There's plenty of cause for concern about the design and construction work force these days. Many good workers have lost their jobs, and some have likely left the industry altogether. At times like these, though, it's good to remember that there are many younger, talented members of the industry who are working hard to do good and even great things for themselves, their companies, their industry and their communities.

With that in mind, ENR Southeast is proud to present, for the second year, a new class of the Top 20 Under 40.

For the competition, ENR Southeast solicited nominations, including self-nominations, from its readers—both on line and in print. Nominees were not only required to be under 40, they also had to be located in the four states the publication covers—Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.

This year, there were 37 nominees. To win, nominees had to excel in three areas: industry involvement, community service and contributions to landmark or sustainable projects in the region.

An independent panel of judges scored each nomination. Two of this year's four judges were previous winners of the Top 20 Under 40 designation: Kris Lengieza, construction model manager with The Weitz Co., West Palm Beach, Fla., and Ryan Wathen, senior vice president, Rodgers Builders, Charlotte, N.C. This year's other judges were Ken Cristol, president of Cristol Marketing Co., Longwood, Fla., and Brian Mulligan, director of business development, Evergreen Construction, Atlanta.

From the executive office suites to the jobsite, these emerging Southeast leaders are making their marks in an industry that each of them loves. Whether they are working to improve industry standards, focusing on ways to give back to their respective local communities or innovating on the jobsite, each of the 20 people recognized has earned the accolade of one of the Top 20 Under 40.

ENR Southeast invites you to read on and, perhaps, get inspired by these young professionals.

ALDRIDGE

William Russell Aldridge
LEED-accredited superintendent is tech-savvy and client-focused
39, Senior Superintendent
Hardin Construction Co., Rincon, Ga.

Russ Aldridge is the embodiment of the modern field operations executive—well-educated, tech-savvy, client-oriented and community-responsive. But "people skills" may be his most valuable attribute. Aldridge's integrity and dedication reassure each owner he works for that the project is in good hands. A host of award-winning projects, including Georgia Southern University's Centennial Place Student Housing complex in Statesboro and the Mall of Georgia at Mill Creek in Buford, testify to the trust Aldridge establishes with clients. He also serves on Hardin's "tech squad," a team that evaluates new engineering and jobsite technologies.

 

BOBO

Loreen Bobo
Named to project team for Orlando's upcoming I-4 rebuild
35, Assistant Maintenance Engineer
Florida Dept. of Transportation, Orlando

Loreen Bobo's list of industry accomplishments is already a lengthy one, and likely to grow further in the near future. Last year she was recognized as the Florida Dept. of Transportation's District 5 Employee of the Year. In 2010, the American Society of Civil Engineers selected her as the National Edmund Friedman Young Engineer of the Year. Bobo's community outreach efforts are numerous, and include work with Habitat for Humanity as well as serving on the advisory board for the Dept. of Civil Engineering at the University of Florida. Now serving as assistant maintenance engineer, Bobo has plenty of construction experience, too, having been project manager for the Interstate 4/S.R. 408 interchange project in Orlando. She is currently on the team for the proposed $3-billion, 20-mile reconstruction of I-4 through Orlando.