Gary Abbott, retired Executive Vice President of the Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire (AGC NH), has been named as the recipient of the Twenty-Ninth annual New Hampshire Construction Industry Ethics Award. The award honors the “individual, business, or organization that, through words and deeds, best demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in construction.” Gary will be presented with this prestigious recognition at the Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire Awards Dinner scheduled to take place on May 29, 2025, at the Derryfield Country Club, Manchester, NH.
A native of Concord, New Hampshire, Gary laid the foundation for his career with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, specializing in Accounting, from Franklin Pierce College. After gaining valuable experience at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of NH, he found his true calling at AGC NH, where he dedicated over four decades. During his extensive tenure, Gary helped shape New Hampshire’s commercial construction landscape and transformed AGC NH into a highly regarded organization representing the interests of general contractors, subcontractors, equipment dealers, and suppliers. His expertise in government relations enabled him to collaborate with state agencies and legislative leaders to craft policies that strengthened New Hampshire’s construction sector. Through his leadership, AGC NH evolved into a comprehensive trade organization that not only advocates for its members but also promotes sound business practices across the industry.
The breadth of his influence was celebrated at his retirement celebration in May 2024 at the Grappone Center in Concord. Governor Chris Sununu joined over 100 industry leaders, colleagues, and friends to honor Gary’s contributions. The evening featured multiple recognitions, including a gubernatorial commendation, an AGC of America distinguished service plaque, and a special award from the NH DOT Highway Specifications Committee.
Gary’s reputation in the NH Construction Industry truly needs no introduction. A year after his retirement as Executive Vice President of ACG NH, the supporting nomination letters received by our committee overwhelmingly reflected the echoes of then Governor Sununu’s commendation. Adam Bates, of Weaver Brothers Construction Company, one of New Hampshire’s leading and premier road and earthwork contractors in Bow, NH, captured this widespread admiration: “Although I wish him the best in retirement, I know I don’t stand alone in saying that he will be truly missed. There are many hard-working individuals in this industry, but I cannot name one person who has devoted themselves to the overall wellbeing and success of all aspects of construction in New Hampshire like Gary Abbott has throughout his career.” Adam continues, “He was a tremendous asset for all of AGC NH’s membership, whether it be from his countless hours lobbying for us in Concord, or by taking the time to actually understand and methodically resolve issues brought by members.” Forty-one years of service and leadership will garner this sort of resounding appreciation, especially when exemplified by consistent demonstration of doing what is right for the people and businesses of New Hampshire.
In addition to a nice commemorative plaque, the award carries with it a $2,000 donation to the recipient’s charity of choice. Gary has chosen to donate to the NH Good Roads Association Scholarship Programs which include the William Weaver Memorial Scholarship, the Roger Provost Memorial Scholarship, and the NHGR Construction Scholarship.
The New Hampshire Construction Industry Ethics Award was established and is underwritten by David W. Wood, a former nationally recognized writer, publisher, and marketing consultant specializing in the construction industry. His newsletter, Words from Woody, won 25 awards, including being a three-time recipient of the Construction Writers Association’s prestigious T. Randolph Russell Award. In 2005, Wood was presented with the Silver Hard Hat, that organization’s highest honor. In 2018, Plan NH, an organization based out of Portsmouth, NH, took over the leadership and heralding of this prestigious award.
Gary Abbott joins a long list of esteemed awardees including Rob Prunier of Harevy Construction, State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey, and others. For more about Gary Abbott and the program, see the full press release here.
