O&G Industries proudly joined colleagues from across Connecticut’s construction community at the AGCCT Annual Industry Recognition Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 9, celebrating individuals who exemplify the ideals of skill, responsibility, and integrity in our industry.
This year’s event highlighted O&G’s long-standing commitment to excellence and collaboration, with several team members and project partners receiving well-deserved recognition.
Aaron Mednick — General Contractor/Construction Manager of the Year
With nearly 45 years in the construction industry, Aaron Mednick, Vice President and Group Leader for O&G’s Building Group, has built a career defined by leadership, mentorship, and continuous improvement
Since joining O&G in 1995, Aaron has guided teams that have delivered more than $3.5 billion in projects across education, healthcare, municipal, and industrial markets.
Under his leadership, the Building Group has grown significantly and developed specialized divisions such as the Program Management and Special Projects groups. Aaron’s vision has also strengthened O&G’s intern program; interviewing, mentoring, and hiring emerging professionals who continue to build their careers at O&G.
A former president of AGC Connecticut and a respected voice in industry organizations and university advisory boards, Aaron embodies the leadership, integrity, and dedication celebrated by the award.
Dan Hetzler — Project Manager of the Year
Dan Hetzler, a Project Manager with over 30 years in construction and more than two decades at O&G, is known for leading complex projects with technical excellence, fairness, and empathy.
His recent work on the $185 million Torrington Middle/High School project showcased his ability to manage operations on an active school campus while maintaining safety, collaboration, and community engagement.
Dan’s leadership extends beyond logistics, he’s a mentor who believes success comes from teamwork and shared accountability. Through the O&G Builds program, he connected Torrington students with hands-on learning experiences in construction and design, inspiring the next generation of builders. His integrity, optimism, and people-first approach make him a model for what the Project Manager of the Year Award represents.
Kemp Morhardt — Designer of the Year
As Principal and Architect at The S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM), Kemp Morhardt, AIA has dedicated his career to designing educational spaces that blend innovation with community identity.
His leadership on the Torrington Middle/High School project created a once-in-a-generation learning environment that honors the city’s industrial heritage while embracing modern, flexible, and inclusive design.
Kemp’s approach to design balances creativity, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility. By reusing existing structures and securing energy efficiency incentives, his team achieved both environmental and financial goals. Through challenges like pandemic-era enrollment shifts and complex site conditions, Kemp’s integrity and collaborative spirit kept the project on track, earning him recognition as a leader who designs not just for today, but for generations to come.
Ed Arum — Public Project Owner of the Year
For more than 50 years, Ed Arum, President of Arum & Associates LLC, has set the standard for transparency, stewardship, and community engagement in Connecticut’s public education sector.
As co-chair of the Torrington Middle/High School project, Ed ensured that every voice—from students to city leaders—was heard and respected.
He is celebrated for turning complex municipal projects into models of openness and accountability, holding monthly public meetings, managing budgets with precision, and fostering trust at every level. A lifelong educator and former school administrator, Ed has helped shape dozens of districts through sound financial planning and thoughtful construction oversight. His leadership exemplifies how public owners can elevate both process and outcome through collaboration and integrity.
Brian Pracuta — Finalist, Supervisor of the Year
With over 40 years in the industry and more than 20 at O&G, Brian Pracuta brings unmatched expertise and calm leadership to every jobsite.
As Superintendent for the Torrington Middle/High School project, he maintained safety and morale on a complex, active campus, ensuring that school operations continued seamlessly during construction.
Brian’s commitment to teamwork and safety has made him a mentor to countless emerging superintendents and trade leaders. His ability to anticipate challenges, communicate clearly, and foster collaboration has earned him deep respect across the industry. From K–12 schools to major institutional projects like the renovation of Yale Bowl, Brian’s career reflects the steady integrity and craftsmanship that define O&G’s legacy.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
These recognitions reflect more than individual achievement, they highlight the collaboration, trust, and shared purpose that define O&G’s work. The success of the Torrington Middle/High School project, represented across multiple award categories, demonstrates the strength of partnerships between designers, builders, and public leaders.
Congratulations to all award recipients and finalists. Your leadership continues to shape the future of Connecticut’s built environment and exemplify O&G’s core values of skill, responsibility, and integrity.
Pictured in photo, from left to right: Dan Hetzler, Project Manager of the Year; Ed Arum, Public Project Owner of the Year; Brian Pracuta, Finalist – Superintendent of the Year; Kemp Morhardt, Designer of the Year; Jason Travelstead, Executive VP, O&G – accepting Aaron Mednick’s award in his absence.
