Mobile, AL – Business Alabama has recently named Ralph A. Hargrove, CEO of Hargrove Engineers & Constructors, as the CEO of the Year at the 2026 Business Alabama Awards, recognizing his outstanding leadership and contributions to Alabama’s business community.

The prestigious award was presented at the annual Business Alabama Awards luncheon held at the Harbert Center in Birmingham in late January. The awards program honors exceptional individuals, companies, and projects shaping Alabama’s economic landscape. In addition to Hargrove’s honor, winners were recognized across multiple categories celebrating excellence and innovation in the state.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Business Alabama,” said Ralph A. Hargrove. “This award is a tribute to the talent, dedication, and vision of our entire team at Hargrove Engineers & Constructors. We are committed to driving growth, fostering innovation, and contributing meaningfully to the communities we serve.”

Under Hargrove’s leadership, Hargrove Engineers & Constructors has solidified its reputation as a leader in the local industry. The firm, Alabama’s largest also according to Business Alabama, continues to expand its footprint while delivering high-impact project execution across the country.

Hargrove was selected from a distinguished group of finalists, including executives from the Alabama Community College System, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, Continental Aerospace Technologies, and Coca-Cola Bottling Company United.

About Hargrove Engineers & Constructors

Hargrove Engineers & Constructors is a full-service project execution firm offering EPC (engineering, procurement, construction management), controls & automation, life sciences, operations, equipment solutions, and technical services. We serve our process industrial, refining, energy generation, manufacturing, and infrastructure clients in long-term support relationships with multiple modes of service: on-site support arrangements, plant-level small projects and consulting roles, and larger capital projects. Company leadership states that Hargrove’s success stems from their time-tested culture of relationship-building – working as “One Team” with their clients to meet and exceed expectations – and their ownership structure, as 100% employee-owned. Hargrove’s technical and professional staff includes over 2,700 Teammates in 17 domestic and 2 international offices companywide.