Celebrating Excellence: AGC recognizes industry leaders, innovation and safety

AGC of Washington’s construction community gathered Jan. 23, at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue for the 2026 Build Washington Awards Luncheon, the association’s signature event celebrating the people, projects and programs shaping Washington’s construction industry.

Jan. 26, 2026 A Special Section of DJC.COM

The Build Washington Awards Luncheon brings together industry leaders, project teams and professionals from across the state to celebrate outstanding achievement in leadership, innovation, project execution and safety. As one of AGC’s most anticipated annual events, the luncheon highlights the people, projects and programs that continue to move the industry forward.

The 2026 Build Washington Awards are proudly co-hosted by Baker Tilly, whose longstanding commitment to the construction industry and continued support help advance the work and mission of AGC.

The Build Washington Awards stand as AGC of Washington’s premier recognition program, honoring members whose work reflects the highest standards of performance and professionalism. Awards span every segment of the construction industry, from individual leadership achievements to complex project delivery and comprehensive safety programs.

Individual honors — including Superintendent of the Year, Safety Professional of the Year and Construction Manager of the Year — recognize professionals whose leadership elevates their teams and sets a standard for excellence throughout the industry. Project-based awards celebrate innovation, collaboration and technical achievement, while the progr

am’s most distinguished honors are the two Grand Awards, the Grand Award for Construction Excellence and the Grand Award for Safety Excellence. Award recipients are selected through a rigorous, independent judging process designed to uphold the credibility and prestige of the Build Washington Awards.

Construction Excellence judges included Joe Gildner with Sound Transit; John Schaufelberger with the University of Washington; Anne Timmermans with Parametrix; David Jobs with OAC Services; Derek Case with the Washington State Department of Transportation; Megan McShane with BakerTilly; Gordon Krippaehne with Howard S. Wright; and Brenda Nnambi with Sound Transit.

Safety Excellence judges included Carl Heinlein with American Contractors Insurance Group; Sathy Rajendran with Central Washington University; Alden Strealy with AGC Oregon Columbia Chapter; and Craig Blackwood with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Together, the honorees recognized at the 2026 Build Washington Awards Luncheon reflect the strength, innovation and leadership of AGC of Washington’s membership. The program continues to underscore the essential role the construction industry plays in building communities, advancing economic growth and setting the standard for excellence and safety statewide.