2026 GroundBreakers: Who is Influencing the Industry? Submit your Nomination

People make the construction industry what it is today. The GroundBreak Carolinas team is interested in identifying and featuring those individuals who are influencing construction and having a significant impact on the industry. We are pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 8th annual GroundBreak Carolinas GroundBreakers Awards.

“The GroundBreaker Awards have long recognized the leaders, innovators, and builders who continue to move the construction, engineering, and development industries forward across the Carolinas,” said Lauren Gallagher, Publisher of GroundBreak Carolinas. “As we prepare for the 2026 GroundBreaker Awards, we are seeking nominations for the individuals and organizations shaping the future of our industry through leadership, innovation, collaboration, and service. The achievements of past honorees have helped raise the standard for excellence across the built environment, and we look forward to recognizing the next generation of industry leaders who are creating opportunity, strengthening communities, and driving meaningful impact throughout North Carolina and South Carolina.”

Nominees can be from any aspect of the construction industry: architecture, engineering, construction, academia, government, development, economic development, real estate and others. We want to tell the stories of the people who are shaping our industry.

Nominations are due by July 1, 2026. Please submit your nominations.

PAST WINNERS | GROUNDBREAKERS

Previous winners include:

Ben Barfield, Brasfield & Gorrie

Didi Caldwell, Global Location Strategies

Demi Knight Clark, She Built This City

Joel Davis, J Davis Construction

Deepal Eliatamby, PE, Alliance Consulting Engineers

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, U.S. Congress

Keith Poettker, Poettker Construction Company

Angela Gardner & Christi Powell, Women Talk Construction

John Hildreth, PhD, Western Carolina University