Keller employees receive ADSC President’s Award Featured

Project Executive John Grillo started at Keller (then Hayward Baker) in 2011 as a project manager in New York and has over 20 years of experience as a geotechnical engineer and specialty contractor. Throughout his career, he has become an expert in support of excavation, ground improvement, and deep foundations techniques. He is a Professional Engineer licensed in NY and NJ, a Board-Certified Geotechnical Engineer (BC.GE), and is involved with numerous industry associations, including ADSC, ASCE, DFI, and The Moles. John holds a bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College and a master’s from Cornell University. He is also a current ADSC Board Member. 

John received an ADSC President’s award for his involvement with ADSC through education, outreach, and advancement in the industry. In addition to being a Board member, he participates in local Northeast Chapter initiatives and ensures the ADSC Drilled Shaft seminar continues to be a success.

Senior Business Development Manager Martin McDermott has over 40 years of geotechnical engineering and construction experience. Throughout the first 13 years of his career, he worked as a geotechnical engineering consultant, primarily with Woodward Cycle. He joined Keller, then McKinney Drilling, in 1996, specializing in large-diameter drilled shafts and secant pile walls. Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in geology from LaSalle University and a master’s in engineering geology from Drexel University. He holds a Professional Geologist (PG) license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Martin McDermott is dedicated to the deep foundations industry. He has spent his entire career advocating for education, better specifications, and the free exchange of information among contractors to advance the work of all.

Martin received an ADSC President’s award for continually advocating for education, better specifications, and information exchange within the deep foundations industry. Additionally, he spearheaded the 2024 Northeast Chapter Drilled Shaft Seminar, securing impactful speakers and ensuring its success.

About the award 

ADSC is a professional organization that promotes, protects, fosters, and advances the drilled shaft, anchored earth retention, and micropile industries. The President’s Award is given annually to individuals who have contributed significantly to the organization throughout the year.