DBIA is honored to recognize the outstanding leaders who have earned the 2024 Distinguished Leadership Awards, honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing the design-build delivery method. This year’s honorees include Rodney Pope (Industry Practitioner), Emily Galliers (Young Professional) and James “Tony” Parrott (Owner). Each of these leaders has significantly impacted the industry through their commitment to innovation, collaboration and the promotion of Design-Build Done Right®. Their achievements reflect the growing success of design-build as a project delivery method of choice.
Rodney Pope, PE, FDBIA
Industry Practitioner
Rodney Pope, PE, FDBIA, Vice President at Brown and Caldwell, is a leader in the water/wastewater industry with a 47-year career dedicated to design-build project delivery. Having managed over $1.4 billion in design-build projects, Pope’s leadership has delivered innovative solutions that accelerate schedules and build trust among project teams. His work earned DBIA National Awards of Excellence in 2006, 2010 and 2018 in the Water/Wastewater category, and his commitment to mentorship and industry involvement has made a lasting impact on the next generation of design-build leaders. As Co-Chair of DBIA’s Water/Wastewater Program Committee and an advocate for Design-Build Best Practices, Pope exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and forward-thinking that defines a Distinguished Leader in our field.
Emily Galliers, MCIOB, DBIA
Young Professional
Emily Galliers, MCIOB, DBIA, Design Manager at Build Group Inc., stands out for her leadership in promoting collaboration and innovation in design-build projects. With a background in architecture and expertise in integrated delivery methods, Galliers has led advancements in safety and efficiency, particularly through prefabrication and modular construction. Her work on high-profile tech and pharmaceutical projects showcases her forward-thinking approach. Galliers is a Chartered Builder and a DBIA-certified professional whose dedication to safety-in-design and mentoring young women in STEM has solidified her reputation as an emerging leader in the design-build community.
James “Tony” Parrott
Owner
James “Tony” Parrott, CEO of the Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), is recognized for his transformative leadership in advancing design-build best practices. Under his guidance, MSD has completed or is in progress with over $900 million in collaborative delivery projects, including the landmark $300 million Biosolids Processing Solution at Morris Forman WQTC. Parrott’s commitment to innovative solutions, community engagement and sustainability has earned national recognition. His leadership in promoting equity, diversity and small business participation in design-build projects exemplifies the values that make him a Distinguished Leader.
The 2024 Distinguished Leadership Award winners will be recognized at the Design-Build Conference & Expo, Nov. 6-8, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas. This event brings together more than 2,000 industry professionals to celebrate not only the achievements of these leaders but also the broader advancements in design-build. Attendees will have the chance to connect with experts, share knowledge and explore innovations shaping the future of project delivery.
