WASHINGTON, May 19—Associated Builders and Contractors today announced Ron Cayton, general superintendent, Gaylor Electric, Charlotte, North Carolina, was named the 2020 Craft Professional of the Year. Cayton will be honored during the Careers in Construction Awards at ABC Convention 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee, on Aug. 19.

ABC presents the annual Craft Professional of the Year award to a construction craft professional who excels in his or her field while also demonstrating a commitment to safety, education and the merit shop philosophy.

“Ron’s level of expertise when it comes to executing large-scale projects with a focus on safety, mentorship, quality and production is unmatched,” said 2020 ABC National Chair Tim Keating, owner and president of R.C. Stevens Construction Co., Winter Garden, Florida. “With more than three decades in the construction field, Ron is consistently raising the bar on excellence in the construction sector and as a seasoned superintendent, clearly inspires his workforce to do the same. It’s an honor to recognize Ron for his contributions to our industry.”

With nearly 35 years of experience in the construction sector, Cayton currently leads a crew of 65 field supervisors and more than 450 electrical craft professionals on a large data center project. In this role, Cayton is also responsible for site-specific safety planning, new hire safety orientation and daily toolbox talks. He also helped lead a company-wide safety campaign created to promote safety hazard awareness last year. 

Cayton is committed to advancing workforce development and inclusion in construction. He presents to younger generations about careers in construction and mentors those typically underrepresented in the construction workforce. Cayton also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, hurricane relief efforts and local nonprofits, providing pro bono electrical and repair work.

As Craft Professional of the Year, Cayton received a $10,000 cash prize from co-sponsors NCCER, the training, assessment, certification and career development standard for the construction industry, and Tradesmen International, North America’s premier craft professional staffing resource. Cayton will also be profiled in the October issue of Construction Executive magazine.