CMAA Announces Recipients of 2025 Individual Recognition Awards

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) proudly announces the recipients of its 2025 Industry Honors Individual Recognition Awards.

Each year, CMAA’s Awards Program celebrates outstanding achievements in construction management by recognizing individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence and leadership in the industry. Winners are selected through a rigorous evaluation process by a panel of expert judges who assess each nomination based on demonstrated merit and impact.

CMAA Distinguished Young Professional Award
Recognizes and celebrates a full-time, individual member, for a commitment to the industry and outstanding professional accomplishments early in their career.
2025 Recipients:
Azmat Aulakh, CCM
| JGM 
Steve Stephenson, CCM | SLS Consultants 

CMAA Award for Creating Respectful Environments
Recognizes a program and construction management professional or organization with a demonstrated commitment to at least one of the following: 1) Promoting, developing, and educating professionals to build and sustain teams and work cultures that are respectful, professional, and ethical.
2) Promoting the importance of collaborative teams composed of individuals working together with common goals and representing unique perspectives.
3) Promoting or creating CMAA member experiences where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
2025 Recipient:
Regional Hispanic Contractors Association 

CMAA Golden Key Award
Recognizes and celebrates individual members – in any membership category – with a record of service and contribution to the growth and development of CMAA or the CMAA Foundation over a period of at least five years and whose contributions have advanced the vision, mission, and values of CMAA or the CMAA Foundation.
2025 Recipients:
Chad Frederick, CCM
| Sound Transit 
Don Hill | Hensel Phelps
Kristin McElroy, CCM | STV 

CMAA Mark Hasso Educator of the Year Award
Recognizes and celebrates a full-time educator for a commitment to program and construction management education and for building relationships and connections between educators and practitioners.
2025 Recipient:
Elhami Nasr, Ph.D.
| California State University, Long Beach 

Mehdi Heydari Award for Credentialing Excellence
Recognizes a CCM, whether an owner, service provider, or industry leader, who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing both credentialing and professional development. Honorees embody the spirit of excellence by mentoring others, promoting credentialed professionals, and strengthening the construction management profession through their efforts.
2025 Recipient: 
Bret Hadzimichalis, PE, CCM
| Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson

CCM Champion Coins of Excellence
Recognizes an exceptional individual who embodies the highest standards of professionalism and supports a culture of certification within the construction management industry.
2025 Recipients:
CMAA Metro NY/NJ Chapter
Joshua Gray PE, CCM
| Consor
Sharad Mathur, CCM |APSI Construction Management

“Each of our award winners has demonstrated outstanding dedication and impact in the construction industry. We proudly recognize their achievements and commend their continued contributions to advancing construction management,” states CMAA President and CEO Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE.

CMAA will honor its award winners during the organization’s national conference, CMAA2025, October 19 - 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit CMAA's conference website for more information.
 
Entries for the 2026 CMAA Industry Honors Individual Recognition Awards program will open in March.

Azmat Aulakh
Azmat Aulakh
Steve Stephenson
Steve Stephenson
Chad Frederick
Chad Frederick
Don Hill
Don Hill
Kristin McElroy
Kristin McElroy
Bret Hadzimichalis
Bret Hadzimichalis

 

Regional Hispanic Contractors Association 
Regional Hispanic Contractors Association

About CMAA

CMAA is dedicated to improving our nation’s infrastructure by advancing professional construction and program management worldwide. Its membership is made up of public and private organizations, owners, and practitioners. CMAA provides professional development, certification, advocacy, and business opportunities to its members and the entire CM industry. CMAA's headquarters is located in Vienna, VA, USA.