Congratulations, Finalists & Winners!
We’re thrilled to recognize the outstanding individuals and organizations shaping the future of our industry. This year brought an unprecedented number of nominations, making the selection process more competitive than ever.
The ACI Awards aren’t your typical rubber-chicken dinner, but a high-energy happy hour and program that celebrates the best of Cincinnati’s commercial construction community — no long program, no plated lunch, just good company, drinks, and recognition where it’s due.
ACI Awards: November 13, 2025, Kenwood Country Club, 4 pm – 7 pm.
NOTE: Awards in the safety category will be honored at the 2026 ACI Safety Day and Conference on February 10, 2026.
ACI Skilled Trade Awards (10 awards given)
Awarded to outstanding craft persons (individuals) in the first five years of their career who have demonstrated a talent, passion, and skill set to achieve excellence in craftsmanship and have positively contributed to their organization. Nominations should cite examples of technical skills, soft skills, and personal attributes that show early signs of success in their career.
This award will be presented by Derek Chancellor, Regional Director- Southwest Ohio, U.S. Senator Jon Husted.
Winners:
Eric Fox, Ohio Valley Electrical Services, Inc. – WINNER
Andre Hartman, R.J. Beischel Building Co. – WINNER
Summer Jacobs, Ironworkers Local 44 JATC – WINNER
Holden Lewis, Perfection Group – WINNER
Carter Meagher, O’Rourke Wrecking Company – WINNER
Jordan Parsons, cHc Fabricating Corp. – WINNER
Cam Robertson, Ohio Valley Electrical Services, Inc. – WINNER
Hannah Sander, Messer Construction Co. – WINNER
Brody Tew, ESI Electrical Contractors – WINNER
Ben Whitlock, Universal Contracting Corp. – WINNER
Finalists:
Abigail Clark-Silva, ESI Electrical Contactors
David Darling, Jess Hauer Masonry, Inc.
Ayden Dean, ESI Electrical Contactors
Christian Dickerson, Universal Contracting Corp.
Donald Foster, Pioneer Cladding & Glazing Systems
Sheldon Fox, Messer Construction Co.
Robert Godbey, Jr., Monarch Construction Company
Elijah Grimes, ESI Electrical Contractors
Brandon McClure, J & D Rack Co., Inc.
Jason Schneider, ESI Electrical Contractors
Workforce Champion (Individual from a Built Environment Company)
Awarded to an individual within the built environment sector who has made a transformative impact on workforce development through innovation, leadership, and strategic programming. This person has championed construction-based education, outreach, training, and culture shifts that address industry challenges and help attract, train, and retain talent.
This award will be presented by Nick Apanius of Messer Construction Co. and Michele O’Rourke of O’Rourke Wrecking Company.
Jason Harvey, Prus Construction Company – WINNER
Kevin Gruesser, J & B Steel Erectors, Inc.
Mark Fisher, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Bill Lippert, Perfection Group
Workforce Champion (A Community Organization)
This award honors a community-based organization that has made significant contributions to diversifying and strengthening the construction workforce by creating inclusive pathways into the trades for women, veterans, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The recipient actively works to remove barriers, fill skills gaps, and build partnerships that connect underserved populations to sustainable careers in the commercial construction industry.
Award will be awarded by Tom Demeropolis-Editor in Chief of the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – WINNER
Cincinnati Works
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati
TradesNKY
Early Impact Champion (Individual, Young Professional)
Awarded to an exceptional individual in the first ten years of their construction career who is already making a meaningful impact on their organization, projects, and the broader industry.
This award honors rising professionals who demonstrate leadership, initiative, and passion for the built environment. Recipients serve as positive representatives of the construction industry—whether on the jobsite, in the office, or out in the community and show strong potential as future industry leaders.
This award will be presented by Billy Brown of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Tyler Hughes, Ohio Valley Electrical Services, Inc. – WINNER
Tara Jones, Prus Construction Company
Mitch Scheible, O’Rourke Wrecking Company
Hayden Steele, Universal Contracting Corp.
Apprenticeship Program of the Year
This award honors an apprenticeship program, union or non-union, that demonstrates outstanding commitment to talent development, technical training, and workforce inclusion. The recognized program shows measurable success in preparing workers for long-term careers in the commercial construction industry.
This award will be presented by Tonya First of ESI Electrical Contractors.
Ironworkers Local 44 Joint Apprenticeship Training Program – WINNER
Messer Construction Co.
IBEW/NECA Electrical Training Center
Independent Electrical Contractors of Greater Cincinnati
She Builds Award
The She Builds Award celebrates a woman in construction who is breaking barriers, creating space for others, and leading through impact, mentorship, and excellence. Whether on the jobsite, in the classroom, or behind the scenes, this individual is committed to growing the industry and empowering the next generation of builders.
This award will be presented by Kim Garn of Messer Construction Co.
Ali Hubbard, Huseman Group – WINNER
Osmary Contreras, Jostin Construction, Inc.
Stephanie Hall, J & D Rack Co., Inc.
Mary Ann Straley, Perfection Group
Workforce Development Educator of the Year
This award honors an individual educator or administrator who demonstrates outstanding commitment to preparing students for careers in construction and the skilled trades. Whether in the classroom, lab, shop, or community, this educator is a champion for workforce readiness and a trusted guide for future construction professionals.
This award will be presented by Matt Hittinger, IEC.
Chris Wilke, Purcell Marian High School (Monti Manufacturing Inc.) – WINNER
Robert Davis, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy
Jon Graft, Butler Tech
Brandon Williams, Scarlet Oaks, Construction Framing and Finishing
Industry Icon
Awarded to an outstanding, experienced individual in the commercial construction trades who possesses not only technical expertise but personal qualities that make them highly effective. By embodying these qualities, they have earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, clients, and supervisors. The nomination should cite examples of their technical expertise, problem-solving and communication skills, attention to detail and commitment to safety, adaptability, mentorship, time management, and work ethic. The ACI Industry Icon, above all, is an exemplary stellar industry citizen who produces stellar work and inspires others to do the same.
This award will be presented by Steve Ortner of Ohio Valley Electrical Services and Jim Watkins of Triversity.
Mike O’Rourke, O’Rourke Wrecking Company – WINNER
Mark Billman, Sehlhorst Equipment Services LLC
Jeremy Carrier, Perfection Group
Darren Jones, Ohio Valley Electrical Services, Inc.