F.H. Paschen Names Superintendent Nick Johnson The 2026 “Johnny B. Safety Award” Winner

CHICAGO, IL — National infrastructure builder F.H. Paschen announced today that Superintendent Nick Johnson has received the 2026 Johnny B. Safety Award. The announcement was made during the company’s annual safety picnic, held as part of Safety Week celebrations at headquarters and field offices.

The award, established in 2018, honors the memory of former employee John “Johnny B.” Barkowski. It recognizes employees who lead jobsite crews with a proactive focus on safety while maintaining the company’s quality control standards.

A 20-year veteran of the company, Johnson joined F.H. Paschen in 2006 as a carpenter foreman and was promoted to superintendent last year. Over his career, he has worked on major infrastructure projects, including a challenging assignment at Muddy River and a leadership role on the Mile Long Bridge project as part of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) reconstruction in Illinois.

He currently oversees the grade separation project at O’Hare International Airport. Colleagues who nominated Johnson highlighted that his leadership is reflected in his daily actions on the jobsite and his commitment to ensuring every crew member works safely.

“Nick is the kind of leader who doesn't need a microphone to make an impact. He earned this recognition through twenty years of showing up and putting the safety of his crews first,” said Dennis Kelso, General Superintendent at F.H. Paschen and one of the colleagues who nominated Johnson.

The Johnny B. Safety Award is a core part of the company’s safety culture. To be eligible, employees must excel in executing the company’s safety and quality control approach, lead crews with a proactive safety focus, and carry forward the legacy of John Barkowski.

The firm reported an Experience Modification Rating of 0.70 for the 2025/2026 period, which is significantly better than the construction industry average. This performance is supported by weekly safety committee reviews and daily Job Hazard Analysis conducted by field crews.

Johnson joins a group of past recipients, including:

• 2018: Jeremy Roach
• 2019: Jason Pope
• 2020: Jason Cox
• 2021: Brian Dowdle
• 2022: Steve Hayes
• 2023: Travis Manteufel and Rick Bartelt
• 2024: Steve Boudreau
• 2025: Vicki Caruso
• 2026: Nick Johnson

“This annual award is a visible part of a much larger safety culture that we practice every single day at F.H. Paschen,” said Marcus LuMaye, Vice President of Safety and Quality at F.H. Paschen. “While we take this moment to recognize Nick’s leadership, our focus remains on the practical habits and operational standards that protect our teams every day.”

F.H. Paschen is a general contractor and construction manager with operations spanning from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast. The company focuses on infrastructure projects and uses cloud-based systems to track safety audit data and tailor workforce training.

To learn more about F.H. Paschen’s commitment to safety and quality control, click here.

Originally reported by F.H. Paschen.