Press Release

Jordan Foster Construction Risk Management Team Receives 2022 Gary E. Bird Horizon Award

November 14, 2022—Dallas, TX—The Jordan Foster Construction risk management team received the 2022 Gary E. Bird Horizon Award today at the International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI), Construction Risk Conference (CRC) for their submission, “Stop! Collaborate and Listen: Using Technology To Create Intentional Communication Channels To Minimize Risk, Increase Productivity, and Achieve Performance Excellence in the Construction Industry.” .

The winning submission detailed the development and implementation of innovative enterprise risk management initiatives that resulted in significant improvement in the company’s key performance indicators, including total cost of risk, loss frequency and severity rates, and experience rating. Through the lens of risk management, the team created three technology-based strategies to improve and measure workforce engagement and communication, addressing risks that can have devastating consequences to the construction industry if they go unsolved.

The Gary E. Bird Horizon Award, sponsored by Travelers, is presented annually by IRMI to recognize a demonstrated commitment to improving construction risk management through the implementation of innovative, cost-effective, and efficient risk management techniques.

Submissions are judged by an independent panel of seven industry professionals. The 2022 judges are as follows.

• Steve Bird, director, risk management, Zachry Industrial, Inc.
• Kathleen Creedon, owner/consultant, Wrap Strategies
• David Dolnick, president, Dolnick Risk Advisors
• Sonja Guenther, senior vice president, IMA, Inc.
• Karen Keniff, vice president, national lead for large and complex construction risk, CNA
• Jennifer Lee, vice president, national practice lead, loss-sensitive and wrap-up, construction, Travelers
• Joseph Russo, executive vice president, regional construction leader—Northeast, Willis Towers Watson

This program integrates three crucial elements of a sophisticated and innovative risk-control program and can be easily integrated and used by construction firms of any size with employees of any skill level,” noted Ms. Guenther.

“Construction is a dangerous business, and the most valued asset is the people,” added Ms. Lee. “This approach is all about people—how to attract, retain, and keep safe—all the while making it a good place to work and thrive.”

For more information, including how to submit a nomination for the 2023 award, visit https://www.irmi.com/conferences/construction-risk-conference/horizon-award.