CAGC Announces 2026 Top Young Leaders, Ceremony Set for Summer Summit

Carolinas construction industry to recognize rising talent at July Expo

The Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC) has unveiled its Class of 2026 Top Young Leaders, spotlighting a new cohort of emerging professionals poised to shape the future of the region’s construction industry.

The annual recognition program highlights high-performing individuals across the Carolinas who demonstrate leadership, professional excellence, and a commitment to advancing the industry. The Top Young Leaders designation has become a benchmark for identifying the next generation of executives, project leaders, and innovators across general contracting, specialty trades, and construction services.

The 2026 Top Young Leader honorees are Neal Alverez of Marsh McLennan Agency and Emily Talbert of Reeves Construction Company, two professionals recognized for their leadership, industry impact, and contributions to advancing construction across the Carolinas.

Formal induction into the 2026 class will take place during the 2026 CAGC Summit & Expo, one of the region’s premier gatherings for construction professionals. The event brings together contractors, suppliers, and industry stakeholders for networking, education, and strategic discussion on key trends impacting the built environment.

A highlight of this year’s Summit will be a full-attendee ceremony scheduled for the evening of Saturday, July 25, where the honorees will be officially recognized. The ceremony is expected to draw strong attendance as peers, company leaders, and industry partners gather to celebrate the achievements of the class.

While the full profiles and individual accomplishments of each winner will be released following the Summit, early anticipation reflects the program’s growing influence. In recent years, past honorees have gone on to take on expanded leadership roles, driving innovation in project delivery, workforce development, and safety practices across the Carolinas.

The Top Young Leaders program continues to reinforce a broader industry priority: investing in talent at a time when construction faces both unprecedented demand and ongoing workforce challenges. By elevating emerging leaders, CAGC aims to strengthen the pipeline of professionals equipped to navigate increasingly complex projects and evolving client expectations.

Attendees of the Summit and Expo will have the opportunity to connect with this year’s class and engage with peers on the issues shaping construction’s next chapter.

Additional details, including individual winner profiles, will be released by CAGC following the conclusion of the Summit.