile sport court product, and they thankfully said, ‘You know what, let’s try one.’ 25 years later, we’ve completed probably close to 40 courts now with the Mavs Foundation.

Then I became a sponsor of the Texas Legends in Frisco, the NBA G-League team. I did a court for Pat Summerall, the former pro-football player and sports announcer. Then I met Nancy Lieberman, the former pro-basketball player and coach, and she put together a program called Dream Courts, and we built her very first one 17 years ago in Frisco. And now she’s done 150 nationwide, and we’ve done about 50 of those locally.

It just kept blossoming: We did five or six ball-hockey courts for the Dallas Stars Foundation, and we’ve done about eight futsal courts for FC Dallas.

By partnering with these organizations and groups, we’re able to provide that same upper echelon product and design to the lower income communities that normally might just be playing on a painted slab or an asphalt court.

When you go look at an old basketball court that’s been there for 25 years, the rims are faded, they’re broken, the court’s cracked. For an organization to come in and use a high-end product, the before and after pictures are unbelievable. When the local kids who are used to the dilapidated court walk in and see this color—because it comes in 20 different colors—they are just so excited to see what someone’s given back to them.

From there, we got into donating courts to some of these nonprofit groups for their live auctions. The very first one I did was with the Children’s Cancer Fund of Dallas. It just so happened at that first event, Dak Prescott was the highest bidder. So, we built him a pickleball court. Then Dak Prescott’s foundation—Faith. Fight. Finish.—called and said, ‘Hey, will you do that for us?’ So, we have stayed active in that realm.

How do you instill that sense of philanthropy in the people you hire?

When a court’s donated, obviously we have to fund it. And I’m not as young as I used to be, so I tend to ask one of my sales reps. It’s worth their while because every time you build a court, you build a relationship with a family or business and that family or business has relationships with other families or business associates.

Right now, we just finished a court for someone who was the highest bidder at the Cattle Baron’s Ball in Dallas. It turns out we’re actually doing a big basketball court and a little football field in his neighbor’s home, whose best friend and wife are this year’s chair of Make-A-Wish. So, to give the employees and give the sales reps stories to tell is a big part of selling.

Of course, the benefits of getting involved in a lot of these groups and organizations is you often get invited to events, and we make sure that our employees and their family can come to these events, which is always a lot of fun as well.

Let’s talk about the award.

This is the benefit of having a PR firm like The Power Group. One of the things they started doing that I never would’ve thought of doing is to nominate the company for various awards like this one. So, I have to give 100% of the credit to The Power Group in Dallas.

When you received word that you got the award, how did you feel about that?

Well, I felt excited. Finally, I found an avenue where people can educate families and educate the public about what we do. Hopefully there’ll be a family that sees it, and we can help them build something for their kids to grow up with in their own backyard.

We were also just awarded a contract to build seven mini-pitch soccer courts for the North Texas World Cup Committee. So, we’re very excited about that. It’s probably going to be over 40,000 square feet of court surfacing, fencing, soccer goals. I grew up in Arlington, Texas, playing soccer, and one of the courts is going to be right in downtown Arlington, real close to where the games are going to be starting in June. The World Cup coming to DFW is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but then being awarded that contract is just something else.

SEE ALSO: TRUSTING THE PIPELINE: SUPPORTING EARLY-CAREER CONSTRUCTION TALENT

The post Build a Court, Give a Court: Dallas Business Founder’s Philanthropy and Construction Efforts Culminate in World Cup Spotlight first appeared on Construction Executive.

Joining them this year is the inaugural recipient of ABC’s Health and Safety Professional of the Year award—a safety leader whose commitment to protecting people and strengthening jobsite culture is helping shape a safer, stronger industry for all.

These outstanding professionals are the 2026 recipients of ABC’s Construction Workforce Awards, presented at ABC Convention 2026 in March. Each year, the CWAs recognize individuals who are making a lasting impact on the future of construction through leadership, education, mentorship, safety and an unwavering commitment to the merit shop philosophy.

The 2026 honorees are:

• Health and Safety Professional of the Year: Introduced in 2026 and sponsored by Milwaukee Tool, this inaugural award recognizes an industry leader who champions safety excellence, advances health and safety culture and demonstrates an exceptional commitment to protecting the construction workforce. The first-ever honoree is Jenny Ferdinand-Stong.
• Young Professional of the Year: Sponsored by Procore, this award recognizes a construction professional under 40 who demonstrates exceptional leadership, career achievement and vision for the future of the commercial and industrial construction industry. This year’s recipient is Nyoki Mokeba.
• Craft Instructor of the Year: Sponsored by the National Center for Construction Education and Research and Tradesmen International, this award honors an instructor who inspires the next generation through innovation, communication skills and a passion for lifelong learning in the trades. This year’s recipient is Tatton Kilmer.
• Craft Professional of the Year: Sponsored by NCCER and Tradesmen International, this award recognizes a craft professional who excels in the field while demonstrating leadership, dedication to safety, passion for the trades and commitment to workforce development. This year’s recipient is Jason White.

If these professionals are any indication of where the industry is headed, the future of construction is in very capable hands.

Read these award winner’s full profiles:

Jenny Ferdinand-Stong, 2026 Health and Safety Professional of the Year

Nyoki Mokeba, 2026 Young Professional of the Year

Tatton Kilmer, 2026 Craft Instructor of the Year

Jason White, 2026 Craft Professional of the Year

SEE ALSO: META, ABC FORM PARTNERSHIP TO LAUNCH ACADEMY TO TRAIN AND CREATE JOBS FOR CONSTRUCTION CRAFT PROFESSIONALS

The post Excellence in Action: ABC’s 2026 Construction Workforce Awards first appeared on Construction Executive.

As ABC’s 2026 Young Professional of the Year, Mokeba is proudly bearing the fruits of his labor—and his 12.5-year career at Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Performance Contractors stands as a testament to how merit builds legacy.

“I don’t have an education in construction management,” says Mokeba. “You would think someone like me would be behind the eight ball, but I have proven that I will work hard and learn. Advancement in the merit shop isn’t based on who you know, how long you have been there or what your name is.”

LINING UP THE SHOT

For Mokeba, cultivating his career and leadership path in Baton Rouge—the city that raised him—was not always the plan. After earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a Master of Business Administration from Southeastern Louisiana University, he chose to pursue a career in construction from the ground up.

“I just tried to find my way into an interview and let them know, ‘If you teach it to me, I will learn it and I will be as successful as possible,’” he said.

That goal-setting mindset at Performance Contractors set Mokeba on the path to where he is today. “Goals need to be realistic but also challenging. They need to be attainable and achievable, and they need to not only benefit me, they need to benefit other people as well,” he says.

Mokeba began working primarily in the field before transitioning into a corporate role. During that time, Josh Rounds, vice president of project services and controls at Performance Contractors and a past ABC Pelican Chapter president, along with Lance Glaser, director of strategic procurement, equipment and logistics, encouraged Mokeba to get involved with ABC.

“Growing up in Baton Rouge, you see a lot of different ABC members that are based there. You see the life that they live—they’re very stable and always growing,” Mokeba says. “I am grateful to work for Performance Contractors, a company that not only supports my professional growth but also encourages me to pursue my personal passions. Their support has given me the platform to make a meaningful difference.”

FAMILY MATTERS

Mokeba’s endeavors to refine his career and leadership have been shaped by positive role models and guiding principles. His father, a political science professor at Louisiana State University for the past 36 years, instilled the philosophy of servant leadership.

“I think it’s simple—putting others before yourself and being kind,” Mokeba says.

Trademarked as his best attribute, Mokeba has been adamant in his maintaining selflessness, kindness, faith and service throughout his career. One of his guiding mottos reflecting that mindset? “Be the person that you want your daughter to marry,” he says. “I want my daughter to see me working through hard things—to see that everything you want in life comes from sacrifice and hard work.”

While his servant-leader qualities have been a useful tool in navigating challenges in the industry, Mokeba’s ethos of service extends beyond his career. Over the past five years, Mokeba has raised more than $30,000 for cancer research, supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the American Cancer Society. He also serves on the board of Fork Cancer.

EARN IT

Mokeba’s vision for the future of the industry reflects a meaningful balance between embracing the inevitability of technological advancements while preserving the integrity of older generations of craft professionals. “We need to combine both to ensure we’re not losing what got us here, while also becoming more efficient with our practices,” he says.

Supporting the next generation of construction professionals has become a natural extension of his work. For the past four years, Mokeba has volunteered with LSU construction management students preparing for ABC’s annual Construction Management Competition. This year, the LSU construction management students won first place and were named Student Chapter of the year. “I have taken the lead over the last few years—arranging speakers and industry experts, speaking in classes to recruit students and sharing how beneficial this experience can be for their future,” he says.

It comes as no surprise that Mokeba’s character and merit have already been recognized by ABC. In 2024, he received the Committee Member of the Year Award from the ABC Pelican Chapter for his work with its Young Professionals Committee. “Given the Pelican Chapter’s respected reputation in Baton Rouge and across the nation, being selected for the award was both humbling and motivating,” Mokeba says.

Naturally, Mokeba’s commitment to growth extends beyond the jobsite. He serves on the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’s 2026 Emerging Leaders Council and is currently pursuing a post-baccalaureate certificate at LSU in contract writing and construction project management.

Winning ABC’s 2026 Young Professional of the Year is a milestone—but not the destination. “These achievements remind me that success is not just about personal milestones, but also about giving back and creating opportunities for others,” he said.

At the top of his priorities? Fostering a culture of safety and inspiring the next generation of craft professionals. “The industry is growing right now,” he says. “And we need more people. We need more talented and smart people.”

The post Merit Milestone: ABC’s 2026 Young Professional of the Year Nyoki Mokeba first appeared on Construction Executive.

“I couldn’t do the classroom,” Kilmer says. “As soon as sports were done, I was like, this isn’t for me.”

What was for him, though, was building.

Today, Kilmer is ABC’s 2026 Craft Instructor of the Year, a recognition that honors not only his technical expertise and commitment to apprenticeship education, but also the energy, empathy and mentorship he brings to every classroom and jobsite.

When he first heard the news, the longtime ABC Southern California plumbing instructor says he was “dumbfounded.”

“This is something that I genuinely am incredibly honored by,” he says. “It’s such a big passion and part of my life. The money’s not what means anything to me. It’s the fact that I get to help and be a part of these individuals’ lives changing like what happened for me when I was an apprentice.”

SERVICE BEFORE SELF

Kilmer’s journey with ABC began as a student. He entered the ABC Southern California commercial plumbing apprenticeship program in 2007 after hearing about the opportunity from a family member. He quickly immersed himself in the trade, eventually earning his journeyman and master-level plumbing certifications, winning Local Craft Championships and being named Plumbing Student of the Year in 2012.

But even as his own career advanced—from apprentice to foreman, project manager and eventually preconstruction manager at Z3 Plumbing—Kilmer found himself drawn back to the classroom.

“When I started the program, I had a phenomenal instructor,” he says. “Then I had two years of okay instruction, and then I had him again, and I realized I needed to do something to help him and become a teacher like him.”

That experience shaped what would become Kilmer’s teaching philosophy: “Student. Service. Success.”

For Kilmer, instruction is fundamentally an act of service.

“So many times growing up in schools, I always felt left out by my instructors,” he says. “I felt like they weren’t doing it for the right reasons. When you have that service mentality behind you, that’s where you’re going to get your success. That’s where you’re looking for the students’ success—not just your own.”

Over the last 13 years, Kilmer has taught every level of ABC SoCal’s plumbing apprenticeship program, designing lesson plans, hands-on labs and competition projects that connect classroom theory to real-world applications.

His students have taken notice.

“Tatton exemplifies a students-first philosophy,” reads his award nomination. “His positive attitude, creativity and ability to communicate complex concepts foster a learning environment that inspires excellence.”

FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Left, Kilmer walks the National Craft Championships floor with apprentices. Right, Kilmer and his family spend time at Disneyland.

A CLASSROOM THAT FEELS REAL

Ask Kilmer what defines his personality, and he laughs before answering: “Goofy, fun-loving, but very serious and dedicated to what I do.”

That balance, he says, is critical when teaching apprentices.

“Let’s face it—everybody that gets into apprenticeship programs, we didn’t fit the mold to the normal office world,” he says. “Being in the classroom and making it fun, making it entertaining and something more than just ‘you have to be here,’ allows my students to fully get the message I’m trying to get across.”

Kilmer’s lessons extend far beyond pipefitting and code books. Communication, professionalism and accountability are recurring themes in his classroom.

“I always talk about communication,” he says. “Think about the way you email. Think about the way you talk in a foreman’s meeting. Think about the way you talk to your boss or even an inspector. It’s incredibly important to comprehend how communication happens.”

He also emphasizes the value of merit-shop opportunity and self-advocacy.

“You being the biggest proponent for yourself is incredibly important,” he says. “If you want opportunity, that’s where merit shop comes in, because you have that ability unlike anywhere else.”

As chair of ABC Southern California’s Multilateral Apprenticeship Committee, Kilmer helps oversee plumbing, low-voltage and sheet metal apprenticeship programs while also serving on the chapter’s Craft Championships Committee.

One of his favorite parts of teaching? Coaching apprentices for the National Craft Championships.
“I always tell them, set the goal of getting to local craft champs, competing there, winning, going to Nationals and winning there,” he says.

Under Kilmer’s guidance, ABC SoCal plumbing competitors have medaled in the national competition every year since 2019.

BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION

Kilmer’s passion for apprenticeships is deeply personal. The trade gave him a career without student debt, financial stability in Southern California and a pathway to leadership. Now, he wants others to have the same opportunity.

“Apprenticeships are the lifeblood of this country,” he says. “You’re going to come out of it both knowing why to do it and how to do it.”

He carries that mission into outreach events, career fairs and high school presentations, where he speaks with students about alternatives to the traditional four-year college route.

“This industry is dying because of the lack of schools pushing students into understanding there’s more than one option,” he says. “For those of us that want to work with our hands, there are so many other avenues out there.”

Kilmer is also passionate about modernizing the industry through technology. In his classroom, he incorporates digital estimating tools, BIM resources like Revit, smart whiteboards and live interactive quizzes to help apprentices engage with the same technology they will encounter in the field.

Still, for all the advancements in software and AI, Kilmer believes the heart of construction remains deeply human.

“Until computers get thumbs, I don’t see that happening,” he jokes when asked whether AI could replace construction workers.

LEAVING A LEGACY

At home, Kilmer’s world revolves around family. He and his wife spend time gaming, attending Renaissance fairs and raising their two-and-a-half-year-old son. Becoming a father, he says, only reinforced the way he views his students.

“I looked at all my students as my sons for a lot of the time,” he says. “Now it’s reinforced even more how important it is that I do this for both my son and them.”

That care extends to his emphasis on mental health and safety in the trades. Kilmer openly discusses the construction industry’s high suicide rates with students and reminds them that no job is more important than their wellbeing.

“Nothing is so terrible or so unfortunate that it should step in front of you taking care of yourself and your family,” he says. “If you’ve got to take a moment, step away.”

Ultimately, the legacy Kilmer hopes to leave is one centered on compassion and passing knowledge forward.

“It is our requirement to be the ones passing that on,” he says of experienced tradespeople mentoring younger workers. “It is not a trade secret. It is guaranteed success.”

For Kilmer, teaching has never been about recognition or titles. It has always been about ensuring the next generation of craft professionals has the opportunities, mentorship and support he once received himself.

“I love the trades,” he says. “I love the fact that we as individuals have the opportunity to do something so important. Help share the knowledge. Help bring more people into this.”

The post Built to Teach: ABC’s 2026 Craft Instructor of the Year Tatton Kilmer first appeared on Construction Executive.

While White has made it a habit of looking forward, some major news gives him reason to reminisce exactly 20 years after that NCC title. He’s now added another title to his resume: ABC’s 2026 Craft Professional of the Year. “It was unbelievable,” says White upon getting the news. “I was taken aback.”

White grew up on a dairy farm in Fairfield Center, Maine, so he was no stranger to good, old-fashioned hard work. “I had some mechanical ability,” he says, “but no real trade.” So, at eighteen years old, fresh out of high school, White joined Cianbro, without a trade and without a plan. “I didn’t really know what was going to happen,” he says, but he was looking forward to whatever did.

In 1998, White began in Cianbro’s fabrication and coating facility in Pittsfield, Maine, and after a couple of years, the opportunity to work on an oil rig—without ever leaving the state—arose. “To people on the Gulf Coast,” says White, “this is probably not that big of a deal, but that was not something that was part of the Maine skyline.”

Cianbro transported two offshore drilling platforms up the coast of New England and was in need of instrumentation fitters to service them. When someone suggested White give it a go, he halted just for a moment: “I didn’t know anything about instrumentation fitting,” he says. But not knowing has never stopped him before. After some initial development, White says, “It worked out well. I really took to the freedom and the aesthetics of running multiple tubing lines. That’s also where I was introduced to the Wheels of Learning,” an ABC-turned-NCCER craft-training curriculum.

PIPE DREAMS

White put his work ethic to work and began taking monthly classes through NCCER’s instrumentation apprenticeship. Then in 2006, he was offered the opportunity to compete in ABC’s National Craft Championships.

After his win, White continued working his way up, becoming a journeyman and supervising crews, when yet another opportunity arose through Cianbro Institute to be in NCCER’s piping apprenticeship program, after which he was certified as a Performance Verified Pipefitter in 2015. “I was constantly working,” says White.

Today, he is constantly leading, as he serves on the NCC committee for the fifth time as the project manager for the instrumentation competition. As he looks forward to observing the future of the workforce compete in the renowned skills test, he cannot help but remember how it felt when he was on the NCC competition floor.

His words of advice from his own experience as a competitor: “Even just being here, don’t take that lightly. You have a sponsor or a chapter or a company that has invested a lot in you. Somebody believes in you—that’s why you’re here. Keep pushing forward and just do the best you can.”

As White serves as mentor and leader for younger construction workers, he has had mentors and leaders of his own—without whom he would not be where he is or who he is today.

INSPIRATION OVER PERSPIRATION

Who inspires the ABC 2026 Craft Professional of the Year? “Professionally,” he says, “I’ve had many people that I’ve looked up to.” He honorably mentions Mike Raven—retired instrumentation supervisor and instructor for Cianbro; Jon Sacks, retired training instructor and manager for Cianbro; and Ed LaPage, former project manager and superintendent for Cianbro, who passed away in 2020, who not only helped White climb the career ladder, but helped him grow up, both as a craft professional and as a person.

Not only has White grown up throughout his time at Cianbro, but he’s also built a family, with “a beautiful wife, Tammy,” and a 16-year-old daughter, Izabella, whom he says are his greatest cheerleaders—and also his biggest critics. “They keep me grounded.”

Tammy and Izabella enjoy traveling with White to support his work on the NCC committee. They also enjoy engaging in a little friendly competition of their own. Despite long winters in Maine, White and his daughter have found some thrilling ways to bond. “My daughter—I can’t believe she’s 16 already—and I enjoy skiing during the winter,” he says. “She’s excellent.” They frequent Sugarloaf, Saddleback and Sunday River. “We ski pretty much all of Maine.” During the summertime, the skis get traded in for the tires: “We love four-wheelers and other motor sports,” says White. “It’s so fun.”

White’s family have traveled with him to ABC Convention for the last five years—every year he’s served on the NCC Committee. “Time flies by,” he says, but the White family tries to make the most of it. “They tag along and get to see how we’re setting up the competition area. They tour the local facilities and definitely hit all the malls, that’s for sure.”

GET CULTURED

Over his 27-year career with Cianbro, White has learned a lot about a lot, but especially safety culture. “At Cianbro,” he says, “safety is obviously the number one goal. They really instill in us that they want us to go home in as good if not better shape than when we showed up. It’s not just a rule or a policy—it’s a culture.”

Over the last several years, construction has made remarkable strides in furthering safety culture industrywide. In 2025 alone, ABC’s STEP Health and Safety program amassed a record-breaking 5,052 participating companies, with 2026 expected to near 6,000.

The shift in construction safety culture mirrors White’s own personal motto he has honed over his nearly three decades in this industry: Adapt. Modify. Overcome.

“When challenges present themselves,” he says, “you have to keep moving forward and do the best you can. Then you’ll get through it.” In construction, crews encounter challenges all the time. White says despite that, “You have to keep the crews together and keep marching towards the goal.”

The post Keep Looking Forward: ABC’s 2026 Craft Professional of the Year Jason White first appeared on Construction Executive.

On the other end was the news that she had been selected as ABC’s very first Health and Safety Professional of the Year—a new recognition and the latest addition to ABC’s construction workforce awards honoring the people shaping the future of the industry.

“I was very, very stunned,” says Ferdinand-Stong. “Humbled. It didn’t really set in until I arrived here this week.”

For Ferdinand-Stong, though, the award represents more than personal recognition. It represents an opportunity to reshape the perception of safety in construction.

“TikTok has this whole subculture of being unsafe is cool with the construction industry,” she says. “And I want to change that. I want safety to be cool.”

That mission has defined Ferdinand-Strong’s career for nearly 30 years.

BUILT BY EXPERIENCE

Ferdinand-Strong’s path into construction safety was anything but traditional.

Raised by her father alongside three sisters, she says she grew up learning to navigate the world with both toughness and adaptability.

“I was the eldest of four daughters,” she says. “He raised us like boys. So I do have a very strong personality, but also the feminine side. I know how to speak to people. You have to know your audience.”

That ability to connect with people would become one of the defining traits of her leadership style.

Her career began in the mid-1990s at an injection molding facility in Kansas, where she first noticed unsafe practices involving hazardous materials and heavy machinery. Rather than accepting those conditions as normal, Ferdinand-Stong started asking questions.

“We kind of created our own safety committee before work,” she says. “There were a lot of unsafe things that I was doing that I didn’t realize were unsafe, just because I was shown that.”

That curiosity—and refusal to look the other way—eventually led her into construction. After working in banking and finance, she joined a construction and electrical contractor in Indianapolis as a laborer before moving into facilities management and safety leadership.

Over the years, Ferdinand-Stong built a career around transforming safety culture. As safety director for a drywall contractor operating across seven states, she helped lead the company to four consecutive years with no lost time incidents and two of those four years with zero recordables.

Then, in 2021, she joined Gaylor Electric, where she currently serves as corporate safety manager.

MORE THAN A RULEBOOK

Ask Ferdinand-Stong what “health and safety” means to her, and she quickly explains that it is far bigger than policies or compliance.

“It’s so much more than just the book,” she says. “It’s about the person. It’s about the project. It involves production. It involves quality.”

She describes safety, quality and production as construction’s “holy trinity”—three priorities that must work together rather than compete with one another.

That philosophy is reflected in the way Ferdinand-Stong approaches her work at Gaylor Electric. As one of three corporate safety managers, she oversees companywide safety programs, develops field leaders, integrates safety into project planning and maintains an active boots-on-the-ground presence across jobsites.

“A lot of times, safety is brought in after the fact,” she says. “But safety needs to be built into the planning of the project.”

That means spending as much time listening as correcting.

“I can walk around and say, ‘Hey, put your gloves on,’ and walk past you,” she says. “But if I don’t circle around and ask why, maybe you’re having difficulty finding a tie-off point. Maybe your glasses hurt your nose. You have to understand the bigger picture.”

It is a people-first philosophy that has made Ferdinand-Stong a familiar and trusted presence in the field.

“One of my biggest accomplishments is when people remember me on the jobsite,” she says. “Or when someone who used to fight wearing safety glasses finally says, ‘Hey Jenny, look—I finally got my prescription safety glasses.’ Those little things are the biggest accomplishments.”

EVERYONE IS A SAFETY LEADER

Perhaps the message Ferdinand-Stong emphasizes most is empowerment.

“The number one priority is making sure everyone knows they are a safety leader,” she says. “It does not matter your title or your experience. If it’s your first day, you are a safety leader.”

She teaches every employee—from apprentices to superintendents—that they not only have stop-work authority, but also the responsibility to protect the people around them.

“You have accountability for your own safety,” she says. “But you also have a responsibility to your brothers and sisters in the field.”

For Ferdinand-Stong, safety culture is built through coaching and mentorship, not fear or punishment.

“It’s not about being a safety cop,” she says. “We have to coach these people and give them the tools so they can become safer workers and get their jobs done.”

That mindset extends beyond physical safety into mental health and total human health—a core value at Gaylor Electric. Ferdinand-Stong regularly checks in on employees’ mental and emotional wellbeing, recognizing that personal stressors can directly impact jobsite safety.

“A jobsite is a small town,” she says. “People know what’s going on in each other’s lives. You have to understand the whole person.”

Her approach combines empathy with accountability, helping employees feel supported while also reinforcing shared responsibility.

CHANGING THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION

Ferdinand-Stong is deeply passionate about expanding opportunities within construction—especially for women.

“There are so many possibilities for women in construction,” she says. “Whether you want to be on your tools, an engineer, an architect, a safety professional—there are so many paths.”

She points to the industry’s workforce gap and the need to introduce students to construction careers earlier.

“We don’t just need to hit high schools,” she says. “We need to hit middle schools.”

Ferdinand-Stong also sees technology playing an increasingly important role in construction safety. She is currently collaborating with university professors on innovations that integrate safety directly into BIM models, allowing teams to identify high-risk hazards before work even begins.

“Technology can help us ask, ‘How are we going to install this safely?’ before we ever get into the field,” she says.

Still, even with advances in equipment and predictive tools, Ferdinand-Stong believes the future of safety ultimately comes down to people mentoring people.

“There is an age gap in this industry,” she says. “We need to make sure mentorship is there. It’s not just about enrolling people—it’s about following through.”

That commitment to mentorship, leadership and culture-building is exactly why Ferdinand-Stong was selected as the inaugural recipient of ABC’s newest workforce honor.

“The only way to obtain the elusive ‘zero’ we all talk about is for everyone to truly commit to to a zero-recordable culture.Safety, quality and production all work together,” she says. “And if we can get everyone to see themselves as safety leaders, it changes everything.”

The post Safety Is Personal: ABC’s 2026 Health and Safety Professional of the Year Jenny Ferdinand-Stong first appeared on Construction Executive.

On April 27, Coastal Construction Group announced a strategic leadership transition:

After 58 years at the helm, Thomas P. Murphy Jr., founder, chairman and CEO, is formally passing the baton to the next generation, appointing his sons, Tom C. Murphy and Sean Murphy, as co-chief executive officers. Murphy will remain actively involved as chairman of the executive board. The brothers have served as co-presidents for the past 11 years, helping guide the firm’s continued growth and expansion.

BALFOUR BEATTY PROMOTES DAVE CAMPBELL TO VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS IN FLORIDA

On April 30, Balfour Beatty announced the promotion of Dave Campbell to vice president of operations in Florida. Campbell brings nearly three decades of experience with Balfour Beatty, having progressed through roles in the field, project management and senior leadership. His career has been anchored in Jacksonville, where he built trusted relationships with clients across markets such as transportation, higher education and multiple public sectors.

In his expanded role, Campbell oversees the company’s Jacksonville and Northern Florida operations and leads all project deliveries in this market largely shaped by aviation and aerospace expansion. At the same time, he supports the rapid adoption of emerging mobility infrastructure programs across the Southeast, helping prepare teams and communities for connected, next‑generation transportation systems that demand new approaches to planning, collaboration and risk management.  

BREEDEN CONSTRUCTION ANNOUNCES STEPHANIE LUCE NAMED A GLOBEST. WOMAN OF INFLUENCE

On May 4, Breeden Construction proudly announced that Stephanie Luce, controller and training manager, has been named a 2026 Woman of Influence by GlobeSt., a leading commercial real estate publication serving developers, owners, investors and industry professionals nationwide. The annual Women of Influence awards recognize exceptional female leaders who are shaping the future of commercial real estate through innovation, strategic leadership and meaningful organizational impact. Honorees are selected from a highly competitive national pool and represent the best-in-class professionals advancing the industry across development, construction, finance, and operations. Luce was recognized for her leadership and significant contributions to strengthening Breeden Construction’s financial and project management operations. In her role as controller, she has played a critical part in enhancing financial transparency, improving internal controls and driving operational efficiencies that support the company’s continued growth. Her collaborative approach and strategic insight have helped position Breeden Construction for long-term success while maintaining a strong foundation of accountability and fiscal stewardship.

PELLA CORPORATION ANNOUNCES EMILY VIDETTO AS NEXT PRESIDENT AND CEO

On May 6, Pella Corporation proudly announced Emily Videtto as its next president and chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2026. Videtto will assume the CEO duties currently held by Tim Yaggi upon his planned retirement. Her appointment reflects a deliberate and well-planned succession process led by the company’s Board of Directors.

CATAMOUNT CONSTRUCTORS PROMOTES JAY GARRELL TO PROJECT EXECUTIVE

On May 7, Catamount Constructors Inc., a 100% employee-owned general contractor, announced the promotion of Jay Garrell to project executive, recognizing his leadership, strong client performance and impact on the company’s continued growth in Tampa and across its national industrial platform.

Garrell brings 15 years of construction experience across healthcare, Class-A office buildings and large-scale industrial projects. In addition, he has been a key contributor to Catamount’s work with major industrial clients, where his leadership has supported repeat business and strengthened long-term partnerships. He is known for consistently leading complex projects, aligning teams and delivering results that keep projects on track and clients confident.

BURR & FORMAN EXPANDS WASHINGTON, D.C. FOOTPRINT

On May 11, Burr & Forman LLP announced it has established a permanent office in Washington, D.C. The move builds on the momentum of the firm’s debut in the market last year and underscores its continued investment in serving clients in government contracts and construction.

The office launched in June 2025 with Government Contracts and Construction Partners Dirk Haire, Jessica Haire and Sean Milani-nia, and has since grown to eight attorneys. Recent additions include partners Michelle West and Kelsey Hayes, who joined in July and October, respectively. The team has relocated to permanent space on the ninth floor at 99 M Street SE in the Navy Yard neighborhood, after operating from a temporary office within the building.

DYNATEN CORPORATION ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF CEO SCOTT BRADY

On May 12, DynaTen Corporation announced that chief executive officer Scott Brady will retire effective Friday, July 3, following a career spanning more than 40 years in the mechanical contracting industry. Brady acquired DynaTen in 2004 and led the company through sustained growth and operational change, including its acquisition by Comfort Systems USA in 2014. He was named CEO in 2019 and continued to guide the company’s evolution within Comfort Systems USA, with a tenure marked by transformation, innovation and steady leadership. As part of a planned transition, President Kyle Hogue will assume leadership of the company.

CONSTRUCTION SPECIALTIES APPOINTS KATIE DOMENICO AS VICE PRESIDENT

On May 12, Construction Specialties proudly announced the appointment of Katherine Domenico as vice president of sales for North America. Throughout her career, which spans more than two decades, Domenico has established a proven track record of sales leadership. Her expertise is grounded in the building products industry, where she has built and led high-performing sales and marketing teams, expanded customer segments, secured enterprise contracts and strengthened strategic partnerships. Most recently, she served as vice president of commercial restoration at Carlisle Companies.

WELLS ANNOUNCES ROB ORVIS AS CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

On May 12, Wells announced the appointment of Rob Orvis as chief technology officer, reinforcing the company’s continued investment in technology leadership, operational excellence and sustainable growth across the built community.

In this role, Orvis will lead Wells’ core technology organization, guiding enterprise systems, cybersecurity and digital strategy to support daily operations and future expansion. His focus is on organizing and optimizing technology platforms to deliver meaningful value for team members while enabling Wells’ long-term growth journey.

BIG-D CONSTRUCTION EXECUTIVE NAMED PRESIDENT OF NAIOP UTAH CHAPTER

On May 14, NAIOP Utah, the state’s premier professional association of commercial real estate developers, owners and investors, named Braden Moore, vice president and project executive at Big-D Construction, as president of the Utah Chapter, effective June 2026.

In his role as chapter president, Moore will lead the NAIOP Utah Board of Directors and work to advance the association’s mission of promoting responsible commercial real estate development across the state. Under his leadership, the chapter will place a strong emphasis on legislative advocacy, championing policies that support a healthy commercial real estate environment in Utah, as well as deepening the chapter’s commitment to community impact and meaningful engagement across the industry.

BLANK ROME EXPANDS CONSTRUCTION, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY CAPABILITIES WITH PARTNER JUSTIN N. LEONELLI IN PITTSBURGH

On May 14, Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Justin N. Leonelli has joined the firm as a partner in the business litigation group and the energy industry team in the Pittsburgh office. A highly regarded construction, infrastructure and energy practitioner, Leonelli advises clients across the full lifecycle of complex construction and energy projects, bringing continuity from contract negotiation through execution and, when necessary, dispute resolution. Leonelli joins Blank Rome from K&L Gates.

SKANSKA USA BUILDING NAMES LEW GUERRETTE AS REGIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR WEST REGION, DON KOWALCHUK AS NEW EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER FOR WASHINGTON OPERATIONS

On May 18, Skanska named Lew Guerrette as the new regional executive officer overseeing the operations in Skanska USA Building’s West Region, which includes Washington, Oregon and California. Guerrette succeeds REO Jim Link—who has held the role since 2018 and will retire after a 41-year career in the construction industry. Guerrette previously served as the executive vice president and general manager for the company’s Washington operations.

As REO, Guerrette will be responsible for overseeing the region’s general managers, leading business strategy, succession planning, national connectivity and working with local leaders to advance the business across the greater region.

Don Kowalchuk will succeed Guerrette, moving into the role of executive vice president and general manager of the company’s Washington operating unit, with its office in Seattle. Kowalchuk has spent his entire 35-year career in construction with Skanska, joining in 1991 as a member of the operations team. Kowalchuk previously served as the senior vice president of operations.

ARTHUR CHAPMAN ATTORNEY JON ZENTNER TO JOIN HOLMES MURPHY CONSTRUCTION

On May 19, Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala P.A. and Holmes Murphy proudly and jointly announced that Jon Zentner will be joining the Holmes Murphy team effective June 1, 2026.

During his 25-year tenure at Arthur Chapman, Zentner has been a respected leader in the firm’s Construction Practice Group, known for his practical counsel, strong client relationships and deep industry knowledge. His transition reflects the longstanding professional relationship between Arthur Chapman and Holmes Murphy and creates new opportunities for collaboration in serving the construction industry.

SEE ALSO: NEW NAMES AND FACES: APRIL 2026

The post New Names and Faces: May 2026 first appeared on Construction Executive.

These four construction professionals are shaping the construction industry by highlighting its lifelong career opportunities, emphasizing healthy and safe work practices and expanding skill-building education. 

• Tatton Kilmer, preconstruction manager and plumbing instructor, ABC Southern California chapter, Anaheim, California, is the 2026 Craft Instructor of the Year.
• Jason White, mechanical supervisor and industrial technician, The Cianbro Cos., Pittsfield, Maine, is the 2026 Craft Professional of the Year.
• Nyoki Mokeba, corporate director of equipment sourcing, Performance Contractors Inc., Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the 2026 Young Professional of the Year.
• Jennifer Ferdinand-Stong, corporate safety manager, Gaylor Electric, Indianapolis, is ABC’s first-ever Health and Safety Professional of the Year.

SEE ALSO: BEST OF THE BEST: ABC’S 2025 CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE AWARDS

The post ABC Names 2026’s Top Craft Instructor, Craft Pro, Young Pro and Safety Pro first appeared on Construction Executive.

It wasn’t a grand ceremony. There were no lawyers, no press releases, no polished mission statements. Just two men, window to window, making a commitment the old-fashioned way. That handshake in the early 1960s would lay the foundation for what is now Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC)—a 65-year-old contractor based in the Washington, D.C. metro area with a legacy rooted as much in relationships as it is in reinforced concrete.

Six and a half decades later, the projects are larger, the portfolio more complex and the leadership now in its third era. But the throughline remains: build with integrity, invest in people and earn trust—perpetually.

In 2026, that philosophy has earned national recognition as Associated Builders and Contractors named CWC its Contractor of the Year. For a company that doesn’t chase accolades, the honor lands differently. It feels less like a milestone and more like a mirror—reflecting a culture that has been quietly compounding for decades.

THE BUILD MINDSET

If you ask CEO Lynn Stith Bennett for the company’s elevator pitch, she won’t start with revenue figures or square footage totals.

“At CWC we operate with what we call the build mindset,” Bennett says. “Every action we take contributes to building something. And that something is so much more than buildings.”

Yes, the firm constructs schools, government facilities, life sciences labs and mission-critical spaces across the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region. But, Bennett says, the work extends beyond brick and steel.

“We’re building communities where people live, work and play. We build schools that educate children and the future. We deliver life science projects that have an impact on people’s lives,” she says. “But even more than that, every action we take is about building relationships and career opportunities for our people.”

Gregory E. Harraka, president and COO, echoes that sentiment.

“If I got stuck on an elevator with you and you said, ‘I’ve got 10 projects to build—why should I choose CWC?’ I’d say because we operate with the build mindset,” Harraka says. “We’re not just building structures and spaces. We’re building relationships. We care about your project. We build on trust.”

That trust, cultivated over 65 years, is the currency that keeps clients coming back—and employees staying for decades.

A COMPANY YOU CAN RETIRE FROM

Spend time talking with CWC employees and a pattern quickly emerges: longevity.

Harraka joined the firm on September 22, 1986. This fall will mark his 40th anniversary.

“I didn’t come here chasing an award,” he says. “I came here for a job. But I stayed because the merit shop philosophy matched my ideals—what you put out is how you should be evaluated.”

Bennett’s tenure nearly mirrors his. She joined the company in 1987 after cutting her teeth in field operations at another contractor.

“There weren’t a lot of women project managers at that time,” she recalls. “They really invested in me. Every time I raised my hand and said, ‘I think I can do that,’ they said, ‘Go for it.’”

Over the years, Bennett moved from project management to leading the design-build group and eventually to overseeing HR, IT, accounting and marketing before becoming CEO—the first woman to hold the role in company history.

“I feel like I’m Lynn most days,” she says with a laugh. “Sometimes I forget the title carries weight. But it is meaningful to be a role model for young women coming into this industry.”

That internal mobility is not accidental. It is structured. Senior Superintendent Eric Van Why, who joined the company in 2009 as a project engineer, is now an equity partner.

“When I interviewed, I was told the sky’s the limit,” Van Why says. “They said, ‘If you fit well here, you could be an owner one day.’ I thought, no way. And here we are.”

Van Why credits the company’s catalytic coaching process—a structured, annual development conversation—for creating clear career pathways.

“We don’t do traditional annual reviews,” he explains. “We go through what we’re proud of, where we fell short, what skills we gained, what relationships we built and what we want to be when we grow up. It’s in writing. You have a voice.”

Baboucarr Cham’s story follows a similar arc. He joined CWC as a summer intern in 2003 while studying architecture. “After my first internship, I just loved construction,” Cham says. “I changed my major. They paid for my master’s degree. I kept getting opportunities.”

Today, Cham serves as business unit leader for the firm’s government sector and is an equity partner overseeing 40-50 team members. “I’ve spent my entire professional life here, and I plan on retiring here,” he says. “Every step of the way, it’s been about opportunity.”

Jeff Gray’s tenure stretches even longer. He started working for his father in construction at age 13 and joined CWC as a carpenter at 24. This year marks 39 years with the company.

“After the first year, I knew this was the place for me to spend my entire career,” Gray says. “I look back on all the years and what comes to mind is how fortunate I am to be part of this success story.”

He sums up the company’s mission in three words: “Purpose, impact and happy team.”

EARN TRUST PERPETUALLY

At the core of CWC’s culture are three guiding principles: earn trust perpetually, trade perspectives confidently and apply expertise inventively. For Cham, the first is foundational.

“For us to get this award, we have earned the trust of a lot of people involved in the entire construction cycle—from owners to architects to trade partners,” he says.

That trust extends into the field, where safety and collaboration are daily disciplines.

“Our safety culture starts with buy-in from every employee,” Gray says. “Our site teams meet every morning and discuss upcoming activities to understand the hazards. We walk the project together. It’s a team effort.”

Van Why, who grew up in the trades and worked as an electrician and framer before moving into commercial construction, thrives on complex builds. “I’m really good at messy jobs—additions, challenging structural stuff,” he says. “At CWC, we don’t build the same thing over and over. Every project is a new opportunity to solve problems.”

Senior Project Manager Megan Ross points to the firm’s diverse portfolio—from schools and aquatic centers to government wellness facilities—as evidence of that adaptability. “Most recently, I got to build our new office space,” Ross says. “That’s one I really take pride in because our people use it every day.”

Ross, who joined straight out of college and became the company’s first female assistant superintendent before transitioning to the project management track, is now in her tenth year. “You really see the next class of leaders emerging,” she says. “People rally behind Lynn and Greg because they’re good leaders.”

THE ABC THREAD

The connection between CWC and Associated Builders and Contractors is not a recent development—it is woven into the company’s origin story.

One of the firm’s founders, Neil Coakley, co-founded and served as the second chair of ABC Metro Washington. Over the years, five company leaders have served as Metro chairs and two have chaired ABC Chesapeake Shores.

Harraka chaired the Metro Washington chapter in 2013. Bennett also served as Metro chair in 2021. Ross currently sits on the Metro board. Cham has been active in ABC’s legislative efforts in both Metro and Chesapeake and Van Why has chaired multiple committees at Metro Washington.

“ABC has gone hand in hand with our entire company’s path,” Ross says. “It’s been along our entire company’s history.”
For Harraka, the Contractor of the Year award is less about recognition and more about reinforcement. “These types of awards aren’t something you deserve—you earn them,” he says. “We live the merit shop philosophy. We’ve fought for it. We’ve been involved in lawsuits against project labor agreements in this region because we believe in open competition.”

Cham sees advocacy as inseparable from business strategy. “My mentor always says, ‘Get into politics or get out of business,’” Cham says. “When you start seeing what policies impact growth and opportunity, you realize we have to advocate for what matters to our industry.”

Van Why credits ABC with expanding his professional network and perspective.

“ABC involvement continues to develop my industry knowledge and relationships,” he says. “This industry is relationship-based. Those connections matter.”

For Bennett, who remembers attending early ABC meetings where few people looked like her, the evolution has been profound. “To go from that [environment] to serving on the board and then chairing the Metro chapter was an amazing achievement for me personally,” she says. “It’s impactful to be that role model.”

The Contractor of the Year honor, presented in the company’s 65th anniversary year, feels especially significant. “It says that organizations like ours live the merit shop every day,” Harraka says. “We just go about it as part of the fabric of our business.”

BUILDING WHAT MATTERS

Over more than six decades, CWC has delivered projects that shape the region’s civic and educational landscape.

Gray points to work at Marine Corps University, the Maryland State Senate office building and dozens of schools throughout his career as defining milestones. Cham highlights the Long Bridge Aquatics Center in Arlington, Virginia, as one of the most meaningful projects in his tenure. “It’s one of those unique projects that really resonates,” he says. His team recently broke ground on the largest project in the firm’s history: the Maryland Supreme Court in Annapolis. “Working on this project is a profound honor, as this future Civic landmark will stand as a symbol of justice, history, and service to the state of Maryland.”

From public safety facilities and recreation centers to mission-critical government spaces, the company’s portfolio reflects its identity as a true Washington, D.C. metro region contractor. “We believe in the communities we build and the communities we serve,” Cham says. “We believe in being good stewards.”

That local commitment has helped the firm maintain a steady presence in an industry known for volatility.

“We didn’t set out to be the biggest,” Harraka says. “We wanted to be the best.”

NEXT GENERATION

Today, CWC is positioned for growth. The ownership structure has evolved, with key leaders—including Bennett, Harraka, Van Why and Cham—now equity partners.

“We’re excited about where we are as a company,” Bennett says. “We’re positioned for growth and excited about the opportunities that provides for our employees.”

That growth is intentional. The company looks for entrepreneurial spirit, rewards performance and encourages employees to “raise their hand” for the next challenge.

“You work hard, you get rewarded,” Harraka says. “And reward isn’t only financial. It’s career growth and the opportunity to take on something new and succeed.”

The founders’ handshake may be long past, but its ethos endures—in daily safety walks, in mentorship conversations, in board meetings and in job trailers across the region.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Van Why asks his mentees during catalytic coaching sessions. “Be the next president? The next CEO? It’s possible.”

For a company built on a handshake in the rain, that belief—that anything is possible if you earn it—may be the strongest structure of all. And in earning ABC’s Contractor of the Year award, CWC has once again proven that when companies build people, the projects—and the legacy—follow.

SEE ALSO: OLD MILITARY PARACHUTES REPURPOSED IN WYOMING MONASTERY PROJECT

The post Built to Last: ABC 2026 Contractor of the Year Coakley & Williams Construction first appeared on Construction Executive.