SEAA Honors Carrie Gulajan with William Davis Service Award

Association's Highest Honor Recognizes Decades of Leadership and Service to the Steel Construction Industry

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) has selected Carrie Gulajan, President of Construction Insurance Agency, Inc., Manassas, Virginia, as the recipient of the William Davis Service Award. She received the award during the President’s Dinner at the 2026 Convention & Trade Show in May in Kansas City, Missouri.

The award is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to advancing the industry through service, leadership, and dedication. It is not presented annually, but only when a recipient's contributions merit this distinguished honor.

Gulajan’s contributions to SEAA span decades, from supporting safety and training initiatives early in her career to serving on the Board of Directors since 2011. A driving force behind many of the association’s programs and events, she has devoted countless hours to planning conventions, golf tournaments, and fundraisers as Chair of the Events Committee, while also helping guide SEAA’s long-term vision through service on the Strategic Planning and Finance Committees.

Currently serving as President-Elect and slated to become SEAA President in 2028, Gulajan’s dedication has previously been recognized by the association. In 2015, she became the first woman to receive SEAA’s Person of the Year award, and likewise, is the first woman to achieve the William Davis Service Award.

Even before joining the Board, she was contributing her expertise to SEAA safety and training initiatives, establishing a pattern of service that continues today. Her professional background includes experience in construction safety and risk management and specialty insurance services for contractors.

SEAA leaders noted that Gulajan’s impact extends well beyond committee meetings and events. Her willingness to mentor others, solve problems, and contribute wherever needed has made her a trusted resource and respected leader within the association.

“Carrie’s commitment to SEAA and the industry is beyond compare,” said Stephen Burkholder, former SEAA President and current Board member.

“For decades, she has invested her time, expertise, and energy into making this association stronger. She is deeply knowledgeable about the steel construction industry and risk management, but what truly sets her apart is her personal approach. Carrie believes in relationships. She takes the time to have real conversations and share practical guidance that makes companies safer and more successful. She is caring, resourceful, and always willing to step up when something needs to be done.”

In addition to presenting the William Davis Service Award, SEAA recognized Drew Heron, Director of Deem Structural Services, and Jason McElrath, President of MP Specialty Insurance, as co-recipients of the 2026 Eddie Award, which honors outstanding leadership, dedicated service, and commitment to the association's mission and values.