Association’s Education & Research Foundation Presented a $50,000 Check to Svoboda’s Alma Mater, the University of Wyoming’s Construction Management Program on His Behalf to Help Support Future Leaders
Kiewit Infrastructure’s Michael Svoboda won the inaugural Bowen Prize for Great Builders from the Associated General Contractors of America in recognition of his field leadership during the construction of Nashville’s new Broadway Bridge. As a result, the association’s AGC Education & Research Foundation presented a $50,000 check to Svoboda’s alma mater, the University of Wyoming’s Construction Management Program, to help support the development of future successful leaders.
“This new prize is designed to recognize the most outstanding field leaders working in our industry,” said Todd Roberts, the association’s national president and president of ERS Inc. in Jackson, Mississippi. “It doesn’t hurt to be recognized when you have put the work in to make sure everything goes as close to right as possible.”
The Bowen Prize for Great Builders recognizes the most-accomplished project executives and provides them with $50,000 to direct to the construction education program of their choice. A panel of judges reviewed applications nominating construction field leaders who demonstrated unusual skill and leadership in overseeing complex, successful projects. The intent is to recognize some of the hardest working, but least heralded, members of the construction industry.
“We need to recognize the great the ingenuity, the leadership, the customer service and the organization of great leaders like Michael,” said Bob Bowen, the founder of Indianapolis, Indiana-based Bowen Engineering who endowed the award. “Hopefully, young contractors everywhere will be inspired to achieve what people like Mr. Svoboda have done leading projects in the field.”
Michael led the Broadway Bridge Replacement Project in Nashville, TN—an ambitious $71.8 million urban infrastructure initiative. Under his leadership, the project was completed two weeks ahead of schedule, with an impeccable safety record of zero incidents over 110,000 work hours. His application of innovative construction methods, including Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques, a Blended Construction Approach, and the use of advanced 3D modeling, helped minimize disruptions across a complex and high-traffic environment that included downtown streets and five active CSX rail lines.
The Bowen Prize was announced during the Associated General Contractors of America Annual Conference, which took place in early April in Columbus, Ohio. Click here for picture of Michael Svoboda receiving his award. Click here for a brief video about his accomplishments.