Top Young Leader Award Winners

The Carolinas AGC Top Young Leader Award honors outstanding construction professionals, 45 and under, who are already making a powerful impact on our industry and in the communities we serve. Below, you’ll find a listing of past recipients whose leadership, innovation, and dedication exemplify what it means to be a CAGC Young Leader. Together, these award winners showcase the best of the next generation. They are rising stars who are shaping the future of the construction industry across the Carolinas.

2025

Top Young Leader Award Winners

  • Pete Distefano, Balfour Beatty
  • Anna-Bryce Hobson, Parker Poe

2024

Top Young Leader Award Winners

  • Ben Bishop, Reeves
  • Josh Byers, Wayne Brothers

2023

Top Young Leader Award Winners

  • John Anglin, Young & McQueen
  • Paul Edwards, Reeves
  • Emily Ellis, CT Wilson
  • Jeremiah McCrory, Batson-Cook
  • Adam Pfanmiller, McGriff

2022

Top Young Leader Award Winners

  • Christopher Boyd, Crowder Constructors
  • Kelsey (Sanfilippo) Davis, WB Moore
  • Dale Schmidt, State Utility

2020

Top Young Leader Award Winners

  • Lindsay Smith, Palmetto Corp
  • Travis Thompson, JM Thompson
  • Clay Tresher, Marsh & McLennan Agency

2019

Top Young Leader Award Winners

  • Jason Arnold, TA Loving
  • Kristin Levy, Palmetto Corp
  • Zachary Michael, King Asphalt

2018

Top Young Leader Award Winners

  • Traci Griswald, Eldeco
  • Tyler Turnbull, Catalyst Surety

2017

Top Young Leader Award Winners

  • Kristen Harwood, Rodgers
  • Casey Schwager, Sloan Construction
  • Joshua Mauney, Paragon Safety
  • Matt Brown, Sanford Contractors

2016

Top Young Leader Award Winners

  • Derrick Morgan, State Utility
  • Michelle Reed, Eldeco
  • Damien Hollifield, Young & McQueen
  • Tara Bryant, Balfour Beatty