Ward Nye receives top NSSGA honor

Martin Marietta Chair and CEO Ward Nye was presented with the prestigious Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award in March during the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Annual Membership Meeting.

Martin Marietta Chair and CEO Ward Nye was presented with the prestigious Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award in March during the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Annual Membership Meeting.

NSSGA’s Manufacturers & Services Division established the award in 1998 to annually recognize an industry professional who displays the dedication exemplified by Barry Wendt, an industry leader who was renowned for his work ethic and personal integrity. It is NSSGA’s most distinguished honor.

“Barry Wendt’s legacy of dedication and commitment to both the industry and his community is a beacon for all of us,” Nye said while accepting the award. “It is a privilege to be associated with his name through this award.”

Nye’s career in construction materials spans more than 35 years. After holding several positions of increasing responsibility with Hanson, he joined Martin Marietta as president in 2006. After assuming the role of CEO in 2010, Nye additionally became chair of Martin Marietta’s Board of Directors in 2014. He is a past chair of the board of NSSGA, the American Road Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) and the North Carolina Chamber. He currently sits on the NSSGA Executive Committee and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

In 2019, Forbes magazine recognized Nye as one of America’s Most Innovative Leaders; he was previously recognized by both Aggregates Manager and Pit & Quarry magazines, as Aggman of the Year and a Hall of Fame inductee, respectively.

The award was presented by Manufacturers & Services Division Chair Mark Krause of McLanahan/Eagle Iron Works, who spoke about Nye’s industry leadership.

“Ward is well known and deeply admired throughout the entire industry for both his dedication and passion for his work in leading Martin Marietta and his community,” Krause said. “I am proud to announce him as the 2025 winner of the Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award.”

Nye joins former Martin Marietta CEO Steve Zelnak as an award recipient; Zelnak received the distinction in 2013.

“I am immensely grateful to my colleagues, both past and present. The past 19 years at Martin Marietta have been the most rewarding in my career, where I have had the pleasure of working with some of the most talented and dedicated professionals in this industry – and that’s saying something,” Nye said. “The industry members’ individual and collective support and collaboration have been instrumental in my journey and nothing short of a blessing in my life.”