Members of Alabama’s construction community were recognized by the Alabama Associated General Contractors as AGC’s 40 Under 40 for 2026 event Sept. 17 at Birmingham’s Back Forty Beer Company.
Here’s a look at this year’s honorees:
Jordan Adams, 39
Jordan Adams serves as a senior superintendent at Brasfield & Gorrie, where he has spent 17 years helping to deliver more than $800 million in construction projects. He has built his career around healthcare, leading projects at UAB Medical West and UAB Biomedical Research & Psychology Building and others. His interest in construction began while he was growing up, working in his father’s stone installation company. A graduate of Auburn University, Adams also is very active in the community, serving not only as a member of Associated General Contractors, but also supporting the YWCA, Ronald McDonald House, Christian Service Mission, March of Dimes and Children’s Hospital.
Alex Adolf, 39
Alex Adolf is a lecturer covering preconstruction, construction documents, materials and methods courses in Auburn University’s McWhorter School of Building Science. He previously worked for McShane Construction Co. in Auburn, where he last served as a senior preconstruction manager. During his time with McShane, he led preconstruction efforts and recruited and trained young construction professionals. At Auburn University, he mentors students on career development, internship and employment opportunities. He also coaches the university’s student competition teams. He is a graduate of Auburn University.
Melody Al-Kahlout, 35
Melody Al-Kahlout’s career at Doster Construction Co. began as a contract administrator and has progressed to project manager. During her time with the firm, she has worked on several notable projects including the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, Jacksonville State University’s School of Business and Moody High School. She often coordinates complex scopes of work and helps keep project teams aligned and moving forward on the job. She is a University of Alabama graduate.
Nathan Arceneaux, 37
With more than a decade of architectural design experience, Nathan Arceneaux is a healthcare practice design leader with Goodwyn Mills Cawood. His career began with a focus on healthcare projects along the Gulf Coast, particularly in the Greater New Orleans area. Now, as a regional leader of GMC’s Healthcare Studio, Arceneaux spearheads medical space planning initiatives, collaborating closely with regulatory agencies to ensure code compliance and championing a client-centric approach to design. He works closely with clients to understand their needs and objectives early in the project, facilitating effective project kickoff. His work has been recognized nationally in Healthcare Design Magazine.
Drake Babis, 33
Drake Babis is a project manager with Rives Construction Co. He has been with the company since 2017. His project experience spans healthcare, financial, automotive and commercial projects, including the new Consolidated Pipe & Supply headquarters in Birmingham. He collaborates with team members companywide, as well as with clients and design partners to bring high-profile, complex projects to fruition. He is a member of the Leadership Council of Alabama Associated General Contractors. He also serves in Young Business Leaders and was in the Multiple Sclerosis Leadership Class of 2020. Babis earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Florida. He holds the OSHA-10 and OSHA-30 certifications.
Clark Battle, 39
Clark Battle is vice president-property and casualty insurance with Insurance Office of America, where he has worked since 2017. A graduate of the University of Alabama, he previously worked with his father and uncle at Battle-Miller General Contractors in Hoover, where he was an estimator and project manager. He decided to make the switch to insurance around the age of 30 and has learned the business very quickly. Many of his clients today are general contractors and subcontractors. He also works with clients in commercial real estate, hospitality and surety.
Amanda Cameron, 35
Amanda Cameron is a construction technology manager with BL Harbert International. She joined BL Harbert in 2012 through the college cooperative program. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, she became an assistant project manager, contributing to several major projects. In her current role, she bridges field teams and the technology group, ensuring tools and systems align with real project needs and company goals. Her work improves the company’s standard operating procedures and daily efficiencies. She also regularly speaks at elementary schools about opportunities in construction.
Hector Cardenas, 39
Born and raised in Monjaras, Honduras, Hector Cardenas immigrated to the United States at the age of 20, where he began his construction career in Miami, Florida, working for Baker Construction. A travel assignment brought him to Mobile, where he joined C. Thornton Construction and met his future wife. To further his skills, he spent two years in Louisiana working for CB&I, before returning to Mobile in 2019, where he joined G.A. West & Co. He joined Ammons & Blackmon Construction in 2022, bringing his diverse experience from commercial, industrial and civil projects. He currently serves as an industrial supervisor, where he oversees industrial projects requiring utility installations, repairs and expansion work.
Jake Carrico, 33
Jake Carrico was recently promoted to project executive with White-Spunner Construction in Mobile. He has led approximately $185 million in construction value over three years and has managed some of the firm’s most complex projects, including regional healthcare and office developments, while strengthening the firm’s relationships with national retail clients. He is a member of AGC Construction Leadership Council’s steering committee and was recognized as an Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama Future Leader in Construction in 2025. He also is a graduate of Leadership Baldwin County Class of 2026. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and his MBA from the University of Utah.
Stephen Coady, 39
With more than 15 years of construction experience, Stephen Coady serves as director of preconstruction at G.A. West & Co., where he leads estimating, planning, constructability and project-development efforts. Known for combining technical expertise with collaborative leadership, Coady helps clients and project teams develop safe, practical and cost-effective construction solutions. Coady earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University. In 2026, he was named a Young Professional of the Year by Alabama Associated General Contractors.
Kaze Creed, 36
Kaze Creed joined Capstone Building Corp. in 2014 as a field engineer and has advanced to field operations director. During his time with the company, he has helped deliver more than $378.5 million in construction projects across multifamily, affordable housing, senior housing, build-to-rent and mixed-use developments. He has led several projects in Alabama including The Moderne at Providence, Anthem Apartments, Arcadia, and is active in The Jemison project in Mountain Brook. He is a shareholder in Capstone Building Corp.
Larkin Delk, 31
Larkin Delk is a partner in Harris Robinson Construction, a design-build contractor specializing in interior Class A office space and medical tenant improvements. A graduate of Auburn University, Delk became an owner of the company, alongside his father, Jim Delk, in 2020. Located in Irondale, the company continues to expand locally and regionally. Under his leadership, the company has grown nine times in volume of contracts awarded. Delk brings a field-tested, relationship-first approach to the firm’s projects, working directly with building owners, brokers, tenant representation, property managers and architects.
Michael Doss, 35
Michael Doss received his introduction to civil construction in 2007 when he worked during the summer for his grandfather’s grading business. His paving career began in 2012, and he has advanced through the ranks, getting his start as a paving superintendent. In 2019, he led multiple crews working across eight counties on the I-20 corridor, a project that earned him a Significant Achievement Award for improving division efficiency and safety. In 2021, he joined Wiregrass Construction Co. as an estimator/project manager and now serves as the area manager for North Central Alabama. Outside of work, he has been involved with Alabama Associated General Contractors for 11 years. He is a graduate of Gadsden State Community College.
Reid Fincher, 37
Reid Fincher, PLA, is vice president of landscape architecture for Goodwyn Mills Cawood. Originally from the Birmingham area, he has more than 14 years of experience and has worked on more than 80 projects in his career. Among some of his notable works are the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Piazza, Shades Creek Greenway and three projects at the University of Alabama at Birmingham — Science & Engineering Building, McMahon Hall and the College of Arts and Sciences. His expertise in conceptual design and planning enables him to integrate the built environment within the natural landscape. Fincher supports the Southern Environmental Law Center and Bush Hills Farm.
Wyatt Gilliam, 35
Wyatt Gilliam is a superintendent with Newell Park & Eleazer Construction. He got his start in construction in 2019, working on several projects in Tennessee, including a $12 million office complex/film studio for the Seventh-day Adventist Church and an $8 million apartment remodel for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In Alabama, he led a $30 million school build in Elkmont and a $12 million food and beverage and entertainment facility located at Redstone Arsenal. In his current role, he oversees ground-up facility builds, including two dental offices, a Chipotle site and a Shell project in Huntsville.
Mary Godchaux, 33
Mary Godchaux is a project manager in Huntsville for Turner Construction Co. A graduate of Auburn University, Godchaux works on projects in aerospace, research and infrastructure. She is a member of the National Association of Women in Construction of North Alabama and the Society of American Military Engineers. Beyond the project, Godchaux is committed to advancing the construction industry through student mentoring, skilled trades development, community outreach and professional leadership.
Samantha Hepstall, 30
Samantha Hepstall is controller for Rogers & Willard Inc. in Mobile. She has risen from a front desk receptionist position to controller-in-training in 2016, where she worked with accounts payable, project management support and contracts billing. During the years she has been with the company, she also has helped with other administrative functions to keep operations running smoothly. In her current role, Hepstall leads the accounting and administrative teams, implementing standard operating procedures and actively recruiting and training team members. She also mentors interns and junior staff members.
Patrick Hereford, 31
Patrick Hereford is innovations manager with Dunn Building Co. A graduate of Furman University, Hereford has managed and estimated projects out of the company’s Athens office. In his current role, he works with superintendents, general foremen and office staff companywide, coordinating assignments across Dunn’s three offices. He manages and maintains estimating software and is building labor and production reporting tools. He also is overseeing the rollout of AI tools across the company. Hereford holds the ACI Concrete Flatwork Associate and Metal Building Institute Quality Assured Craftsman certifications and has conducted several speaking engagements at the Academy of Craft Training in Birmingham.
Nick Hutchins, 30
Nick Hutchins joined Ridgeline Construction HSV Inc. approximately five years ago. With a background in residential construction, Hutchins is now a commercial project manager and consistently serves as the company’s top sales producer, overseeing complex, multi-site commercial projects with efficiency, precision and dedication. He manages a $3.7 million commercial book across 281 projects, leading complex public school, courthouse and retail builds. He pairs this multi-trade expertise with having run 2,000-plus new home construction projects. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Austin Ingram, 29
Austin Ingram is a project manager with Whaley Construction Co. Inc. He joined the company in 2019, approaching every challenge with professionalism, accountability and attention to detail. His solutions-oriented mindset helps projects stay on track while maintaining strong relationships among all parties involved, according to Ben Jones, vice president of the company. He has been involved with Associated General Contractors for six years. He is a graduate of Auburn University.
Brandon Johnson, 39
Brandon Johnson is vice president of commercial construction with Hurst Construction, providing leadership in construction operations, project management, business development and strategic growth initiatives. As a third-generation builder, Johnson grew up around jobsites, learning the value of the trade at a young age. Johnson began his career as a field safety coordinator and has progressed through the ranks. With more than 15 years’ experience, he has successfully led projects in healthcare, higher education, municipal, aviation, military, industrial and federal markets. He also mentors the next generation of construction professionals.
Adam Kilgro, 33
Adam Kilgro began his career as a surety underwriter with The Hartford after graduating from Auburn University. Over the past eight years, he has built his career in the construction and surety industry and now serves as assistant vice president of surety at McGriff. Kilgro earned the Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bond designation and serves on the board of directors for the Alabama Surety Association.
Hunter Knight, 30
Hunter Knight grew up in construction, working on various crews during the summers while he was in high school. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, he began his professional career at Batson-Cook in Atlanta as a field engineer, working on large healthcare projects. He returned to his hometown of Dothan. Nearly five years ago, he joined Reeves & Shaw Construction, where he works as a project manager leading multiple commercial projects, as well as assisting with estimating and business development efforts. He is ICRA and OSHA-30 certified. Knight is a member of the Rotary Club, his local church and volunteers coaching youth football.
Holly Lowe, 33
Holly Lowe serves as director of insurance programs at Brasfield & Gorrie. She joined the company in 2016 as an assistant project manager before transitioning into the company’s risk management department in 2019. She earned her bachelor’s and two master’s degrees from the University of Alabama. She also is a graduate of the Momentum Upward Leadership Program and Brasfield & Gorrie’s Leadership Program. Outside of work, she is a member of Rotaract Club of Birmingham and serves on the steering committee for the Young Philanthropist Society of the United Way of Central Alabama.
Jake Mason, 27
Jake Mason is a fire protection engineer with Pye-Barker Fire & Safety LLC. Originally from Collinsville, Mississippi, Mason attended Jones County Junior College before transferring to Mississippi State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He started with S&S Sprinkler (now Pye-Barker) after college and has recently obtained his Professional Engineering license in fire protection. He also holds NICET Level 2 certification in water-based systems layout. He currently serves as vice president of the Central Gulf Coast Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and is a member of the American Fire Sprinkler Association and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama Mobile Chapter of Young Professionals.
Preston McRee, 31
A graduate of Auburn University, Preston McRee serves as plant manager for Vulcan Materials Co.’s Huntsville quarry, where he leads a large team supplying aggregate materials to the expanding Huntsville market. In this role, he spearheads process optimization and fosters a safety-first culture. He also is active in community engagement, leading Vulcan’s outreach initiatives by hosting educational tours, partnering with local schools and coordinating volunteer service. He recently directed on-site logistics for a community event that welcomed nearly 1,000 visitors to the facility and provided more than 650 donated meals to local residents. Beyond the daily plant operations, McRee serves as a mentor to rising supervisors within the company.
Michael Mijares, 34
After graduating from Auburn University in 2015, Michael Mijares joined Doster Construction Co. as a project engineer. This year, he was promoted to project director. On the jobsite, he is highly engaged with the teams, providing support, accountability and guidance while fostering collaboration among owners, design teams and trade partners. Beyond the project responsibilities, Mijares plays an active role in recruiting, training and mentoring future construction professionals. He also participates in industry events and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and the Jimmy Hale Mission.
Tyler Morrow, 38
Tyler Morrow is a project manager and estimator with Shoals Electric Co. Inc. He has bid, managed and billed more than 800 electrical construction and maintenance projects across industrial sites, including Essity Tissue Plant, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Constellium Alloys and others. He also has worked on commercial sites, including courthouses, schools, grocery stores and retail establishments. Morrow also served as a teacher with the North Alabama Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee from 2017 to 2023, where he trained students in construction jobsite practices, national electrical code and more. Morrow is an Alabama licensed electrical contractor and got his own start in construction by serving as a journeyman wireman.
Mason Murphy, 29
Mason Murphy, CPA, CCIFP, is a senior manager with BMSS Advisors & CPAs. He also is a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional. Since joining the firm seven years ago, Murphy has consistently moved up within the company. He is part of the company’s “Grow-N-Go” points-based business development program, where he has consistently exceeded his point goal. Through his development, he has brought in several new clients and helped develop expertise in construction and artificial intelligence, developing internal and external uses and applications for AI. Murphy attended the University of Montevallo for two years before transferring to Troy University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Mycal Newton, 34
In 2009, Mycal Newton began his construction career in residential homebuilding before expanding his experience into heavy civil construction. In 2018, he joined Johnson Contractors as a carpenter apprentice. Today, he is a project site superintendent, working on large-scale multi-million-dollar projects, like Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, General Motors Manufacturing and multiple Tennessee Valley Authority facilities. Safety is a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. He is an OSHA 10- and OSHA 30-certified professional and ensures his crew remains focused on hazard recognition, planning and accountability. He also is responsible for coordinating with multiple trades on the jobsite.
Conrad Pierce, 30
Conrad Pierce is a project engineer with Hargrove Engineers & Constructors. After graduating from Auburn University in 2019, Pierce joined Hargrove. His experience includes multidisciplinary engineering and construction on large-scale industrial, refining, chemical and energy projects. His detail-oriented approach to project engineering allows Pierce to identify risk and maintain standards of quality and safety. He also is a graduate of Hargrove’s Purview Class, an internal leadership development and mentorship program. When not on the job, Pierce is a volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s Chili Cookoff and Hargrove-sponsored events, such as the Hargrove Foundation Crawfish Classic Golf Tournament.
Toby Roach, 31
Toby Roach is vice president of project management at SJ&L Inc., a position he earned in 2025 after demonstrating strong leadership skills working on heavy civil construction projects along the Gulf Coast. He successfully leads demanding projects while maintaining a commitment to quality, safety and efficiency. Roach earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Mississippi State University and his MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport.
Nick Rose, 31
Nick Rose is project manager, South Alabama Engineering with Volkert Inc. He joined Volkert in 2018 as an engineering intern and now leads complex infrastructure projects throughout Alabama. His technical expertise and sound judgment have resulted in successful projects in transportation, aviation and industrial infrastructure. For instance, he currently serves as civil/site project manager for the new Mobile International Airport terminal. Beyond the jobsite, Rose participates in American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Highway Engineers and Associated General Contractors, and supports the profession through university outreach and mentoring younger engineers.
Garrett Sanders, 36
Garrett Sanders is a senior project manager with Bailey-Harris Construction. He often is called to oversee some of the company’s most challenging projects. Among the projects he has worked on are the Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University, the Auburn University Montgomery Laboratory renovation and addition, the Alabama Graphite processing plant in Kellyton and the Overton Park Apartments in Atlanta, Georgia. A graduate of Auburn University, Sanders also has received certification from the FMI Leadership Institute.
Jess Sanders, 39
Getting his start as an apprentice with Reeve Electric in 2008, Jess Sanders graduated from the IEC Apprenticeship Program in 2012 and received his state journeyman card that same year. In 2021, he gained data center experience while working for CBRE. In 2023, he joined Birmingham Electrical Contractors as a service manager and has worked his way up to business development manager. In this role, he oversees pre-con and strategic accounts. He is a member of Associated General Contractors, Construction Leadership Council, and the Independent Alliance of the Electrical Industry. He often volunteers at IEC events and serves on the board of his church.
Justin Shade, 35
Justin Shade is an estimator with Dunn Construction Co. In this role, he leads competitive public and private estimates and coordinates handoffs from preconstruction to operations, identifying value-engineering that benefits both owners and partners. A former Mississippi State football player, Shade brings discipline, teamwork and resilience to how he mentors others. Outside of the office, Shade is a member of Firehouse Shelter and serves as mentor introducing youth to construction careers. He also engages in schools and community programs to highlight skilled trades pathways.
J. Mitchell Sikes, 29
J. Mitchell Sikes is an associate attorney in Capell & Howard PC’s Montgomery office and is an active member of the firm’s construction and procurement section. Sikes advises construction clients on contract negotiation, drafting and risk management, helping the companies navigate complex projects and avoid costly disputes. In addition to his legal practice, Sikes, over multiple legislative sessions, has reviewed and analyzed a range of construction-related legislation to help inform advocacy efforts, as well as assist in drafting legislation. He is an active member of the Construction Law Section of the Alabama State Bar. In 2025, he was appointed by the Alabama Supreme Court to serve on the task force on restyling the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure.
Mitch Smith, 32
Mitch Smith is a senior preconstruction manager with Fite Building Co. A graduate of Auburn University, Smith worked for Brasfield & Gorrie from 2016 to 2022, working in project management and preconstruction in the Healthcare and Commercial divisions. In 2022, he started working for UAB Planning, Design & Construction, managing capital projects and department’s operational initiatives. In January, he started working for Fite Building Co., where he leads preconstruction efforts out of the Birmingham office. He is a member of Fite Plus One and the ABC Young Professionals Birmingham Chapter.
Craig Stewart, 39
Craig Stewart is director of preconstruction at Caddell Construction. In this role, he handles estimating, preconstruction and cost analysis across the commercial team. He has been heavily involved in Caddell’s hyperscale data center program. He is the chosen representative to lead trainings for the company’s project managers and engineers as part of their skills development. In addition, he makes time to mentor those who are just starting with the company. As a preconstruction director, his leadership and interpersonal skills have contributed to a positive and collaborative work environment.
Tate Thomas, 32
Tate Thomas is a licensed professional engineer and vice president of corporate development at Bhate Geosciences in Birmingham. In a short period of time, he has risen from an early-career engineer to one of the company’s senior leaders, providing geotechnical services for several well-known projects, such as the Coca-Cola Bottling Company United’s new headquarters and Southern Research’s new biomedical research facility. In his current role, Thomas manages many of Bhate’s largest accounts and serves as a company contact for clients across Alabama and the Southeast. He is either leading or supporting projects worth more than $1 billion in combined construction value.
Brooke Payne Wharton, 29
Brooke Payne Wharton has worked in the heavy equipment industry since 2019 and currently serves in Alabaster Operations with Stone Equipment Co. In this role, she works across sales, operations and finance functions to ensure efficient movement of equipment transactions and strong service for contractors across the state. She also supports onboarding and training of new employees, helping team members understand internal systems and operational workflows, while continuing to grow her own expertise in the industry. She is active in Alabama Associated General Contractors and supports New Leash on Life, fostering dogs and helping with animal adoption efforts.
Katie Willcutt, 38
Katie Willcutt has been office manager at Asphalt Services for 11 years. In this role, she manages payroll, accounts receivable and payable, project timesheets and human resource functions. She also plays an integral role in building and maintaining positive relationships with clients, project owners, project managers and employees. She also has been a member of the Mobile chapter of AGC for 11 years.
Jonathan Wray, 38
Jonathan Wray is business development manager for Compass Industrial, building relationships within the crane and industrial construction industry. In his work, he takes time to learn each client’s operational challenges, to develop practical, long-term solutions to improve safety, reliability and productivity. His technical understanding of complex overhead crane systems, combined with his communication skills, allows him to bridge the gap between field operations and executive decision-makers. Ty Crane, of FL Crane & Sons, says Wray was instrumental in helping the company become more involved in the construction industry, which led to relationships that continue to benefit the company.
This story originally appeared in the September 2026 issue of Business Alabama.
