2026 Champions of Construction Recipients
Celebrating Excellence in Construction Leadership
The 2026 Champions of Construction Awards, presented by the NEW Construction Alliance, recognize outstanding individuals who are making a lasting impact in the construction industry across Northeast Wisconsin. These award recipients exemplify excellence in leadership, innovation, workforce development, and community engagement. Each honoree was nominated by their peers and selected for their contributions to advancing the industry and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.
Below, you’ll find this year’s Champions of Construction—leaders who are building a stronger future for our region. Learn more about each winner, their achievements, and the award criteria that earned them this recognition.
Machaela Mader
Miron Construction
Machaela Mader is a standout member of Miron’s Virtual Construction department, known for her dedication, creativity, and positive attitude. She consistently approaches each project with a proactive mindset, tackling challenges with resourcefulness and delivering results that exceed expectations. A recent highlight includes her design of two conference rooms for Tyson Foods, which were praised by the owner’s representative and approved to move forward. Beyond her technical skills, Machaela’s cheerful demeanor, eagerness to learn, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable part of the team and a rising talent in the field.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the construction trades?
Something that inspired me to purse a career in construction trades is just being able to watch my work go from a screen to something in the real world.
What was your first job in the construction industry?
My first job in the construction industry was/is a Youth Apprenticeship at Miron Construction.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work so far?
The most rewarding part of my job so far is being able to start a project of my very own and get to see it turn into something in the real world. My work that I thought/designed all with my own thinking was made into something that people in the future are going to use daily, it makes me feel so accomplished.
Can you share a project, moment, or mentor that had a big impact on your career?
My mentor, Kacie Hokanson, has had such a huge impact on where I am today. I couldn’t thank her enough for being with me from the very beginning, from when I was just learning about what virtual construction was during a school career planning day, to now when she’s giving me projects like redesigning the conference rooms at Tyson Foods and other amazing opportunities. She is and has been my biggest supporter.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the trades?
Advice I would give someone who is just starting out in the trades would be don’t be scared to ask questions. Everyone that is in the trades has been were you are the best way to learn or get better at something is to ask those with experience. Make sure to take notes on what you learn!
What does it mean to you to receive this award?
I am truly honored to be considered to receive this award. Being recognized in this way makes me feel so seen for all of the work I have done and the efforts I have made to be able to reach this point.
