January 29, 2024

Association honors Dully, Pizzey and Hill

The AGC of Washington held its 2024 Annual Celebration and Meeting Friday at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. The event kicked off with a cocktail party and the installation of 2024 officers, board members, trustees and district representatives.

The association also recognized outstanding member firms and individuals at the event, including Contractor of the Year, Specialty Contractor of the Year, Associate of the Year, and 2023 Leader of the PAC.

The Leader of the PAC award went to Star Rentals, the second consecutive year that Star has won. It was presented by AGC's Build PAC, which supports candidates who support the construction industry.

Contractor of the Year

Brandon Dully

Dully

Dully is president at Guy F. Atkinson Construction. He was recognized for his leadership and commitment to the passage of Substitute Senate Bill 5272, which authorizes the use of speed-safety camera systems in highway work zones. Dully and Atkinson were the impetus for this safety precaution.

After a tragic accident in a WSDOT project work zone, Dully did not want an opportunity for positive change to go to waste. A team was assembled that started with the Washington & Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers, Operating Engineers, WSDOT and the AGC of Washington legislative team. The bill was sponsored by Senate Transportation Committee Chair Mark Liias and Senate Transportation Committee ranking member Curtis King. The Washington State Patrol was also involved in figuring out enforcement.

Dully testified in favor of the bill, stating, “We focus on complex transportation projects while minimizing impacts on the traveling public; unfortunately, that means we work every day and night out on the roads. We control everything we possibly can, but we can't control the traveling public.”

The new law will go into effect July 1.

Among other things at the AGC of Washington, Dully is involved with AGC/WSDOT committee meetings, where he co-chairs the Partnering Committee and participates as a co-chair on the Laborers Negotiating Committee.

Specialty Contractor of the Year

Grace Pizzey

Pizzey

Pizzey is vice president at Holaday-Parks. She was recognized for her commitment to the AGC of Washington, where she is currently serving her second term as secretary/treasurer.

Pizzey's leadership always reflects a positive attitude, great disposition and great sense of humor. Her financial prowess has been a key to streamlining accounting procedures and bringing a practical approach to the organization. She played a key role in the AGC of Washington Building Study as the association looks to the future of caring for this great asset. She participated in the process to plan the six-year capital budget to bring the building into line with city of Seattle building codes.

Pizzey's experience with building systems has proven invaluable. If she doesn't have an immediate answer, she has the resources and pragmatism to lead the AGC of Washington to the right outcome. Pizzey is involved with AGC's Build PAC and Government Affairs committees. She also is a strong advocate for women in construction and always looks to make sure that women are correctly represented in the industry.

Associate of the Year

Brett Hill

Hill

Hill is an equity partner at Ahlers Cressman & Sleight. In 2023, he proposed and took ownership of Senate Bill 5528. This successful legislation limits retainage on private projects to 5%. The AGC of Washington-backed legislation is one of the most impactful for association members in recent history.

Hill introduced the concept and proposed bill language to the AGC of Washington's Legal Affairs and Government Affairs committees. After approval from both committees, the language was introduced in the state Senate and helped by the AGC of Washington legislative team and others, where it ultimately passed unanimously. Hill also made himself available along the way to craft language for an addendum to appease specialty contractors.

After the bill was signed by the governor, Hill made a comprehensive presentation available to AGC of Washington members to help with implementation of the new law. He still avails himself to answer members' questions.

Over the years, Hill has been available to provide commentary on active legislation, both in and out of session, to the AGC of Washington legislative team. He continues to be active on the AGC of Washington Legal Affairs and Government Affairs committees, and is always looking for practical solutions for the Mike M. Johnson case.

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