2026 Excellence In Concrete Pavement Award Winners Announced

ACPA is pleased to announce the recipients of the 37th Annual Excellence in Concrete Pavement Awards. For over 35 years, the awards program has recognized the contractors, engineers, and project owners responsible for the country’s most outstanding concrete pavement projects. Award winners will be celebrated during the Excellence in Concrete Pavement Awards banquet on Thursday, December 3, during ACPA’s 63rd Annual Meeting. Formal letters and plaque proofs will be sent to project contacts this week.

This year, the Association recognizes 35 award-winning projects and the hard work, outstanding quality, and creative approaches to problem-solving demonstrated by project partners. In all, ACPA congratulates 21 unique contractors whose exceptional projects span the country. ACPA also expresses appreciation to the 29 professionals who served as judges of the award submittals, reviewing nomination details, and scoring the projects.

In keeping with tradition, the announcement of the “Gold” and “Silver” award levels will remain a secret until the award presentation ceremony during the Annual Meeting. 

ACPA Announces 2026 Distinguished Service Award Winners

ACPA proudly honors the individuals and organizations recognized with this year’s Distinguished Service Awards. These awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and lifelong dedication to advancing the concrete pavement industry.

We are pleased to posthumously honor Dale Harrington, Founding Director of the Concrete Pavement Technology Center, as the 2026 recipient of the Hartmann-Hirschman-Egan Award. This award recognizes unparalleled, long-term commitment, dedication, participation and leadership in the concrete pavement community. Dale’s more than 50-year commitment to the transportation engineering industry and dedication to the improvement of concrete pavement technology, demonstrates he is a worthy recipient of this prestigious recognition.

The Harold Halm Presidential Award is presented in recognition of significant contributions to the concrete pavement industry. This year’s recipient, Sarah Bazey, American Highway and Chair of the ACPA Foundation, is a tireless champion of concrete pavements exemplifying leadership, unwavering dedication, and a deep commitment to advancing the concrete industry throughout her distinguished career. Known as a “big ideas” person, Sarah has been instrumental in the successful relaunch of the ACPA Foundation.

The Resilient/Sustainable Practices Recognition Award is awarded to an organization or team that demonstrates leadership by implementing design and construction practices that consider societal, environmental, and economic factors. The 2026 recipient, Emery Sapp & Sons, serves as a leader in sustainable design and construction practices. Their work on the George Bush Intercontinental Airport Runway Rehabilitation project demonstrates a preservation-first approach to existing infrastructures by restoring surface performance rather than reconstructing it. By avoiding the material consumption, cement production, and demolition waste associated with reconstruction, ESS was able to conserve the resources already embedded in the existing pavement to restore the runway.

Presented to Dr. Thomas J. Van Dam of WJE, the Knutson-Voigt Award for Technical Achievement recognizes innovative technical achievement of major significance through contributions to the advancement of concrete pavement design, construction, and performance. Dr. Van Dam has made significant research and technical contributions towards improving concrete pavement durability. He has been a central figure in the concrete pavement industry for well over 35 years and is widely recognized, both in the U.S. and internationally, as a leading expert on concrete pavement design and evaluation, forensic investigations, materials assessment, and sustainability.

The 2026 recipient of the Outstanding Pavement Promotion Award is Greg Dean, former Executive Director of the ACPA-Southeast Chapter (retired). The award recognizes an individual or group that has made significant contributions through promotion efforts or programs to advance the awareness, specification, and/or placement of concrete pavements. This award acknowledges Greg’s technical expertise, respect within the industry, and exemplary service to the industry for more than 30 years.

The Emerging Leader of the Year Award is awarded to an individual emerging leader who has made significant contributions to their individual employer organization, the association, and/or the concrete pavement field broadly through exemplary leadership or technical expertise. This year’s award winner is Cece Schenk with O-Dowel, Inc. Cece demonstrates many qualities that support this award. She is detail oriented, conscientious, hardworking, excellent at problem solving, driven to excel, a quick study, dependable and accepts responsibility willingly. These qualities are not just applicable to the company, but also to customers, suppliers, the concrete paving industry in general, family, friends and neighbors.

Let’s come together to celebrate their remarkable achievements and continued contributions to our industry at the ACPA Annual Meeting, December 1-3, 2026, at the Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach in Hollywood, FL. We hope to see you there.

ACPA’s 63rd Annual Meeting Registration Open: Hotel Block Filling Fast

Make plans now to join ACPA’s 63rd Annual Meeting, taking place December 1-3, 2026, in Hollywood, Florida.

As ACPA’s premier annual event, the meeting brings together professionals from across the concrete pavement industry for dynamic educational programming, meaningful networking opportunities, and discussions on the issues shaping the future of the concrete pavement industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from industry leaders, explore emerging trends and technologies, and share best practices.

This year’s Concrete Pavement University sessions will cover a wide range of technical topics from mix design and pavement design to achieving smoothness and concrete overlays. And, you won’t want to miss updates from the ACPTP program, FAA, and FHWA. ACPA’s Annual Meeting is the place to build your technical foundation!

Come early on Tuesday, December 1 to tee off at the inaugural Contractor Advisory Council golf tournament or take a walk on the wild side with a private Everglades adventure. Stay through Thursday, December 3 to help us celebrate some of the best paving projects of the year at the Excellence in Concrete Pavement Awards Gala – a highlight of the meeting. Space is limited for and both excursions are filling up fast, don’t miss out – sign up today!

Register today and be part of the conversations, innovations, and connections that will help move our industry forward.

Want to raise your company’s profile at the ACPA Annual Meeting? Take a look at the sponsorship and exhibit opportunities available at this year’s meeting. ACPA offers a wide variety of possibilities to meet any goal and all budgets. Note: all sponsorships with branded items must be confirmed by October 1 to allow time for production. Need more information? Contact ACPA’s Vickie Spielman at vspielman@acpa.org. There are limited exhibit spaces remaining. 

The Women in Concrete Alliance Is Back and Looking for Leaders Like You

ACPA and the ACPA Foundation are excited to announce the relaunch of the Women in Concrete Alliance (WICA), a renewed initiative dedicated to supporting women across the concrete pavement industry and related fields.

The Women in Concrete Alliance provides a welcoming community where professionals can connect, share experiences, develop leadership and technical skills, and build meaningful relationships. As the Alliance enters this new chapter, members will have opportunities to engage with peers, contribute ideas, and help strengthen the future of the industry.

Whether you’re an experienced professional or new to the concrete pavement community, WICA offers a platform to grow your network, expand your knowledge, and make a lasting impact.

As the Alliance relaunches, ACPA is seeking individuals who want to get involved by:

• Signing up to receive updates and announcements
• Joining the leadership team
• Helping guide the future direction of the Alliance

If you’re interested in being part of this exciting effort, visit the website to learn more and get involved.

Silent Auction—Donate a Package by Sept. 30 

Help us make the 2026 ACPA Foundation Silent Auction our best yet!

The Silent Auction returns to December’s ACPA Annual Meeting for its third year, building on last year’s incredible success of more than $23,000 raised to support innovative research and strategic partnerships across the concrete pavement industry. This fundraiser is a cornerstone of our efforts, raising essential funds to support our commitment to education, innovation and the future of our industry.

We’re accepting package donations valued at $250 or more, including:

• Gift certificates for dining or retail.
• Travel packages and hotel stays.
• Tickets to sporting events or concerts.
• Unique art, industry-related memorabilia or handmade goods.
• Themed gift baskets—could be specific to your state!
• Professional services or consultations.

Every donation is tax deductible and helps raise funds for what matters most: critical research, scholarships and grants for the next generation and professional development for emerging leaders. Organizations that contribute will receive exclusive promotional recognition leading up to the event and in person at the ACPA Annual Meeting in December.

Know a great golf destination or have access to a unique experience? We’d love to hear from you! The deadline to donate is Sept. 30.

Contact Foundation coordinator Drew Burns at drew.burns@aoeteam.com or learn more on our website.