As workforce challenges intensify across labor-heavy industries like construction, HR leadership is becoming a strategic differentiator. Carolinas AGC has announced its inaugural Excellence in Human Resources Leadership Awards, recognizing professionals who are reshaping employee experience and operational resilience within the construction sector.
The Carolinas AGC (CAGC), a regional chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, has introduced its first-ever Excellence in Human Resources Leadership Award, spotlighting HR professionals who are driving meaningful change in construction workforce management.
The 2026 award recipients—Mary-Allyson Chauvin of Langston Construction and Beth Craig of Edison Foard—represent a growing emphasis on people-first leadership in an industry historically defined by operational execution rather than workforce strategy.
Elevating HR in Construction
The launch of the award reflects a broader shift in how construction firms view human resources. Once considered a support function, HR is increasingly central to addressing workforce shortages, improving retention, and navigating compliance challenges.
Construction companies are facing a convergence of pressures: labor shortages, rising project complexity, and the need to adopt digital tools. In this context, HR leaders are tasked with balancing operational demands with employee well-being—often in environments where workforce turnover has traditionally been high.
CAGC’s recognition program aims to highlight individuals who are successfully navigating these challenges while contributing to organizational culture and long-term workforce stability.
Recognizing People-Centric Leadership
At Langston Construction, Chauvin has spent eight years leading HR and people operations, building a reputation for aligning business priorities with employee needs. Her leadership style—described by colleagues as consistent and grounded in respect—has helped foster trust across both executive leadership and frontline workers.
This balance is increasingly critical in construction, where workforce engagement directly impacts project timelines, safety outcomes, and overall productivity.
Meanwhile, Craig brings more than three decades of experience to her role at Edison Foard, where she has become a central figure in the company’s operations. Her long tenure highlights the value of institutional knowledge in industries where continuity and culture play a significant role in workforce performance.
Craig’s recognition also underscores the importance of employee engagement. Internal support for her nomination—reportedly including endorsements from more than half of the company’s workforce—points to a measurable impact on morale and retention.
HR’s Expanding Role in Workforce Strategy
The recognition of these leaders comes at a time when HR technology and strategy are evolving rapidly across industries. While construction has historically lagged behind sectors like technology in adopting HRTech solutions, that gap is narrowing.
Organizations are increasingly implementing workforce analytics platforms, digital onboarding systems, and AI-driven recruitment tools to address labor shortages and improve efficiency.
According to McKinsey & Company, industries with high labor intensity—such as construction—can achieve significant productivity gains by modernizing workforce management practices, including talent development and engagement strategies.
Similarly, Gartner reports that organizations investing in employee experience and HR innovation are more likely to see improvements in retention and performance, particularly in sectors facing talent constraints.
Bridging Traditional Industries and Modern HRTech
The construction sector presents a unique opportunity for HR innovation. Unlike digital-native industries, construction firms must manage decentralized, project-based teams often spread across multiple locations.
This complexity makes HR leadership and technology integration essential. From ensuring compliance with labor regulations to managing benefits and training programs, HR leaders are increasingly operating as strategic partners within their organizations.
While the CAGC awards focus on individual achievement, they also reflect a broader industry transformation—one where HR is becoming a key driver of competitive advantage.
Industry Implications
For HR professionals across construction and related industries, the introduction of awards like this signals a shift in priorities. Workforce management is no longer just about hiring and compliance; it is about building sustainable, engaged, and productive teams.
The recognition also highlights the growing importance of soft skills in leadership, including communication, empathy, and adaptability—qualities that are critical in managing diverse and distributed workforces.
As construction firms continue to adopt digital tools and modernize operations, HR leaders will play a pivotal role in ensuring that workforce strategies align with technological advancements.
Market Landscape
The construction industry is undergoing a gradual digital transformation, with HRTech adoption emerging as a key focus area. IDC projects continued growth in digital workforce solutions across traditionally manual industries, driven by labor shortages and productivity demands.
At the same time, workforce challenges remain acute. According to industry estimates, the construction sector faces a persistent talent gap, requiring companies to rethink recruitment, retention, and training strategies.
In this environment, HR leadership is becoming increasingly critical—not just for operational efficiency, but for long-term business sustainability.
Top Insights
- CAGC’s inaugural HR leadership awards highlight the growing strategic importance of human resources in construction, where workforce challenges demand more sophisticated talent management and employee engagement strategies.
- Award winners Mary-Allyson Chauvin and Beth Craig exemplify people-first leadership, balancing operational needs with employee well-being to improve retention, morale, and organizational performance.
- The construction industry is increasingly adopting HRTech tools and workforce analytics to address labor shortages and improve efficiency, narrowing the gap with more digitally mature sectors.
- Recognition of HR leadership reflects a broader shift toward employee experience as a competitive advantage, particularly in labor-intensive industries facing ongoing talent constraints.
- As digital transformation accelerates, HR leaders in construction will play a critical role in aligning workforce strategies with technology adoption and business growth objectives.
