CAGC's Dave Simpson Receives Prestigious GroundBreaker Award for Leadership in Construction

CAGC's President & CEO Recognized for Lifetime Achievement

In an exciting development for the construction sector in the Carolinas, Dave Simpson, the President and CEO of the Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC), has been selected to receive the esteemed 2026 GroundBreaker Lifetime Achievement Award by GroundBreak Carolinas. This recognition celebrates Simpson's extensive contributions and unwavering commitment to enhancing the construction industry.

Simpson has been a valuable member of CAGC since 1989, dedicating over three decades to fortifying the region's construction landscape. His tenure as President and CEO, spanning the past twelve years, has been marked by significant advancements in various areas including advocacy, workforce development, safety measures, education, and member engagement initiatives. Under his leadership, the CAGC has tackled pressing issues affecting the construction industry while championing new methodologies and educational opportunities to ensure growth and sustainability.

Notably, Simpson has been instrumental in shaping legislation pertaining to underground safety and alternative project delivery methods. His proactive stance on expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities has been vital in cultivating a skilled workforce ready to meet industry demands. Simpson's influence extends beyond CAGC as he has assumed leadership roles within prominent organizations such as the Association Executives of North Carolina and the AGC of America. Currently, he serves as the Immediate Past Chair of AGC's Executive Leadership Council Board of Directors, overseeing 87 chapters nationwide.

In recognition of the awards, Lauren Gallagher, Publisher of GroundBreak Carolinas, acknowledged both Simpson and Chad Frampton, the President and CEO of Frampton Construction, who also received a GroundBreaker award. Gallagher stated, "Each has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a commitment to advancing the construction industry, and a willingness to invest their time and experience in others. Their impact extends well beyond their own organizations and represents the very best of our industry in the Carolinas."

In response to this prestigious acknowledgment, Simpsonexpressed profound gratitude towards GroundBreak Carolinas while emphasizing the crucial role of CAGC members and staff, stating, "What an honor, and a humbling thank you goes to GroundBreak Carolinas. But the real focus here should be on our CAGC members and staff, who are second to none."

The impact of Simpson’s leadership is evident not only in the accolades received but also in the strengthened collaboration and networking opportunities provided to CAGC’s extensive member base. CAGC actively works to support thousands of members across the Carolinas, offering valuable resources for networking, government relations, job leads, education, and training focused on safety and community development.

As CAGC continues to grow and adapt to the evolving construction landscape, Simpson's visionary leadership ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of addressing industry challenges and workforce shortages. Through ongoing investment in education and skill development, Simpson aims to cultivate a robust future for the construction sector in the Carolinas.

Interested parties can visit CAGC's website at www.cagc.org for further information about the organization and to stay connected through various social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.