The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) proudly announces the recipients of its 2026 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.
2026 Recipients:
Jash Joshi
Michael Sandlin, CMIT2 | Gilbane Building Company
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.
2026 Recipient:
Janeen Obeid, PE | Oasis Consulting Team
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.
2026 Recipient:
Teri Cruz | 6D PMCM
CMAA Award for Environmental Stewardship
The CMAA Award for Environmental Stewardship recognizes a program and construction management professional whose has guided and aided an owner(s) in defining and meeting their [owner] organization’s environmental responsibility goals over a period of at least five years.
2026 Recipient:
Robert Horton, Ph.D., PE | Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
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.
2026 Recipients:
Michael D'Agostino, CMIT | Wentworth Institute of Technology
Hossein Ataei, Ph.D., PE | University of Illinois at Chicago
Ellyn Lester, Ph.D. | Pennsylvania College of Technology
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.
2026 Recipient:
Chad Frederick, CCM | SoundTransit
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.
2026 Recipients:
Jeff Masek, PE, CCM | AECOM
Kiwesa King, CCM | Expanded Resources
Victor Ozuna, CCM | USACE
Bryce Daniels, CCM | Ankura
Willie Paiz, CCM
“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 Mark Gedris, CMP, Vice President, Member Engagement, CMAA.
CMAA will honor its award winners during the organization’s national conference, CMAA2026, October 4 - 6, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. Visit CMAA's conference website for more information.
See more about our Individual Recognition Awards on our website. Entries for the 2027 CMAA Industry Honors Individual Recognition Awards program will open in March.
