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Jason Mordhorst Installed as 81st President of AGC San Diego

The AGC San Diego Installation Dinner, sponsored by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and CMR Risk & Insurance Services, drew over 360 guests.

Jason Mordhorst, President of Hazard Construction Engr LLC, became the 81st President of AGC San Diego Tuesday night, its fourth Hazard president in 99 years. Previous company presidents include Roscoe E. Hazard (“Pappy”) (1931), and Bruce Hazard (1947, 1961). Mordhorst succeeds Norbert Schulz of FILANC. 

Mordhorst stated in his president’s comments that his vision for 2026 would be recruiting 100 new members for 100 years, expanding AGC services (including our sponsored trusts), re-committing to workforce development through our 501(c)(3) Build San Diego Foundation, updating the three-year strategic plan to ask members what AGC can do for them, and increasing industry partnerships.

Mordhorst has served on the AGC Board of Directors for seven years. During that time, he chaired the AGC Government Relations Committee, Political Action Committee (PAC), and Membership Committee. He was an original trustee of the Vacation/Sick Pay Trust and has served on the Apprenticeship Trust since 2020. 

He’s the current chair of the Build San Diego Foundation and has served as the chairman of this board for 15 years (when it was then known as the EGCA Foundation). He chaired the Caltrans/SANDAG Liaison Committee in 2015-2016 and served as the County Liaison in 2017-2018. He also chaired the City of San Diego Liaison Committee and the Airport Authority Liaison Committee.

Bill Rogers, Executive Vice President of Hazard Construction Engr LLC, swore him in as the new president. 

Check out our event photos on our Flickr account!

Thanks also go out to our other sponsors: wine sponsor Milwaukee Tool and Glambot sponsor American Business Bank.


Over 360 Attendees at AGC San Diego Installation, Awards Program

AGC San Diego was proud to host over 360 members at our annual Installation Dinner and Member Awards at the Hilton San Diego Del Mar. 

AGC’s first keynote for this event, Garry Ridge (left), Chairman Emeritus and former CEO of WD-40, was hosted by our speaker sponsors, Griffith Company and Hazard Construction Engr LLC.

AGC also premiered its annual report video at this awards, announced by CEO Eddie Sprecco to close the quorum of the virtual annual meeting event and to provide a highlight reel of the chapter’s accomplishments in 2025.

As is typical of this most esteemed event, AGC San Diego installed its 2026 officers and board members as part of the Installation program. 

AGC Officers installed:

Mark Dowsing, Orion Construction Corporation, as Secretary/Treasurer

Wes Wise, Cass Arrieta, as Senior Vice President

Mark Weiand, Cox Construction Co., as Vice President

Other AGC Board Members installed:

Seth Belitsky, Vice President of Operations, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

Brad Kirsch, Project Director, Sundt Construction, Inc.

Mark Dowsing, President, Orion Construction Corp.

Paul Mignone, Area Operations Manager, Flatiron Dragados West LLC

Scott Massner, Operations Manager, Helix Electric

Natalie Lautner, CFO/VP, Richardson Steel

Shawn LePine, Vice President, Bergelectric Corporation

Mandy Irvine McClure, CEO, Hoop5 Networks

Rick Collette, Project Executive, Swinerton Builders

Austin Cameron, President, TC Construction Company

In addition, the following AGC members were appointed to the 2025 Executive Committee and will serve as Ex officio Members of the Board of Directors: Mike Furby, Marathon Construction Corp., and Jeff Turner, Vulcan Materials Company.

AGC member awards were also presented to individuals and companies that were actively involved in the AGC in 2025. These awards were presented by the Specialty Contractors' Council and the Affiliate Members' Council:

• Construction Industry Excellence Award: TC Construction Company 
• Construction Industry Professional Award: Chris Conte (Alliant Insurance Services)
• Construction Industry Leadership Award: Jason Mordhorst (Hazard Construction Engr LLC)
• Excellence in Marketing Award: Acme Safety & Supply Corp.
• Good Business Award: TC Construction Company
• Rookie of the Year: Mellisa Andrade (Hoop5 Networks)
• Affiliate of the Year (Company): Scholefield Construction Law
• Don McKillop Affiliate of the Year (Individual): Michael Ales (Sunbelt Rentals)
• President's Award: Bill Haithcock (Casper Company)

Right: Bill Haithcock of AGC San Diego Chapter accepts the President’s Award with newly appointed AGC San Diego President Jason Mordhorst and our title sponsors, Greg Wells of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Kyle King of CMR Risk & Insurance Services.

Check out more photos here!

Special acknowledgements were also given to our retiring boards members and committee chairs:

Retiring Board Members

Kari Kyne – Kyne Construction 

Dr. Gita Murthy – RORE, Inc.

Bill Haithcock – Casper Company 

Aaron Magdaleno – McCarthy Building Companies

Jeff Turner – Vulcan Materials Company 

Mark Filanc – FILANC (Ex-Officio in 2025)

Retiring Committee Chairs

The retiring committee chairs were recognized for their dedication and service to the AGC:


Jason Mordhorst – Hazard Construction Engr LLC: Government Relations & PAC

Wes Wise – Cass Arrieta: Membership

Linda Quindt – Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP: Meetings & Events 

Aaron Magdaleno – McCarthy Building Companies: CLC 

Brad Olson – Griffith Company: Water Authority Liaison 

Joe Buckley – Granite Construction Company: Caltrans/ SANDAG 

Marie Helkenn Cole – Erickson-Hall Construction: Safety  

Ben Morris – Foley & Lardner LLP: Build & Serve


Construction Safety Excellence Award (CSEA) Winners

Marie Helkenn Cole, Erickson-Hall Construction, AGC's 2025 Safety Committee Chair and Vice Chair Justin Dempsey, Stacy Witbeck, recognized the following firms for winning the AGC San Diego CSEAs in their respective categories (based upon hours worked):

Building Division

BNBuilders: 2,500,001-5,000,000 work hours

Construction Management Division

Barnhart-Reese Construction: 0-200,000 work hours

Harper Construction Company, Inc: 200,001-500,000 work hours

Specialty Division

Kyne Construction, Inc.: 0-250,000 work hours

Johnson, Finch & McClure Construction, Inc.: 250,001-500,000 work hours

Dynalectric Company: 500,001-1,000,000 work hours

Pacific Rim Mechanical: 1,000,001-2,500,000 work hours

Helix Electric, Inc.: 2,500,001-5,000,000 work hours

Vendor & Supplier Division

Brewer Crane & Rigging: 0-250,000 work hours

Hudson Safe-T-Lite Rentals: 250,001-500,000 work hours

Heavy Division

M Bar C Construction: 250,001-500,000 work hours

Condon-Johnson & Associates: 500,001-1,000,000 work hours

Sundt Construction, Inc.: 1,000,001-5,000,000 work hours

Utility Division

Orion Construction Corp.: 0-250,000 work hours

Spending More But Falling Further Behind

By Mike McManus, Director of Engineering Construction & Industry Relations


In November 2021, then-President Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Since then, there has certainly been an increase in spending by all levels of government. However, it feels like, due to the high level of inflation for materials and large wage increases, we are still falling behind in maintaining the state of our infrastructure. 

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the increase in spending caused by the IIJA in transportation and water infrastructure is concentrated on highway projects. For example, in 2023, the overall annual public spending on water and transportation infrastructure was as follows:


Highways - $259 billion

Transit - $95 billion

Aviation - $50 billion

Water Utilities - $173 billion

Water Res. - $41 billion

Interestingly, the annual spending on water and transportation peaked in 2002 (if one adjusts the spending to inflation). The inflation-adjusted spending in 2002 was about $630 billion. It dropped to about $550 billion in 2013 and then rebounded to $626 billion in 2023. Those figures include spending both on construction, operations, and maintenance. In the mid 1960s, the public spending on this part of the infrastructure was dominated by construction. Construction spending was twice as much as spending on operations and maintenance. That began to change in the early 2000s. It now stands at $355 billion in annual spending for operations/maintenance and $271 billion on capital improvements.

The CBO also looked at the transportation and water infrastructure construction spending as a percentage of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Surprisingly the percentage was 3.0 percent in the late 1950s. It is, as of 2023, down to 2.3 percent. It is no wonder we seem to be falling behind. 

Not only are we spending less on transportation and water infrastructure by inflation-adjusted dollars and as a percentage of our GDP. Inflation has had a huge impact on what a dollar of construction spending gets done today versus five years ago. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), materials costs have risen by 40 percent since 2020. The average hourly earnings for workers in construction have also risen by a whopping 25 percent. 

At all levels of government, we seem to be still living in the year 2020. Heavy-handed regulations, particularly in this state, have been responsible, in some cases, for driving business across the state line. Meanwhile, all levels of local and state government have continued to implement laws with more fees and taxes, or in the case of the federal government, they are just printing money, making money worth less every day.

Priorities need to be revisited if we are to maintain our economy and standard of living. Infrastructure like transportation and water are basic to having a healthy and vibrant economy. We need to prioritize our spending at all levels of government, so we truly can show that we understand the role that infrastructure plays in our economy. 

PLA PLAYBOOK
The Letter of Assent: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Fits into a Project Labor Agreement

By Adrianna Lopez, Director of Labor Relations

If you work on a public works project that is covered by a Project Labor Agreement (PLA), chances are you’ll been asked to sign a Letter of Assent. For many contractors, this document can feel intimidating, and a bit confusing, especially if they haven’t previously worked under union agreements or PLAs.

Understanding the Letter of Assent is critical. It is not just another piece of paperwork; it is the legal mechanism that binds a contractor to the terms of a PLA. 

WHAT IS A LETTER OF ASSENT?

A Letter of Assent (LOA) is a short, formal agreement signed by a contractor that confirms the contractor’s acceptance of the PLA applicable to a specific construction project.

The purpose of the Letter of Assent is to:

• Acknowledge the existence of the PLA
• Agree to comply with its terms and conditions
• Authorize labor unions to represent workers on the covered project
• Commit to using union hiring hall procedures (as outlined in the PLA)

WHY IS THE LETTER OF ASSENT NECESSARY?

It creates a binding agreement, standardizes wages and hiring practices, and streamlines union relations for a single project.

WHAT DOES A CONTRACTOR AGREE TO?

By signing a Letter of Assent, contractors agree to follow the wage rates, benefit contribution requirements, hiring hall procedures, and work rules outlined in the PLA.

LETTER OF ASSENT VS. CBA

Unlike a collective bargaining agreement, a Letter of Assent is project-specific, temporary, and automatically expires at project completion. Generally required to be on a company’s letterhead and signed by an executive, owner or legally responsible party, this form must be submitted prior to commencing work on site.

BEST PRACTICES

Contractors should review the full PLA, understand hiring and termination language, carefully prepare payroll and on-site staff for compliance, and seek labor relations guidance (like from me!) when needed. 

FINAL WHISTLE

Keep in mind that it’s important to get your union and PLA obligations in order as soon as your contract is issued. By taking these steps and following the PLA terms to a tee, contractors can ensure compliance and avoid grievances and penalties. Like it or not, PLAs are here to stay, so it’s my job to make sure you have the information and tools needed to make your PLA project a success.

Project Management Certificate Program Starting Soon! Sign Up Your Incoming Project Managers!

The demand for skilled, forward-thinking construction managers is at an all-time high. Position yourself for success by enrolling in the 2026 AGC San Diego Construction Project Management Certificate Program, a proven pathway for advancing careers in the construction industry.

Time is of the essence! This class starts in two weeks!

Designed for early-career project managers and professionals, this 26-week program delivers a comprehensive foundation in project management principles.

Gain critical know-how in project planning, scheduling, and construction management best practices. 

Now in its 21st year, this program gets all your folks speaking the same language on the job site in short order. Don't believe us? Here's what our recent grads have to say:

“I’m walking away with more confidence, stronger tools, and genuine excitement to take on the responsibilities of a Project Manager role.” - Anna Pop, T.B. Penick & Sons, 2025 Grad

REGISTER TODAY

2026 'Best In Education' Finalist - Vote and Support the AGC Apprenticeship Program

The AGC Apprenticeship Program has been named a finalist for the “Best in Education” award by the East County Chamber of Commerce. This recognition reflects the dedication, collaboration, and commitment of our entire community. By casting your vote for AGC Apprenticeship, you are helping shine a spotlight on the collective work we do to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals and leaders.

Your vote is more than a show of support—it’s a vote for workforce development, educational excellence, and the future success of our apprentices. Let’s come together to demonstrate the power and impact of our community.

Please be sure to vote by next Sunday, February 8, 2026. 

Support After-School Kids Construction Program Starting in February!

The 2026 after-school Building Tomorrow Program, in collaboration with AGC San Diego Workforce Development Committee, is about to kick off this coming month, February.

All interested industry volunteers and sponsors can support this educational and community-building initiative this month as we raise $10K to facilitate four club blocks during 2026.


Building Tomorrow is a 10-day, one-hour “club block” designed for students in grades 1-5. Through engaging and age-appropriate activities, students will be introduced to construction industry career pathways, including skilled trades and construction management roles. The program culminates in a collaborative, hands-on group project that encourages teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.

Reach out to Executive Director Ilka De León for more details or to sign up to volunteer at ideleon@buildsandiego.com. We've got about one week before we're teaching kiddos construction so get involved by January 30 to make it count!

There are still opportunities to pay for lumber, paint, fasteners/screws, tools, glue, tool belts, hard hats, safety gloves, or tape measurers! Let your name be what grades 1-5 associate with construction! Donate here!

Or, support 501(c)(3) Build San Diego Foundation's 2026 educational outreach with a general tax-deductible donation!

2026

February 5-8 - Winter Conference - Big Sky Montage - SOLD OUT

February 12 - Meet Your GC with Dempsey Construction - Dempsey HQ


Your New Year's Resolution....Join a Committee in 2026

Jan. 29 - Meetings & Events - NOON - AGC HQ - Lakeside

Feb. 4 - Safety Committee - 7:00 AM - AGC HQ - Lakeside

Feb. 11 - Build & Serve Committee - 8:00 AM - Virtual

Feb. 17 - Water Authority Liaison - 1:00 PM - AGC HQ - Lakeside

Feb.19 - H.R. Practices Committee - 11:30 AM - AGC HQ - Lakeside

Feb. 20 - Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Job Walk - 2:00 PM - Email for details

Feb. 24 - Affiliate Council - NOON - AGC HQ - Lakeside

Feb. 26 - City of San Diego -1:00 PM @ City CMFE Office (9573 Chesapeake Drive)

Feb. 27 - Construction Technology Committee - 11:00 AM - Virtual

Join now!

About Monday Morning Quarterback

AGC San Diego Chapter's Monday Morning Quarterback is a "hot off the press" and to the point Monday morning briefing on the important issues facing San Diego's construction industry. It is prepared by AGC Chief Executive Officer, Eddie Sprecco, and Vice President Government & Industry Relations, Dustin Steiner.

Please contact Eddie Sprecco or Dustin Steiner with your comments, or with information that should be conveyed to the industry through this service. Well over 3,000 individuals employed by AGC member firms are part of this system.

AGC San Diego Chapter, Inc.

The VOICE of Construction

(858) 558-7444

agcsd.org

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