Carol Frederick, a recently retired cost estimator, has been honored with the prestigious Iris Award by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Tennessee. Frederick received recognition at the Build Knoxville Awards on Jan. 25, celebrating her exemplary career and contributions to the construction industry, particularly in championing the role of women.

A lifelong resident of East Tennessee, Frederick began her career in 1981 as an operations administrator at Rentenbach, a company later incorporated into The Christman Company. With her dedication and expertise, she quickly became a respected project estimator in Knoxville. Over her 40-year career, Frederick became LEED AP Certified and a Certified Professional Estimator. She has been instrumental in several key projects, significantly shaping the development of the Knoxville area, the state of Tennessee and communities across the United States.

“Carol has made a profound impact at The Christman Company,” said Marty E. Gibbs, senior vice president and general manager of Knoxville operations at The Christman Company. “Her integrity, expertise and commitment to excellence have elevated our projects and industry standards. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations within our company and the wider industry.”

Frederick’s influence extended beyond her professional achievements, serving as a role model and advocate for women in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC). Her involvement in community and charitable endeavors further demonstrated her commitment to making a positive difference.

“Receiving the Iris Award is not only a personal honor, but also a reflection of the progress we have made in empowering women in the construction industry,” Frederick said. “My career has been immensely fulfilling, and I am thankful for every opportunity to contribute to our field.”

John Ewart, executive director of the AGC of Tennessee, said, “Carol Frederick embodies the excellence and leadership that the Iris Award represents. Her remarkable achievements in the construction industry set an exemplary standard for what women can accomplish in our field. We are delighted to recognize her with this award.”