Volunteer Awards
Volunteer of the Year
Melissa Caruso of NOVA Engineering and Environmental was recognized as the 2023 DBIA Florida Region Volunteer of the Year.
Melissa took on her role as Membership Chair with enthusiasm. She has efficiently gone about welcoming and recruiting members for DBIA — going above and beyond what was expected. When a call went out for Program Committee volunteers, she threw her hat in the ring. She got actively engaged in planning a program that we have had difficulty getting established — an Owners Roadshow. That program was postponed, but her efforts were instrumental in getting that event organized.
President's MVP Award
David is a dependable and goal-oriented volunteer that always steps in and makes a difference. He has played an integral role in developing the Annual Conference by managing several of the sessions. This year he took on the role as the organization's treasurer and set about doubling the number of annual sponsors. He is always ready to take on any task and is a valued volunteer.
Fostering Collaboration Award
Tarlton "Trooper" Smith, PE, DBIA with Freese and Nichols was recognized for embracing collaboration
Trooper was recognized as a volunteer who has truly embraced collaboration. He took leadership of the Programs Committee that had been inactive. He began reaching out to DBIA Florida Region chapters and committees with a goal of developing a plan. He built a volunteer team and more than delivered. Congratulations Trooper!
Ensuring Access Award
Todd O'Donnell, DBIA of Wharton-Smith Construction received the Ensuring Access Award.
It is important for our association to make information on emerging trends, best practices, and lessons learned along the way accessible. Todd is always cognizant of the need to educate others, especially Owners about design-build. He is always the first to volunteer his time and efforts to connect Owners and members to resources. He serves on the DBIA National Progressive Design-Build task force and is a proponent for ensuring access to all Design-Build Best Practices.
Building the Future Award
DBIA looks to support the industry in attracting the next generation of design and construction professionals. Carolyn Bonaventura, DBIA was recognized with this award.
Carolyn has been a stand-out advocate for our student chapters and members. Under her leadership, we had a record number of entries in the student competition from our Region. During her time leading the committee, we also added two student chapters, one at Florida Gulf Coast University and one at the University of South Florida.
