BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Oct. 12, 2023) — Construction Business Owner (CBO), the leading business magazine for contractors, is pleased to announce the eight finalists of its Outstanding Women in Construction (OWIC) 2023 honor.

OWIC was designed to recognize industry-leading females and their skills, achievements and contributions to the construction industry. The eight finalists selected for OWIC 2023 are:

  • Susan Bouthillette, Project Manager, Washington, Anderson Construction
  • Kerri Brady, Vice President of Educational Practice, Huckabee
  • Debra Harris, Supervisor, C&D Hughes Inc.
  • Kimberly Luitjohan, Founder & President, Poettker Industrial Services
  • Virginia Murphy, CEO, Waste Water Industrial Solutions
  • Estefania Roa, President & Owner, L.B. Hall Enterprises Inc. & Founder of Hola Happy Foundation
  • Jackie Rowland, CEO/President, Russell Rowland Inc.
  • Kassy Slaughter, Head of Construction Education, Procore

These finalists will be recognized in a special section in CBO’s November 2023 print edition and on constructionbusinessowner.com throughout the months of November and December. OWIC 2023 received nearly 100 nominations from the colleagues, coworkers, friends and spouses of outstanding women in every corner of the construction industry.

“Picking up the torch of a recognition program like OWIC has quickly become an exciting part of this new position,” said Megan Beam, editor of CBO. “The stories that these remarkable women have to tell are worth the emphasis of this issue. Their vision and care for the future of the construction industry far surpasses the confines of their titles or roles. Hearing from each of them is so hopeful.”

OWIC 2023 is made possible through the support of its sponsors, who recognize the importance of promoting equality and supporting women in the industry. OWIC 2023 is sponsored by:

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Nominations for OWIC 2023 opened Aug. 18 and closed Sept. 15., and had no age limitations, but required that nominees must:

  • Be female
  • Work in construction (general contracting, subcontracting, specialty trades and others allied to the field) in the United States
  • Be respected by industry peers, leaders and clients
  • Show outstanding leadership and management skills
  • Make outstanding contributions to their company, industry and/or community