ENR Mountain States is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s regional Legacy Awards. They are, for Colorado: John Yonushewski, senior principal and business center managing leader at Stantec in Denver; and for the Intermountain area: Rich Thorn, president and CEO of Associated General Contractors of Utah.

The Legacy Awards are presented annually to individuals who have achieved a lifetime legacy of service in design and construction, and who have offered their time and expertise in giving back to the profession and to the communities in which they live.

A profile story about their accomplishments will appear in the February issue of the magazine.

Congratulations to John and Rich!

John Yonushewski

John Yonushewski has more than four decades of hands-on architectural, construction and development experience. The son of a contractor, he has been a champion of the architect-led design-build approach and has a strong background in urban-infill, mixed-use buildings that have helped shape the Denver skyline.

Over his career, Yonushewski has personally designed and overseen construction of multiple projects in excess of $100 million plus a wide range of large-scale residential, adaptive re-use, hotel, retail and restaurant projects. He also has earned several prestigious awards for his work, most notably for Denver’s McGregor Square and One Lincoln Park. His skills as a leader also extend to mentoring new generations of architects, and he has been actively involved with the American Institute of Architects.


Rich Thorn

Rich Thorn, president and CEO of the Associated General Contractors, Utah, announced his retirement effective March 31, 2023, after 43 years at the association, including 41 as the chapter’s CEO. 

During his tenure, AGC membership has grown significantly, and Thorn led the creation of the AGC of Utah campus – a full city block with a headquarters building and training center built by AGC members and friends.

Thorn has advocated for the construction industry through his work with the Utah Dept. of Transportation; the State Divisions of Facilities, Construction and Management; the Utah State Labor Commission; and the Department of Workforce Services and Professional Licensing. He also has served on the boards of the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Weber State University, Salt Lake Community Building Trades, Utah Valley University and the State Workforce Investment Board. His leadership in AGC includes roles on the AGC of America Executive Leadership Council, and included a year as its National Chairman of the Board.