McALISTE

Jenn McAlister
Industry involvement includes focus on green building efforts
35, Project Manager
Willis A. Smith Construction, Sarasota, Fla.

Jenn McAlister got off to a fast start in the construction industry. Less than three years after graduating from the University of Florida, she was managing projects valued at as much as $4 million. Today, coordinating the complexities of educational facilities, hospitals, hotels, sports complexes and other projects has become routine. And she is now also working in business development. As a board member for the local U.S. Green Building Council, McAlister is working with leaders of North Port, Fla., to develop a Green Workforce program. Another of her initiatives, with Port. St Lucie County, will create a low-interest micro-loan program for homeowners and small businesses to make energy conservation improvements to their buildings. McAlister also serves on the boards of Sustainable Florida and the Leadership Sarasota County Program.

OATES

Heidi Oates
Young marketer involved with state DOT committee and charities
26, Marketing Manager
Triplett-King & Associates, Rock Hill, S.C.

What began as a part-time job in college has evolved into a rewarding career for Heidi Oates. In addition to collaborating with Triplett-King's division managers to develop successful proposals for projects ranging in price from $11 million to $487 million, this year's youngest member of the Top 20 Under 40 is also active in a host of industry activities. Oates participates on the South Carolina Dept. of Transportation's disadvantaged-business-enterprise committee. She is also active with the Society for Marketing Professional Services and numerous charitable efforts, such as Habitat for Humanity, food drives, women's shelters and promotion of Triplett-King's Rob McKay Scholarship program.

RODGERS

Anthony Rodgers
Poised for success after a history of diverse construction experience
39, Project Superintendent
Balfour Beatty Construction, Orlando

Anthony Rodgers has done just about all there is to do in the field of construction. His experience includes working as a laborer, form carpenter and field engineer. He also participated in an internship for the city of Tallahassee's streets and drainage division. And he has done stints as an independent contractor. Rodgers' experience is paying off for him and his company, Balfour Beatty. Rodgers' knowledge and leadership have been most in demand on complex, fast-tracked jobs. As manager of field operations for the $253-million Peabody Hotel Expansion in Orlando, he successfully navigated a tumultuous construction economy to keep the 1.2-million-sq-ft project on time and on budget. Rodgers also regularly gives back by conducting seminars and by chairing the Alumni Industrial Advisory Committee at Florida A&M University. In addition, he is a member of the education committee of the Orlando chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors. He also serves as Balfour Beatty's "college recruiting champion" and the company's university relations representative.

RYGIEL

Frank Rygiel
Becoming a leader in his local community of Pasco County, Fla.
37, Senior Project Manager
Batson-Cook Co., Tampa

Frank Rygiel believes the keys to success are hard work, transparency and a commitment to each client's success. He also believes that opportunity can be found in every problem. His career includes leading a host of important projects in the Tampa Bay area, including a 12-story affordable-housing project in St. Petersburg called The Portland and the Tampa Museum of Art. Rygiel has also brought his skills and "can-do" attitude to the community. As a member of Leadership Pasco, he helped raise nearly $250,000 to help fund construction of a K-9 command post for the Pasco County sheriff's department. He also serves on the board for the Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation.

SCHNEIDERMAN

Jim Schneiderman
Pushes team to apply cutting-edge technology to bridge projects
36, Area Manager
PCL Civil Constructors, Raleigh

Construction leaders often do more than build projects. As Jim Schneiderman demonstrates, they also inspire others to explore new and better ways to solve problems. Schneiderman has consistently nurtured creative thinking among his project teams, especially in the area of field applications for cutting-edge technology. For the towers of the Gilmerton Bridge project in Norfolk, Va., where Schneiderman is the operations manager, field crews are using 3D modeling tools to improve quality, safety, productivity and work performance. His latest assignment is the $215-million replacement of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge across the Oregon Inlet in North Carolina.

SCHRIEBER

Mark Schrieber
Green building advocate involved with several notable projects
26, Project Manager
The Spinnaker Group, Weston, Fla.

Less than four years out of college, Mark Schrieber has already established himself as an expert and leader within South Florida's green-building sector. He achieved the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Accredited Professional certification before he graduated from college, which allowed him from the beginning of his work career to be involved in the region's pioneering green projects. These include Clifton Hotel, Florida's first LEED-Gold hospitality project under the USGBC's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design green rating system. It also includes 1450 Brickell, the first LEED New Construction Class-A high-rise in Miami. Schrieber is an advocate for green design through his involvement in USGBC, locally and nationally. Schrieber also contributes his expertise in urban planning and sustainability to Miami's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

SCOTT

Brandon Scott
Strives to find community service opportunities wherever he works
34, Project Executive
KBR Building Group, Atlanta

Despite traveling and living in seven states during his first 14 years working in construction, Brandon Scott has made it a point to find leadership and community service opportunities wherever he happened to land—all while fulfilling his responsibilities on major health-care projects. While working in New Mexico, for example, he volunteered with New Mexico Highlands University and participated in various hospital fundraisers. In Richmond, Va., Scott volunteered for the United Way, performed several hospital outreach programs with civic organizations and supported the local Habitat for Humanity. In Augusta and Savannah, Ga., he was involved with numerous organizations promoting active lifestyles, health literacy and nutrition. He also mentors past team members at other companies and helps advise engineering students at his alma mater, Clemson University.

SPRADLIN

Even Spradlin
Health-care projects push this executive to be his best
39, Project Executive
Batson-Cook Co., Jacksonville, Fla.

Hospital building may be one of construction's most promising markets, but it is also one of its most demanding. As a project executive for Batson-Cook Co., Even Spradlin uses strong leadership and problem-solving skills to successfully deliver health-care jobs. The 15-year veteran at the contractor has led teams on nearly $200 million worth of health-care projects in the greater Jacksonville area. This includes the 338,000-sq-ft tower addition at the operational Baptist Medical Center/Wolfson Childrens Hospital. The team for the 11-story building was challenged to make the most of limited storage and laydown space—all the while not disrupting Baptist/Wolfson's operations. When away from the jobsite, Spradlin has found time to assist with his church's food bank. He also regularly participates in Batson-Cook's shoot-for-a cure fundraiser. The event, both a clay shoot and dinner, raises funds for the state chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.