Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) proudly recognized Superintendents Ben Cozzi & Matt Blankenship as the recipients of the 2026 Founders Awards.
Neil T. Coakley and Fred G. Williams
Named in honor of company founders Neil T. Coakley and Fred G. Williams, the Founders Awards are among CWC's most meaningful employee recognitions. The peer-nominated awards celebrate individuals who carry forward the values on which the company was built, demonstrated not only through the work they do, but through how they treat others and contribute to CWC's success.
This year's recipients were recognized for different contributions, but their nominations shared a common theme: both make a lasting difference in the people around them.
Ben Cozzi: Always Finding Ways to Give More
Ben Cozzi's commitment to CWC extends far beyond the projects he manages as a Superintendent. Whether he's checking on a jobsite over the weekend ahead of bad weather or covering a shift so a teammate can take time off, Ben consistently finds ways to support others.
One colleague described him as someone who is "never asking for an easier day but rather wanting more."
That willingness to contribute extends well beyond the jobsite. Through the ACE Mentor Program, Ben introduces high school students to careers in the construction industry and creates opportunities for them to experience it firsthand. He organized a semester-long project challenging students to develop a plan for an unused site on Kent Island and arranged a tour of CWC's Long Bridge Aquatics Center project to bring their classroom learning to life.
Ben also represents CWC at college recruiting events, mentors interns and younger employees, and contributes his field expertise to Preconstruction pursuits.
What stood out across his nominations wasn't simply how much Ben does. It was why he does it. His colleagues consistently described someone who genuinely cares about helping others succeed and who willingly gives his time to make CWC better.
Matt Blankenship: Leading Through Trust and Respect
Matt Blankenship has earned the respect of his colleagues through his construction expertise and steady leadership. Known for his calm, thoughtful approach to challenging situations, Matt helps teams navigate complex issues with confidence and earns trust through the way he communicates and works with others.
His leadership is equally evident in how he works with trade partners. During morning huddles, Matt creates space for foremen to raise concerns and work through challenges together. He listens, holds people accountable, and has earned their respect by treating them fairly.
For younger employees, Matt is also a trusted mentor. Several colleagues described how comfortable they feel coming to him with questions and how much they've learned from his patience and willingness to share his knowledge.
One nominator captured his impact especially well, describing Matt as someone who "lifts up all those around him and allows his team to flourish."
Matt doesn't need to be the loudest person in the room to lead. His influence comes from the confidence he inspires in others and the example he sets every day.
Carrying Forward Our Founders' Legacy
The Founders Awards recognize something that can't be measured by a project's size or success alone. They celebrate the people whose everyday actions reflect the values that have shaped CWC from the beginning.
Ben and Matt exemplify that legacy in their own ways, and we're proud to recognize the difference they're making across our company and in the lives of those around them.
Congratulations, Ben and Matt, on this well-deserved honor!
