One is a craft professional who lives by three words: adapt, modify, overcome. Another discovered that while he loved working in the trades, his real calling was helping others build successful careers of their own. And another is a rising industry leader determined to show the next generation that with hard work and sacrifice, the sky is the limit.
Joining them this year is the inaugural recipient of ABC’s Health and Safety Professional of the Year award—a safety leader whose commitment to protecting people and strengthening jobsite culture is helping shape a safer, stronger industry for all.
These outstanding professionals are the 2026 recipients of ABC’s Construction Workforce Awards, presented at ABC Convention 2026 in March. Each year, the CWAs recognize individuals who are making a lasting impact on the future of construction through leadership, education, mentorship, safety and an unwavering commitment to the merit shop philosophy.
The 2026 honorees are:
- Health and Safety Professional of the Year: Introduced in 2026 and sponsored by Milwaukee Tool, this inaugural award recognizes an industry leader who champions safety excellence, advances health and safety culture and demonstrates an exceptional commitment to protecting the construction workforce. The first-ever honoree is Jenny Ferdinand-Stong.
- Young Professional of the Year: Sponsored by Procore, this award recognizes a construction professional under 40 who demonstrates exceptional leadership, career achievement and vision for the future of the commercial and industrial construction industry. This year’s recipient is Nyoki Mokeba.
- Craft Instructor of the Year: Sponsored by the National Center for Construction Education and Research and Tradesmen International, this award honors an instructor who inspires the next generation through innovation, communication skills and a passion for lifelong learning in the trades. This year’s recipient is Tatton Kilmer.
- Craft Professional of the Year: Sponsored by NCCER and Tradesmen International, this award recognizes a craft professional who excels in the field while demonstrating leadership, dedication to safety, passion for the trades and commitment to workforce development. This year’s recipient is Jason White.
If these professionals are any indication of where the industry is headed, the future of construction is in very capable hands.
Read these award winner’s full profiles:
Jenny Ferdinand-Stong, 2026 Health and Safety Professional of the Year
Nyoki Mokeba, 2026 Young Professional of the Year
Tatton Kilmer, 2026 Craft Instructor of the Year
Jason White, 2026 Craft Professional of the Year
