EAST NORRITON, PA. — The Southeast Pennsylvania Chapter Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. (ABC SEPA) announced the winner of its first Construction Woman of the Year award — Patricia Hurst, vice president of Finance for Worth & Co. The award recognizes the accomplishments of women who are making a positive impact on the construction industry.

The Construction Woman of the Year program is designed to honor women who serve as role models, mentors and advocates for opportunities and for others in the construction industry, especially in efforts to broaden opportunities for women. Nominees must have demonstrated leadership experience, be committed to education, both for themselves as well as the people they touch in their professional lives, and demonstrate a commitment to community involvement.

"Working in an industry dominated by her male counterparts, Patricia has broken through the glass ceiling and earned the respect of her peers," said Geoffrey Zeh, president and CEO of ABC SEPA. "She has not only achieved many accomplishments in her position with Worth & Co., but has also shown her commitment to her community, ABC and to the future of the construction industry. We are proud to recognize Patricia as our first Construction Woman of the Year winner."

Hurst has spent her entire professional career working for construction companies, joining Worth & Co. in 1989. Under her financial guidance, Worth has experienced unprecedented growth from a small mechanical contractor to a powerhouse with almost 500 employees. Worth is also consistently named as one of Pennsylvania's best places to work, and Hurst has consistently supported training at all levels of the company, from craft level to the CEO.

Hurst has also been a leader at ABC, serving as a member of the board and treasurer for six years, as well as participating in a number of committees. She was elected as the first ever female president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) in 2008. She is a regular contributor to the FoxChaseCancerCenter and ImmaculataCollege. She has also assisted Worth in numerous community outreach programs and assisted in bringing much needed plumbing work to Mississippi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Hurst earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from LaSalleUniversity.