2020 Emerging Professional Award of Excellence

The Construction Owners Association of America (COAA) awarded the 2020 Emerging Professional (EP) Award of Excellence virtually on November 13 during the second day of the organization’s fall conference. The award was created to recognize those early in their careers demonstrating leadership, skill, strategy, knowledge, and other qualities positioning them for continued success throughout their careers.

The 2020 award was presented to Clinton “Brooks” Herman, CEFP, PMP - a Sr. Facilities Project Manager, at UTHealth in Houston (TX).  Brooks became involved with COAA in 2017, during his first year at UTHealth, becoming quickly engaged in almost everything the organization had to offer. He has assumed progressively increasing responsibility in his positions with the Texas chapter beginning as a volunteer, then the Chapter’s EP liaison, and currently Vice-President.

His nomination included the following recognition, "Brooks possesses the ultimate “can do attitude” while on all tasks with a positive energy and smile. His upbeat personality, knowledge, and dedication enable him to lead teams comprised of clients, engineers, architects, contractors and internal stakeholders."

In addition to recognizing the winner, Stuart Cullen, Chair of the EP Award of Excellence selection team, also acknowledged the COAA staff, Board of Directors, chapter leaders and mentors that have supported and developed the Emerging Professional program within COAA. Shawn Kelly with the University of North Carolina, Charlotte was specifically recognized for his efforts and passion for engaging these young leaders and organizing the committee within COAA.