NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association honored a distinguished group of leaders for their contributions to the organization and industry on Wednesday. The following honorees were presented their awards at the NATE UNITE 2024 Awards Recognition Luncheon sponsored by DISH Wireless in Memphis, Tennessee:
Bill Carlson Lifetime Service Award
Gordon Lyman (eSystem Training Solutions)
Gordon ‘godfather’ Lyman, left, was presented with the Bill Carlson Lifetime Service Award by NATE Chairman Victor Drouin.
Gordon Lyman has over 55 years of experience in all phases of the telecom industry, from rigging and installation worldwide to management and ownership. For the past 25 years, he has focused his efforts specifically on creating safety training and writing industry standards, leading some in the industry to call him the “godfather” of tower safety.
In addition to his current duties as CEO of eSystem Training Solutions, Gordon has dedicated much of his time to developing new regulations and standards for the telecom industry involving OSHA, ANSI, TIA, CSA, NWSA, NATE, and STAC. He is the chairman of the ANSI A10.48 Telecommunications Standard Committee and is responsible for working with the TIA 322 Engineering Standard to ensure the two standards run in parallel. Gordon is also a former member of the NATE Board of Directors and the past chairman of the NATE OSHA Relations Committee.
For all his hard work and wisdom, Gordon was previously honored with the first NATE Distinguished Service Award in 2014 for having had the most effect on industry change and was also honored in Canada for the first-ever STAC Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless dedication to the industry.
Distinguished Service Award
This notable award recognizes past or present standing committee members who have demonstrated direct and individual contributions to the mission of NATE and whose performance has proven so exceptional that it profoundly affects the success of the Association.
Beau Aero (GME Supply Co)
Jeremy Buckles (SBA Communications Corporation)
Kenneth Hill (Crown Castle)
Therese O’Brien (TESSCO Technologies)
Chairman’s Coin Awards
The Chairman’s Coin is a prestigious award, chosen by the NATE Chairman, recognizing individuals who have provided excellent dedication and service to the mission of NATE and to encourage continued involvement.
Lawrence Behr (LBA University)
Bruce Eades (Insurance Office of America)
Bill Griswold (Licensed Design Professional)
Loui McCurley (Pigeon Mountain Industries, Inc.)
Outstanding Heights Awards
This award is presented to individuals who have worked in the communications infrastructure industry for at least 20 years. Retired individuals are eligible. Nominees must exhibit long-term commitment and dedication to their work in the industry that has proven to be truly outstanding.
Barry Baird (Warriors4Wireless)
Kevin Gadsby (Tower Systems, Inc.)
David Sams (SBA Communications Corporation)
David Sykes (Green Mountain Communications, Inc.)
John Vittum (Green Mountain Communications, Inc.)
Legislative Champion of the Year Award
U.S. Representative John Joyce (PA – 13th District)
Regulatory Champion of the Year Award
Doug Kalinowski (OSHA Directorate of State and Cooperative Programs)
“On behalf of NATE’s 1,060 member companies, we offer our congratulations to all of today’s award recipients, said NATE Chairman Victor Drouin from Pembroke, New Hampshire. “The annual NATE Awards Luncheon allows the Association to continue legacy building by honoring the dedicated men and women who have helped the Association grow and ultimately served to advance safety and professionalism in the industry,” added Drouin.