In July, the Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC) celebrated two outstanding Young Leaders during the annual CAGC Construction Summit and Expo. The honored individuals were Neal Alvarez from Marsh McLennan and Emily Talbert of Reeves Construction Company. The CAGC Top Young Leader Award is an accolade presented to those professionals under the age of 45 who exemplify leadership and community involvement within the construction industry.
Neal Alvarez: A Visionary in Risk Management
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Neal Alvarez pursued academic excellence at the University of Mississippi, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Risk Management & Insurance. His career commenced as a property and casualty insurance broker, later shifting to employee benefits consulting with Marsh McLennan. Neal’s dedication to the construction sector has helped numerous organizations navigate complex issues with a strategic approach to risk management and employee benefits.
Since joining the CAGC Young Leader Program in 2018, Neal has become a passionate advocate for the next generation of construction leaders. He serves on the CAGC Young Leader Action Team, contributing both his skills and insights, and consistently promotes the mission and activities of Carolinas AGC in his professional circles.
Emily Talbert: Paving the Way for Women in Construction
Emily Talbert has made significant strides in her role as Account Manager at Reeves Construction, based at the Blacksburg Quarry in South Carolina. Since her onboarding in 2020, Emily's journey within the company has been remarkable. Starting as the leader of the newly established marketing department, she progressed through various key roles including Project Engineer and Estimator, culminating in her current leadership position.
Beyond her job, Emily is deeply invested in enhancing opportunities for women in the construction industry and nurturing future industry leaders. An active member of CAGC, she contributes significantly to the Young Leader Action Team. Furthermore, her leadership extends outside of CAGC as she chairs the Education Committee for the South Carolina Aggregates Association and participates in the Executive Committee for the Women of Asphalt South Carolina Branch.
The Importance of Recognition
The CAGC views the recognition of young leaders like Neal and Emily as vital, not only for the individuals but for the future of the organization and the entire construction industry. By honoring these trailblazers, CAGC underscores its commitment to fostering leadership among young professionals, which is essential for continued growth and innovation within the construction field.
To explore more about these exemplary leaders, including photos and videos from the event, visit the Recognition Awards section on
CAGC's official website.
About CAGC
The Carolinas AGC is dedicated to supporting the construction industry across the Carolinas, providing members with valuable resources such as networking opportunities, advocacy, job leads, and essential education and training programs. The association aims to promote safety, efficiency, and community development throughout the construction sector.
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