Al Mathews Award

 

 

 

Each year, the DRBF is proud to recognize a champion from our dispute resolution community with the Al Mathews Award for Dispute Board Excellence. The award is given to one or more recipients who have given exemplary service in advancing the use of Dispute Board concepts and the Dispute Resolution Board Foundation.

 

Who Was Al Mathews?

In 1972, the U.S. National Committee on Tunneling Technology sponsored a study of contracting practices through the world to develop recommendations for improved contracting methods in the United States. 

Al Mathews, a construction engineering consultant, was Chairman of the Standing Committee. The study results were published in the 1974 report Better Contracting for Underground Construction. The publication became a catalyst for change and many consulting engineers and project owners adopted its recommendations.

In 1975, Al Mathews served on the first Dispute Review Board for the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70 in Colorado. Other successful DRBs followed, and soon new sectors of the construction industry began to recognize the unique features of DRBs for avoiding and resolving disputes, and the process expanded worldwide.

 

Congratulations to the 2025 award recipient!

Al Mathews Award Recipient
Simon Fegen
2025

 Past Award Winners

2025Simon Fegen
2024Ann Russo
2023Chris Miers
2022Sarwono Hardjomuljadi
Thomas Peterson
2021Geoff Smith
2020Kurt Dettman
2019Andy Griffiths
Alan McLennan
2018Dan Meyer
2017Doug Holen
2016James Perry
2015Graham Easton
2014Roger Brown
Ronald Finlay
2013Volker Jurowich
2012James Brady
Toshihiko Omoto
2011Graeme Peck
2010Gwyn Owen
Robert Rubin
2009Richard Appuhn
Jack Feller
2008Romano Allione
Harold V. McKittrick
2007William B. Baker
2006John Nichols
Peter H.J. Chapman
2005Gordon L. Jaynes
2004Jim Donaldson
Pete Douglass
Carlos Ospina
Steve Fox
2003Jimmy Lairscey
2002Robert Matyas
Robert Smith
Joe Sperry
2001Al Mathews