Outstanding Contributions By An Individual

If you have questions about the CEF Award, contact Erin Volk at MiltonB@agc-ca.org.

Apply Now: Construction Education Friend Award Application

Download:  Construction Education Friend Award Information Packet

Construction Education Friend Award Eligibility

Through the Construction Education Friend Award Program, the AGC Construction Education Foundation (CEF) honors individuals for their outstanding contributions to construction education and workforce development efforts. To be eligible for a Friend Award, an individual must:

• Have made an outstanding contribution to the construction education and/or workforce development effort.
• Be nominated by one the following: an AGC of California member company, a District Board of Directors, a Division Board of Directors, a State Standing Committee/Council, or the Executive Committee.

CEF Award Information Packet

Sharla Sullivan
Outreach and Partnerships Manager, Webcor

With over 20 years of expertise in community engagement and relationship building, Sharla Sullivan serves as the Outreach and Partnerships Manager at Webcor. A true advocate for empowering future generations, Sharla has dedicated the last decade to fostering the next wave of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) professionals through her involvement with the ACE Mentor Program San Francisco Bay Area Affiliate. Recognized as one of ACE Mentor’s Outstanding Mentors, Sharla has played an instrumental role in recruiting mentors and students, co-designing innovative curricula, and leading Oakland’s ACE team to success. Her efforts extend beyond the classroom, where she mentors multiple teams, secures student externships, applies for grants, and forges partnerships to expand program reach through pre-apprenticeship opportunities. Sharla’s impact was celebrated by Engineering News-Record (ENR), which awarded a $2,500 scholarship in her honor to support ACE students pursuing higher education in AEC-related fields. She credits much of her success to the collaboration and support of her co-leader Emiliano Sanchez, Oakland Unified School District, and the dedicated mentors and partners at Cypress Mandela Training Center. Sharla is a passionate speaker, mentor, and advocate, inspiring others to share her enthusiasm for construction and community-driven progress. Her commitment to excellence, education, and opportunity continues to shape the future of the Construction industry.

Past Construction Education Friend Award Winners

• 2024 -Lamar Hanger, Construction Trades CTE Program Fontana High School
• 2023 – Emiliano Sanchez, Oakland Unified School District
• 2021 – Miquel “Mick” Penn, Swinerton
• 2020 – John E. Harriel, Morrow Meadows
• 2019 – Tammy Castillo, Operating Engineers Local 3
• 2018 – Gary Rafferty, Swinerton Builders
• 2017 – Paul Weber, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
• 2016 – Alan Bond, California State University Chico
• 2015 – Francois Jacobs, California Baptist University
• 2014 –  Holly Cindell, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
• 2013 –  Robert Bourdet, W. Bradley Electric, Inc.
• 2012 –  Frank Schipper, Frank Schipper Construction Co.
• 2011 –  William M. Lyles, W.M. Lyles Co.
• 2010 –  Jeff Wright, Lincoln High School and Jack Filanc, J.R. Filanc Construction Company
• 2009 –  Jeff Merker, Sheldon High School
• 2008 –  Don Gordon, Tradart Foundation