The North Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor was created to recognize those who have had a major role and made a lasting impact on the development of the transportation system at the state, county, or local level. It also honors those who participate in highway safety programs or help promote the vital function roadways provide to the citizens of North Dakota.
2020-2029 Honorees
Dan Brosz, Founder, Brosz Engineering, Inc., 2026
Dan Brosz’s statewide service reflects a career of engineering expertise paired with meaningful public leadership. His career is defined not by a single marquee project, but by the steady, dependable delivery of hundreds of roadway and structure improvements, each one critical to the community it served. His unwavering philosophy is local roads matter, and rural communities deserve high-quality, safe, dependable transportation systems. For more than 40 years he has been a trusted partner to local governments, especially during the oil booms. He is a leader in rural transportation engineering, an advocate for fair infrastructure funding and a mentor to a generation of professionals in North Dakota’s transportation community. Dan’s voice shaped important state-level policy through his work on Operation Prairie Dog. His leadership left a lasting mark on the Western Dakota Energy Association and the American Council of Engineering Companies of North Dakota. At the community level, he dedicated time and service to numerous organizations, making an impact close to home as well.
Bennett Kubischta, Retired NDDOT and Volunteer, 2026
Bennett Kubischta began working at NDDOT in 1970 as a surveyor, and transitioned into writing environmental documents for countless projects that literally changed the landscape of North Dakota.
Ben implemented the Federal Transportation Enhancement Program in North Dakota, and managed the program from its inception until his retirement. His work impacted bicycle/pedestrian projects, landscape enhancement projects, NDDOT's rest area reconstruction program, the Historic Bridge Program, the State Scenic Byway Program, Special Road Fund, Safe Routes to Schools, and so many more. These programs required coordination and collaboration from numerous governmental and non-governmental entities. His ability to work collaboratively made these programs successful. Many are still in service.
Ben has an extraordinary knowledge of the transportation industry and is devoted to telling its full, authentic story. He led the creation of the NDDOT history book, “North Dakota Department of Transportation - Roads of Progress” and approaches documenting history not just as an academic exercise, but a way of honoring those who came before us and ensuring their contributions are not forgotten.
As a retiree, Ben volunteers his time to archive historical images for future generations. His lifelong dedication extends far beyond any job description. He is a priceless resource and an exceptional ambassador for the state's transportation story.
Harley Neshem, President, Gratec Company, LLC, 2026
Harley has made a lifelong commitment to the safety and improvement of North Dakota’s transportation system. For 70 years his companies have worked on the construction of key routes across North Dakota, including the four-laning of Highway 2 and truck reliever routes around New Town and Williston – all projects that have greatly impacted the communities they serve. He was instrumental in bringing North Dakota’s first sunflower processing facility to Velva. His work to obtain a grant from the US Economic Development Administration enabled the construction of a new state highway, Highway 97, to the facility.
Harley has been an active leader in the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America and the AGC of ND. A familiar face at the capitol, Neshem has spent more than 40 years advocating for adequate infrastructure funding and many other vital issues that have shaped our state. His company Gratech has moved millions of cubic yards of earth to construct Highways 2, 85, 22, 52, and Interstates 29 and 94. Harley’s lifelong commitment to the safety and improvement of North Dakota’s transportation system is evident.
Grant Levi, Retired NDDOT Director, 2024
Grant Levi, retired NDDOT Director, is a dedicated professional who invested more than 37 years improving the state highway system at the NDDOT. Levi served as director from 2013 to 2017. As director, he guided the state's transportation agency through historic infrastructure investments to help support the energy and agriculture industries. During his career, he oversaw operations, project development, planning, pre-construction, construction, and maintenance activities. He played a key role in keeping the transportation infrastructure safe and available for the traveling public during the 1997 Fargo flood. He inspired the creation of the NDSU DOT Student Design Center to introduce engineering students to real world roadway design projects. His efforts led to transportation improvements which increased traffic safety and enhanced the quality of life for North Dakota residents. Levi also made a national impact by serving on several transportation committees, including six years as chair of the AASHTO Materials Committee and 10 years on the Standing Committee on Highways.
Anna Keedy, Educator, 2024
Anna Keedy was a trailblazer in safety education. She began teaching high school for the Minot Public School system in 1919 and then in 1922 transferred to the junior high school to teach 8th grade. There she developed a unique curriculum to promote and educate students on highway safety. Her 1926 project titled “Teaching Street and Highway Safety” was designed to teach accident prevention, promote safe habits, and encourage students to help others. This project was selected over 80,000 other entries for a national award by the Highway Education Board. Outstanding efforts from Keedy were the start of an emphasis on transportation safety education in North Dakota and the concepts she taught not only improved highway safety in North Dakota, but also across the United States.
Paul Diederich, President, Industrial Builders, Inc., 2024
Paul Diederich, President of Industrial Builders, Inc., began working in the contracting industry in 1972. Throughout his career he has been an advocate of public policy to advance transportation and infrastructure. Diederich was elected president of Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America in 2013 and is the only North Dakota member to hold this position. In this role, he testified in Congress several times in support of the transportation bill enacted in 2015, resulting in long-term funding for transportation in the United States. He has been instrumental in the development of several key transportation projects in North Dakota, including the construction of new highways and bridges, and the expansion of existing transportation infrastructure. He is a strong supporter of education for young professionals in the construction industry. He has served as the AGC of North Dakota Education Committee chair for almost 30 years and serves on the AGC of America Education Foundation.