The American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) announced the winners of several of its industry awards, presented during the association's 62nd annual meeting of the members held Dec. 4, 2025, in Carlsbad, Calif.
Following are details for the awards:
The Hartmann-Hirschman-Egan Award is the most coveted of the ACPA service and achievement awards. First presented in 1968, this award was originally named in honor of Harold W. Hartmann, the association's secretary-treasurer from 1964 until 1974.
In 1987, Robert E. Hirschman's name was added in recognition of his term as the association's chairman (then president) in 1967, as well as his tenure as secretary-treasurer from 1975 to 1987. In 2007, the name of Edward A. Egan was added for his service as ACPA's chairman in 1986, as well as secretary-treasurer from 1988 to 2007. The award recognizes individuals or organizations for unparalleled commitment, dedication, participation and leadership in the concrete pavement community.
The 2025 Hartmann-Hirschman-Egan Award winner is Gerald "Jerry" Voigt, retired president and CEO of the ACPA. Voigt dedicated 33 years to the ACPA, including 16 years serving as president and CEO. He has authored more than 35 technical publications and delivered more than 400 lectures, trainings and presentations — including testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the concrete pavement industry.
"Jerry's leadership continues to make a lasting impact on our industry," said Don Weaver, president of Weaver-Bailey Contractors and 2025 ACPA board chair. "His commitment to educating our industry and agencies about concrete being a long-life pavement solution continue to pave the way for our association efforts today."
The Harold Halm Presidential Award is named in honor of ACPA's first president, and this prestigious recognition is awarded at the discretion of ACPA's president to an individual who has made significant contributions to the concrete pavement industry.
The 2025 recipient is Lori Tiefenthaler, former senior director of marketing of Heidelberg Materials North America. Tiefenthaler is a tireless champion of concrete promotion and made history as the first woman to chair ACPA in 2017. Her leadership, education and committee work has left a lasting impact on the industry and elevated awareness of concrete pavement's benefits across the county.
"Lori has been a tireless advocate for concrete pavements," said Laura O'Neill Kaumo, president and CEO of ACPA. "Her skillset in promotion and advocacy efforts has resulted in ACPA delivering our message to so many agencies throughout the U.S."
The Marlin J Knutson Award for Technical Achievement is named in honor of the second chief executive of ACPA and recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing the development and implementation of technical innovations — as well as best practices — for the design and construction of concrete pavements.
The 2025 recipient is ACPA's own retiring chief engineer, Gary Mitchell. For more than 45 years, Mitchell has been a driving force in concrete pavement engineering — nearly two decades of which has been with the ACPA. He has guided advancements in airfield pavement design, overlays and rehabilitation that continue to shape FAA standards nationwide.
"Gary exemplifies the intent of the Marlin J. Knutson Technical Achievement Award: technical excellence, humility and lifelong dedication to improving concrete pavement design and construction through research, collaboration and service," said Dan Labo, executive director of the Minnesota Concrete Pavement Association.
The Outstanding Promoter Award is given annually to a person who has made significant contributions through promotion efforts or programs to advance the awareness, specification and/or placement of concrete pavements. This recognition is reserved for those who have been on the front lines making a difference for our industry.
Dan Labo is the recipient of the 2025 award. Labo has been a driving force in advancing concrete pavements through innovation, research and advocacy. His leadership in converting county projects to concrete has shown how smart design and strategic promotion can deliver long-term value while staying cost competitive.
"Dan consistently identifies and champions innovative approaches that highlight the economic and sustainability advantages of concrete pavements," said Nick Davis, director of technical services of the International Grooving and Grinding Association. "He is bold and proactive in engaging legislators, often taking them directly to project sites, to demonstrate how concrete investments provide the best use of taxpayer funds. His initiative, technical insight and advocacy embody the spirit of this award."
ACPA launched a new award in 2025, the Emerging Leader of the Year Award, recognizing an individual who has made significant contributions to their individual employer, ACPA and/or the concrete pavement field through exemplary leadership or technical expertise. The inaugural recipient is Rob Kish, general superintendent of Milestone Contractors. An early member of the Emerging Leaders Group, Rob has hosted group events, served on its steering committee and helped cultivate the next generation of industry talent through mentorship, collaboration and example.
"Rob Kish stands out as a dedicated and influential figure in the concrete paving industry, consistently contributing to both local and national advancements through his involvement with the ACPA, the Indiana Chapter and the Emerging Leaders Group," said Steve Friess, vice president of concrete operations, Milestone Contractors LP. "His unwavering commitment to quality, leadership and industry progress makes him a model professional and a deserving candidate for recognition."
The National Lifetime Pavement Recognition Award is presented to an agency/owner of an in-service concrete pavement that has demonstrated exceptional performance for its state and community, and for local users.
Since its beginnings in the early 1930s, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has grown into one of the world's busiest aviation hubs. Runway 9L-27R is a cornerstone of airport operations representing 12,390 ft. of concrete pavement. The runway has supported more than 10 million aircraft over five decades of continuous service — a testament to the durability of concrete pavements.
"As the busiest airport in the world, Cemex appreciates the extra time that has been taken by the leadership at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport over the years to anticipate future needs, design projects and continue to find ways to improve on local materials and technological advancements to deliver quality concrete pavements for the airline industry," said Ben Robuck, vice president — cement sales south Atlantic and vice president — infrastructure and direct work of Cemex. "The incredible work they have done, and continue to do, means long lasting infrastructure that benefits the millions of travelers annually and ensures the city of Atlanta that their prized investment continues to be an example to the industry globally."
"Runway 9L was submitted for this award because it stands as a cornerstone of aviation infrastructure excellence and operational reliability," said Joseph Snyder, associated vice president/department manager — aviation of Michael Baker International. "Originally constructed in 1974, it has supported decades of safe, efficient operations at one of the world's busiest airports. This departure runway, that supports the heaviest planes in existence, exemplifies superior engineering and long-term performance, achieved through meticulous design, innovative construction practices and proactive maintenance strategies. Its enduring service reflects a commitment to safety, sustainability and collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that critical airfield capacity remains uncompromised."
The Resilient/Sustainable Practices Recognition Award is presented to an organization or team that demonstrates leadership by implementing design and construction practices that consider societal, environmental and economic factors. The 2025 recipient is the Indianapolis Airport Authority.
Their Runway 5R-23L and Taxiway D strengthening and capacity enhancement project earned the first ever Platinum recognition at an airport from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure for its environment, economic and community impact. By combining innovative engineering, sustainability and social responsibility, the Indiana Airport Authority sets a higher bar for airport infrastructure.
"The Indianapolis Airport Authority's leadership in sustainable practices, their innovative solutions and their commitment to community development make them a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Their efforts set a new standard for the industry and inspire others to following suit," said Matt Gessner, senior project manager of Milestone Contractors LP.
The Best in Show Sustainability Award is awarded to the organization and project that best showcase sustainable operations and construction practices. The 2025 recipient is the Runway 5R-23L and Taxiway D: strengthening and capacity enhancement project located in Indianapolis, Ind.
This airfield project exemplified sustainable infrastructure through comprehensive environmental and economic initiatives. It became the first airfield to receive the Envision Platinum recognition from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) by incorporating sustainable practices like integrating carbon-reducing concrete technologies, on-site material recycling and extensive use of locally sourced materials to minimize emissions.
These measures cut freshwater usage by half, replacing it with more than 10 million gal. of recycled water for construction activities. Beyond environmental benefits, the project also prioritized community engagement and workforce development, creating lasting value for both the local economy and the surrounding environment. The project team includes contractor Milestone Contractors LP, owner Indianapolis Airport Authority and engineer CCAP JV (Kimley-Horn & Woolpert).
The Best in Show Innovation Award is awarded to the organization and project that best showcase innovation in either the contracting process or during the construction phase to improve safety, cost to construct, value, quality and performance. The 2025 recipient is the I-35 Garvin County project located in Wynnewood, Okla.
The project introduced several solutions to an uncommon rural highway challenge — maintaining two lanes of traffic throughout construction. Engineers reimagined the roadway section to allow safe paving operations by widening the typical section and tapering the outside shoulder, achieving these improvements without added cost. A custom conveyor system, designed to transport materials safely over active traffic, eliminated more than 7,000 truck trips through live lanes, greatly enhancing safety and efficiency.
These design and construction innovations set a new standard for safety, sustainability and uninterrupted mobility in rural highway reconstruction. The contractor for this project was Duit Construction Co. Inc., the engineer was MacArthur Associated Consultants and the owner of the project is the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
