2025 Award Recipient - Louis J. Cabano
CII is proud to present its highest honor—the Carroll H. Dunn Award of Excellence—to Louis J. Cabano, recognizing his extraordinary legacy of leadership, innovation, and service to the engineering and construction industry. Established in 1985, this award celebrates individuals whose achievements have significantly advanced our industry.
Few embody this spirit more clearly than Lou Cabano. His career began after graduating from Drexel University with degrees in chemical engineering and engineering management, leading to early roles at Exxon Research & Engineering and Catalytic. His assignments took him across the globe, building deep expertise in international project planning and execution.
In 1975, Lou founded Pathfinder, based on a visionary concept: providing flexible, on demand project management expertise to help organizations plan and execute projects more effectively. Decades before “continuous improvement” became an industry standard, Lou championed knowledge sharing, practical innovation, and mentorship. Under his leadership, Pathfinder grew from a small consulting firm into an industry leader supporting major projects around the world. Lou held leadership roles in ECC and PMI, influenced foundational CII practices, and in 2016 was elected to the National Academy of Construction, a testament to his broad and lasting impact.
Lou Cabano passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, at the age of 91. Colleagues across the industry remember him as a titan—admired for his integrity, passion for excellence, and unwavering commitment to improving the way our industry works. As Pathfinder celebrates its 50th anniversary, his vision and values continue to guide the company and inspire the many professionals he mentored throughout his life.
CII is honored to recognize Louis J. Cabano as this year’s Dunn Award recipient. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Cabano family and invite our community to celebrate Lou’s remarkable legacy.
Few embody this spirit more clearly than Lou Cabano. His career began after graduating from Drexel University with degrees in chemical engineering and engineering management, leading to early roles at Exxon Research & Engineering and Catalytic. His assignments took him across the globe, building deep expertise in international project planning and execution.
In 1975, Lou founded Pathfinder, based on a visionary concept: providing flexible, on demand project management expertise to help organizations plan and execute projects more effectively. Decades before “continuous improvement” became an industry standard, Lou championed knowledge sharing, practical innovation, and mentorship. Under his leadership, Pathfinder grew from a small consulting firm into an industry leader supporting major projects around the world. Lou held leadership roles in ECC and PMI, influenced foundational CII practices, and in 2016 was elected to the National Academy of Construction, a testament to his broad and lasting impact.
Lou Cabano passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, at the age of 91. Colleagues across the industry remember him as a titan—admired for his integrity, passion for excellence, and unwavering commitment to improving the way our industry works. As Pathfinder celebrates its 50th anniversary, his vision and values continue to guide the company and inspire the many professionals he mentored throughout his life.
CII is honored to recognize Louis J. Cabano as this year’s Dunn Award recipient. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Cabano family and invite our community to celebrate Lou’s remarkable legacy.