The Asphalt Institute has announced the recipients of its 2026 Distinguished Service Award, Pete Grass Leadership Award and Roll of Honor.
The honorees will be recognized during the Asphalt Institute Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 2, 2026 as part of the 2026 Asphalt Institute Annual Meeting, Nov. 30-Dec. 3, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Fla.
Registration for the 2026 Annual Meeting is now open at asphaltinstitute.org. Online registration closes Friday, Nov. 27.
The 2026 award recipients are:
• Tim O'Connell, pavement preservation technical support, Ingevity — Distinguished Service Award
• Kevin McGlumphy, P.E., MBA, vice president of technical services and field engineering, Associated Asphalt, An Ergon Company — Pete Grass Leadership Award
• Dr. Mark Buncher, PhD, P.E., vice president of engineering, Asphalt Institute — Roll of Honor
"Each of this year's award recipients has made significant contributions to the asphalt industry and to the work of the Asphalt Institute," said Reed Ryan, president of the Asphalt Institute. "These awards recognize their years of service, leadership and technical contributions, and we look forward to honoring them at our Annual Awards Dinner in December."
The Asphalt Institute Distinguished Service Award recognizes leadership and significant contributions to the asphalt industry and is typically presented as a capstone to a distinguished career. With more than 40 years in the asphalt industry, Tim O'Connell has extensive experience in asphalt emulsions, polymer-modified asphalt and terminal formulation. He has contributed to industry technical work and knowledge-sharing throughout his career.
The Pete Grass Leadership Award honors current industry leaders who are making a difference in the asphalt industry today. With more than 20 years in the asphalt industry, Kevin McGlumphy has held leadership roles with the Asphalt Institute, the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association and the Transportation Research Board. As the current chair of the Asphalt Institute Foundation board, he supports research, education and the next generation of industry professionals.
The Roll of Honor is the Asphalt Institute's highest level of award recognition and is typically granted as the capstone of a recipient's career. Over 28 years with the Asphalt Institute, Mark Buncher has led the regional engineering team, managed rewrites of technical manuals and developed and taught inspector certification courses. His research on airfield rubblization and highway specifications for airport pavements was incorporated into Federal Aviation Administration standards and design guidance.
The four-day annual meeting brings together Asphalt Institute members and industry partners for committee meetings, educational sessions and networking. Program highlights include “AI: Where the Asphalt Institute Meets Artificial Intelligence,” a session on what industry leaders need to know about artificial intelligence and “Foundations in Asphalt Roofing,” hosted by the Roofing Technical Advisory Committee.
The Asphalt Institute Foundation Golf Scramble at Saltleaf Golf Preserve will also take place Dec. 2, 2026 with proceeds supporting the foundation's research and educational activities.
