Gary E. Bird Horizon Award

Sponsored by Marsh

The Gary E. Bird Horizon Award recognizes innovation in construction risk management. The award is named in honor of Gary E. Bird, a nationally known risk management expert lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Gary expanded the risk management horizon as he searched for new and innovative ways to approach the risks associated with large construction projects. Download a promotional flyer listing the prizes and benefits of the Gary E. Bird Horizon Award.

2008 Winner

The Senior Safety Team of Comfort Systems USA, Andrew D. Estrada, Rusty Buller, and Gordon Cazella, received the 2008 Gary E. Bird Horizon Award at the 28th IRMI Construction Risk Conference. Read the press release and a summary white paper of their program, "Lessons in Leadership—Creating an Accident-Free Environment by Developing Leadership Skills for Front Line Supervisors.

Mission Statement

To promote the awareness of innovative risk management techniques, processes and techniques that are cost-efficient and effective in the construction industry. The identification and communication of these best practices will assist others in the risk management community to review and develop their own best practices.

Prizes and Benefits

  • First qualified submission receives a complimentary registration to the Conference (worth approx. $1,500), which can be used for the current year's Conference or the following year

  • Winner receives roundtrip coach airfare, free hotel accommodations during the Conference, complimentary registration, and an elegant award for office display

  • Winner and finalists recognized at a special Wednesday Luncheon during the Conference attended by over 1,000 industry leaders

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Eligibility

The award is open to all full-time business professionals charged with managing construction risks for their employers (including but not limited to risk managers, chief financial officers, safety managers, loss control specialists, claim managers, and risk management teams). Nominees must have been in their current positions at least 3 years at the time of application for the award and have been involved in the development of a construction-oriented risk management technique, process, or program that is innovative, cost-efficient, and effective. Nonprofit construction industry trade groups are also eligible based on their development of innovative techniques, processes, or programs for implementation by their members.

The award is presented to one representative of the winning company or team. In the event the award is a joint submission from multiple unrelated companies, no more than two individuals will receive the award.

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Industry Notification

In order to help us get the word out to the industry about the importance of risk management innovation, candidates are asked to grant IRMI the right to notify the industry about the winning technique, process, or program. Industry notifications, subject to the winner's approval, would include:

  • Press release to industry publications
  • Announcements on IRMI.com and in our e-mail newsletter, IRMI Update
  • Summary or detailed description of the winning technique, process, or program available on IRMI.com

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Previous Winners

Read about the innovative programs of past winners of the award here.

Submission Process

To learn more about the award submission process, how to prequalify a candidate, and to download a submission packet click on the topics below:

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