Awards of Excellence at Project Control Summit 2025
Project Controls Excellence Award
Thank you for participating in the voting process for the Project Controls Excellence Award.
The Project Controls Excellence Award is a prestigious tribute that recognizes an individual that has demonstrated excellent expertise and achievement in the field of project controls. This award is designed to honor those who have shown exceptional skill in managing the critical aspects of project controls, including planning/scheduling, cost management, and risk analysis.
Recipients of this award are seen as leaders in the field, setting benchmarks for excellence and best practices. They have a proven track record of success in significantly improving project outcomes through effective control measures. Their work not only showcases technical proficiency but also innovative approaches to overcoming challenges in project controls. This award also acknowledges their contributions to the wider project controls community through mentorship, thought leadership, and active engagement in professional development.
Your input is invaluable as we recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of project controls, demonstrating exceptional skill, innovation, and leadership.
Before you cast your vote, please take a moment to review the accomplishments and qualifications of the finalists. Each one has shown remarkable dedication and expertise, making notable advancements in our industry. Your vote helps honor their commitment and achievements, spotlighting the best in project controls excellence.
NOTE: The finalist are listed alphabetically based on their last names.
Joao Dias
With over 15 years of experience across global megaprojects, Joao Dias has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in project controls. From high-speed rail and large-scale wind farms to complex infrastructure developments, Joao has led advanced planning, scheduling, cost integration, and risk management efforts that drive measurable results. His ability to merge tools like Primavera P6, SAP BI, Power BI, Aphex Planner, and Lautec platforms into a cohesive system has significantly improved project forecasting, transparency, and real-time decision-making.
Joao is not only a seasoned professional but a community builder and mentor. As the Director for AACE Region 9 (Europe & Africa), he revived or established over a dozen professional chapters across the region, while mentoring upcoming professionals toward certification and career growth. His efforts have reshaped regional engagement and promoted global best practices.
Known for pioneering the application of AI and data science in project controls, Joao’s academic work and on-the-ground innovations—including predictive analytics and digital transformation initiatives—are helping to shape the future of the field. His global impact, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned him the 2024 Keane Award from AACE International and made him a standout finalist for this award.
🗳️ Learn more about each finalist before casting your vote!
Prasad Kodukula
With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Prasad Kodukula is a globally respected leader in project controls, known for blending academic insight with real-world impact. As CEO of Kodukula & Associates, he has guided more than 40 Fortune 100 companies across all 11 S&P sectors—including IBM, BP, Dow, and United Technologies—on project planning, cost control, earned value management, and risk analysis. He teaches for NASA how to recover troubled projects, focusing on project controls, risk management, and leadership.
Prasad’s innovations have transformed how professionals approach project controls. He developed the Earned Time Management method as an enhancement to traditional EVM and co-created HawkEye, a risk management tool integrating advanced schedule/cost analytics. He also champions the use of AI in project forecasting and risk analysis, with a new book releasing this summer.
A PMI Fellow and multi-award-winning thought leader, Prasad has lectured in 50 countries, published 12 books, received four patents, and teaches at top institutions including the University of Chicago and Illinois Tech. His contributions continue to shape industry standards and empower thousands. He mentored hundreds of project professionals—including at PMI Chicagoland Chapter—throughout his illustrious career.
Dr. Kodukula is a finalist for the Project Controls Excellence Award for his unmatched leadership, innovation, and decades of dedication to elevating project controls worldwide
🗳️ Learn more about each finalist before casting your vote!
René Morkos
René Morkos is a visionary leader and innovator in the field of project controls. As the founder and CEO of ALICE Technologies, René pioneered the world’s first AI-powered generative construction simulator, revolutionizing how large-scale projects are planned and delivered. His platform enables teams to simulate millions of scheduling scenarios, optimize cost and resources, and recover from delays more effectively—helping project teams save millions in potential losses and cut construction durations by up to 17%.
René’s work has impacted over $100 billion in global projects, including major efforts like HS2 in the UK, hyperscale data centers, and large-scale infrastructure developments. Under his leadership, ALICE has become a trusted partner for global firms like Zachry, Kajima, and Implenia.
Beyond technology, René serves as an Adjunct Professor at Stanford University, actively mentoring the next generation of professionals and advocating for AI-driven decision-making in project controls. His thought leadership, speaking engagements, and continued innovation have helped transform project controls from static planning into a dynamic, data-driven discipline.
René is a finalist for the Project Controls Excellence Award for his groundbreaking contributions, measurable impact, and enduring influence on the future of the industry.
🗳️ Learn more about each finalist before casting your vote!