2026 Project Manager of the Year Finalists
Mark Gallagher - BMD Group
Mark Gallagher is a highly accomplished project manager with more than 26 years’ experience delivering complex public infrastructure, including the landmark Molonglo River
Bridge project. He provides exceptional stakeholder service by aligning government, regulator, workforce and community priorities through disciplined planning, transparent reporting and early issue resolution. Mark’s deep engineering expertise, ethical leadership and commitment to best‑practice safety, environmental and commercial outcomes consistently deliver high‑confidence results for clients and project teams.
Darren Marks - Lendlease Construction
Darren Marks led the Australian War Memorial Package 3 works with a structured, no‑surprises approach that ensured alignment across design, procurement and construction in a fully operational heritage environment. Through early planning, disciplined sequencing and collaborative leadership, he delivered complex gallery, atrium and exhibition interfaces safely and to a high architectural standard. Darren’s
ethical, detail‑driven project management and leader‑leader mentoring style set a strong benchmark for best‑practice delivery.
Bodo Hinz - ARC Architectural Roofing and Wall Cladding
Bodo Hinz is a highly respected project manager and German Master Spengler whose technical mastery and problem‑solving skills underpin the delivery of complex architectural roofing and cladding works. With more than two decades of experience, he is trusted by engineers, architects and builders to resolve challenging design and construction issues with precision and integrity. Bodo’s hands‑on leadership, meticulous standards and honest stakeholder engagement consistently deliver high‑quality outcomes on time and on budget.
David Speering - Joss Construction
David Speering is an experienced project manager whose nearly 40‑year career is defined by ethical leadership, deep technical knowledge and a people‑centred approach to delivery. On projects such as Garran Primary School, he integrated sustainability, design management and inclusive site practices to achieve outstanding educational and community outcomes. David’s calm authority, transparency and commitment to mentoring have made him a trusted leader and a positive force within the construction industry.
Hugo Villano - Geocon Constructors ACT
Hugo Villano is a project manager whose rapid career progression reflects strong technical
capability, accountability and collaborative leadership. He successfully delivered The Grande, a $121M mixed‑use development in Canberra’s CBD, by managing complex stakeholder, logistics and procurement challenges through clear communication and solution‑focused thinking. Hugo’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, mentorship and ethical decision‑making promotes best practice and consistently high‑performing project teams.
Michael Grace - Manteena
Michael Grace is a highly experienced project manager at Manteena, recognised for his calm, methodical leadership and strong alignment with client and stakeholder needs.
With more than 20 years’ industry experience, he delivers complex projects by combining early risk identification, collaborative problem‑solving and a focus on long‑term building performance. Michael’s integrity, transparency and fairness in decision‑making have earned him deep trust across clients, consultants and subcontractors.