The National Utility Contractors Association wrapped up its 2026 National Convention in Tucson, Arizona, in mid-February with the second annual National Equipment Operator Championship. This exciting competition showcased the precision, skill and talent of the industry's top equipment operators while raising awareness about the specialized expertise required in underground utility construction and related fields.
"By showcasing real-world skills and inviting young adults from Goodwill's and Stay Positive Safety Solutions’ reentry program to participate, the NEOC helps build awareness of the rewarding careers in underground construction while addressing workforce needs through practical, exciting and safe introductions to the trades,” says Ed DeNeale, vice president of safety and education at NUCA.
Sponsored by NUCA national partner U.S. Pipe, the NEOC awarded a top prize of $5,000 along with national bragging rights. Competitors tackled hands-on challenges using two mini-excavators and a backhoe, including cornhole, mini-golf putting and "don’t scramble the eggs" — each demanding expert control and real-world proficiency in operating heavy machinery for complex construction projects.
The winners of the 2026 NEOC were: First place, Aaron Rodriguez; second place, Victor Pianka; and third place, Juan Tolano.
A special feature of this year's event was the participation of approximately 20 participants from Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona's Young Adult Reentry Program (also known as Project Restore). These justice-involved young adults (ages 18-24) visited the NEOC to experience the industry's challenges firsthand, operating equipment under supervision.
The initiative drew interest from Arizona lawmakers for its potential to launch careers in a high-demand field. Representatives from two Arizona lawmakers’ offices — Marisol Flores-Aguirre, chief of staff to Rep. Adelita Grijalva, and Michael Pineda, field representative with Rep. Juan Ciscomani — attended to observe the eager participants and support these workforce goals.
The event was coordinated by the NUCA National and the Arizona Chapter of NUCA. Both industry organizations organized the collaboration among NUCA member suppliers Caterpillar, John Deere (along with their local distributors), Trench-Ade, the convention’s hotel, and Goodwill Industries to make this unique hands-on introduction possible. The chapter also engaged Stay Positive Safety Solutions LLC and its owner and lead instructor Ridge Wilson to deliver his own high-energy presentation at the educational experience.
Goodwill's mission focuses on providing training, services and jobs for individuals facing barriers to employment, including paid work experiences, on-the-job training, mentorship, occupational education in in-demand industries and pathways to unsubsidized employment or further education. NUCA’s workforce development program goals in 2026 seek to address the ongoing employee shortfalls in the nation’s utility construction industry.
"Events like the NEOC not only celebrate the incredible talents of our industry's operators but also open doors for the next generation. Coordinating with our partners to bring Goodwill's Young Adult Reentry participants on-site was a rewarding effort that highlights the opportunities available in underground utilities,” says Christine Barnes, executive director of the Arizona Chapter of NUCA.
NUCA donated a further $5,000 to the Goodwill chapter to show its support.
NUCA names award winners
In other NUCA news, the association also gave the Ditchdigger of the Year award to Tony Privitera, and the Associate Member of the Year” Award to Phil Goodwin.
Privitera was honored with the Ditchdigger of the Year award for his many years of service to the American underground utility industry and his years of support for NUCA’s successful government affairs programs.
“Tony Privitera exemplifies the very best of our industry. He possesses a relentless dedication, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to advancing underground utility construction in every city and state,” says Zack Perconti, NUCA’s chief advocacy officer. “His tireless work on behalf of NUCA’s many programs strengthened our voice in Washington and inspired countless contractors to get involved with their chapter and the national association. Tony has rightfully earned the top recognition of this industry as the 2025 Ditchdigger of the Year.”
Privitera is executive vice president of Mark One Electric Co., Inc., headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. He started working for Mark One as the son of the president when he was 14 years old, working in the warehouse and learning the business from the ground floor. Years later, he took over as a vice president in 1994 when his father retired and turned business operations over to his four sons. Under his leadership, the company evolved to provide electrical contracting services from design/build and pre-construction to underground and data/communications services around the Kansas City region and surrounding states.
Privitera served as NUCA’s chairman in 2024 and vice-chairman in 2023. Privitera has also served as past president of the NUCA Greater Kansas City Region chapter. He is still involved in the chapter’s board of directors, and has actively served on NUCA National’s Governmental Affairs Committee and the Executive Committee. Privitera was the leading force behind establishing Dozer Day, the industry’s popular workforce development event program hosted by several NUCA chapters, as a NUCA National program during his year as NUCA Chairman.
Goodwin of U.S. Pipe was given NUCA’s prestigious Associate Member of the Year award, honoring his work on behalf of the industry.
“Phil Goodwin stands as a true leader and unwavering champion of our vital national industry,” says Chris Barrett, NUCA chief staff officer. “Phil’s built an incredible career transforming how industry companies build relationships with governmental organizations. Phil pours his heart into this industry, and we’re genuinely thrilled to honor him with this well-deserved recognition. Phil is a passionate advocate for America’s utility construction industry, and we are very pleased to give him this great honor.”
As the director of government affairs for NUCA national partner U.S. Pipe, Goodwin builds on more than a decade of success where he inspired and guided company teams towards excellence. Beyond his operational professionalism, Goodwin fearlessly advances industry interests through governmental affairs, advocating at federal, state and local levels.
Since 2020, he has fueled U.S. Pipe’s strong commitment to NUCA, leading company sponsorship of the National Partner Program, spearheading support for the National Equipment Operator Challenge to elevate workforce development, and actively serving on NUCA and chapter committees, attending its events, and engaging across multiple chapters.
