Balfour Beatty Leaders Awarded at Carolinas AGC Summit 2025
Balfour Beatty proudly announced that two of its outstanding leaders, Mark Johnnie and Pete Distefano, received prestigious honors at the 2025 Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC) Summit & Expo, held in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Their recognition underscores both the company’s longstanding commitment to advancing the construction industry and the values upheld by CAGC and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)—including excellence, leadership, collaboration, and meaningful community impact.
The annual Carolinas AGC Summit & Expo is one of the region’s most prominent gatherings of contractors, industry leaders, government officials, and construction professionals. It serves as a platform to highlight innovation, leadership, and best practices across the construction sector, while also celebrating those individuals whose careers exemplify service and dedication. This year, Balfour Beatty’s presence was felt strongly as both a veteran leader and a rising young professional were recognized for their contributions.
Mark Johnnie Inducted into the CAGC Hall of Fame
One of the most significant honors of the event went to Mark Johnnie, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Balfour Beatty US Civils. Johnnie was one of only three industry leaders inducted into the CAGC Hall of Fame in 2025. The Hall of Fame award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, resilience, and vision while leaving a lasting mark on the industry and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.
Mark’s career with Balfour Beatty spans an impressive 27 years, during which he has played an instrumental role in shaping the company’s infrastructure portfolio across the United States. His early contributions included leadership on some of the most iconic bridge and infrastructure projects in the nation, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Mateo Bridge Widening, and the White Oak River Bridge. These projects not only showcased his technical expertise but also his ability to manage complex undertakings with strategic foresight and dedication to client needs.
In 2006, Mark was appointed vice president and Southeast region manager, a role in which he provided crucial leadership to project teams working on high-profile infrastructure projects. Notable achievements during this period include the Surf City Bridge Replacement, the U.S. 70 Havelock Bypass, the Maysville Bypass, the Harkers Island Bridge Replacement, and the Northeast Water Purification Plant. Each of these projects has significantly improved regional connectivity, safety, and economic development—hallmarks of the type of long-lasting impact that construction leaders aspire to deliver.
Today, as senior vice president and COO of Southeast and Southwest Infrastructure operations, Mark oversees Balfour Beatty’s growth strategies across both regions. His role extends beyond project oversight, emphasizing the cultivation of strong partnerships with clients, stakeholders, and industry collaborators. His leadership ensures that Balfour Beatty continues to be recognized as a trusted partner in delivering critical infrastructure that enhances communities and supports sustainable growth.
Mark’s contributions extend well beyond his responsibilities at Balfour Beatty. Since 2007, he has been deeply engaged with the Carolinas AGC, contributing his time, expertise, and vision to advance the construction sector. Over the years, he has served in numerous leadership capacities:
- Board Chairman (2023–2024)
- Member of the CAGC/NCDOT Structure Committee (2007–2014)
- Participant in the CAGC Joint Committee (2014–2022)
- Co-chair and chair of the CAGC Heavy Highway Division (2014–2015)
- Director at Large of the 2018 CAGC Board of Directors
- Treasurer (2020–2021) and Vice Chair (2019 and 2022) of the CAGC Executive Board of Directors
This level of involvement reflects his unwavering commitment to the broader industry and his belief in collaboration as a driver of progress.
Upon receiving his Hall of Fame induction, Mark expressed his gratitude, stating:
“I’m humbled by this recognition. It’s a reflection of the incredible teams I’ve worked with and the values we uphold at Balfour Beatty—people first, safety always, and a relentless drive to build better communities.”
Pete Distefano Named One of CAGC’s 2025 Top Young Leaders
While Mark’s recognition reflects decades of service and leadership, Balfour Beatty also celebrated the achievements of one of its rising stars. Pete Distefano, operations manager for Balfour Beatty US Civils, was named one of CAGC’s 2025 Top Young Leaders. This award, presented annually to just two professionals under the age of 45, recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and active engagement with their communities.
Pete’s career with Balfour Beatty spans more than 20 years, during which he has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a next-generation leader. Known for his ability to guide large-scale infrastructure projects to success, Pete has earned a reputation for precision, creativity, and operational excellence. His leadership has directly contributed to projects that not only meet technical requirements but also deliver measurable benefits in terms of cost efficiency, safety, and timeliness.
Among his many accomplishments, Pete played a critical role in delivering the Maysville Bypass and the Harkers Island Bridge Replacement project. His leadership on the Harkers Island Bridge project, in particular, has been widely praised—achieving substantial completion a full year ahead of schedule, a remarkable achievement in highway and bridge construction. Such results are rarely accomplished in projects of this scale and underscore his ability to manage complexity while driving innovation and efficiency.
Pete’s recognition as a Top Young Leader is also a testament to his commitment to building opportunities for others. He has actively mentored younger professionals within Balfour Beatty, fostering an environment where collaboration, learning, and leadership development thrive.
In reflecting on his recognition, Pete said:
“Being named a Top Young Leader is an honor I share with my mentors, teammates, and the communities we serve. I’m passionate about building not just infrastructure, but opportunities for others to grow and lead.”
Balfour Beatty’s Broader Impact
The dual recognition of Mark Johnnie and Pete Distefano at the 2025 CAGC Summit highlights Balfour Beatty’s broader philosophy of leadership development and industry stewardship. The company’s culture places a strong emphasis on safety, people, and community, aligning with its mission to deliver not only infrastructure but also lasting social and economic value.
Balfour Beatty has long been recognized for its ability to take on some of the nation’s most challenging and transformative infrastructure projects. From bridges and highways to water purification facilities and transit systems, the company’s portfolio demonstrates both technical excellence and a commitment to improving lives. These values are reflected in the recognition of both seasoned leaders like Mark Johnnie, who exemplify decades of service and industry advancement, and emerging leaders like Pete Distefano, who represent the future of construction leadership.
Industry Significance
The recognition of these two leaders at the Carolinas AGC Summit also underscores the importance of professional associations like CAGC and AGC of America. These organizations provide critical platforms for collaboration between contractors, state agencies, and policymakers. They serve as advocates for industry-wide best practices in safety, workforce development, and innovation—areas where leaders like Mark and Pete have consistently made contributions.
By honoring individuals who lead with vision, integrity, and impact, CAGC ensures that the construction industry remains resilient and forward-looking, even amid challenges such as workforce shortages, evolving sustainability standards, and the increasing complexity of infrastructure demands.
