Michael Svoboda, from Kiewit Infrastructure, has been awarded the inaugural Bowen Prize for Great Builders by the Associated General Contractors of America. This accolade recognizes his leadership in the construction of Nashville’s new Broadway Bridge. In honor of this achievement, the AGC Education & Research Foundation presented a $50,000 check to Svoboda’s alma mater, the University of Wyoming’s Construction Management Program, to support future leaders.
Todd Roberts, national president of the association and president of ERS Inc., stated that “this new prize is designed to recognize the most outstanding field leaders working in our industry.” He added that recognition comes when one ensures everything goes as close to right as possible.
The Bowen Prize honors accomplished project executives with $50,000 directed towards a construction education program of their choice. A panel reviewed nominations for construction field leaders who showed exceptional skill and leadership in managing complex projects. The award aims to acknowledge some of the industry’s hardest-working yet least recognized members.
Bob Bowen, founder of Bowen Engineering and endower of the award, emphasized the importance of recognizing leaders like Michael Svoboda. He said, “We need to recognize the great ingenuity, the leadership, the customer service and the organization of great leaders like Michael.” He hopes young contractors will be inspired by achievements such as those made by Mr. Svoboda.
Svoboda led Nashville’s Broadway Bridge Replacement Project—a $71.8 million urban infrastructure project—completed two weeks ahead of schedule with no safety incidents over 110,000 work hours. His innovative methods included Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques and advanced 3D modeling to minimize disruptions in a busy environment.
The announcement was made during the Associated General Contractors of America’s Annual Conference held in early April in Columbus, Ohio.
