On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, AGC Georgia will honor Doug Davidson, Chairman of New South Construction Company, with the Skill, Integrity and Responsibility (SIR) Award during the Closing Dinner of the 2025 Annual Convention in Hilton Head Island at the Westin Resort and Spa. 

Doug began his career in construction several years before graduating from Auburn University in 1984. He worked summers with various local contractors through high school, and while attending college, he interned for Holder Construction where he worked after graduation until leaving to form New South.

In 1990, Doug founded New South and immediately began performing construction services for clients like Delta Air Lines and the Coca-Cola Company. New South soon began work for Emory University, Georgia Tech, the Atlanta Braves, and many others, all of whom are still clients today. Whether working with large companies or small, New South always infuses its strong values into each relationship, a practice Doug has instilled into the firm’s core values which remain the same after 35 years. Today, New South performs over $600 million in revenue per year working in various market sectors across the Southeast.

Throughout his career, Doug has been a trusted advisor who exemplifies servant leadership. His sincere nature makes him approachable to up-and-coming executives seeking his advice. Many share stories of Doug being gracious with his time and making a lasting impact on their career. Also, in the spirit of servant leadership, once Doug has your birthday on his calendar, you can count on a text or a call from him for years to come!

In 2009, the Atlanta Chapter of the Professional Estimators Association of America honored him with the 18th Golden Hammer Award. He was selected for holding himself and New South to the highest standards, building in a short period of time, one of the most respected companies in the Southeast, and giving his time and talents to the community and industry.

Doug has held numerous leadership positions with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) organization. He served on the board of directors for AGC Georgia for more than two decades from 1998 - 2022. He was the association’s Board President in 2008-2009. He also served 13 years during this time as an Elected Governor with AGC of America’s Board of Governors and earned Lifetime Governor honors in 2022. During his intimate engagement with AGC Georgia over the past 30 years, he also volunteered as a Director with the AGC Georgia Political Action Committee and has always been a vocal supporter of the AGC of America Political Action Committee.

A key part of Doug’s leadership style is empowering others to make the industry a better place. He’s been a loyal advocate of AGC Georgia’s Young Leadership Program and Executive Alliance and encourages team members to share expertise and lessons learned with fellow member contractors in areas such as safety, technology, and human resources.

Adding to Doug’s legacy is the work he’s done to help bring attention to rewarding careers in the construction industry. He proudly served as a board member and past president of Construction Ready. During his firm’s nearly 30 consecutive year support of Construction Ready the New South team has helped elevate Pre-Apprenticeship Programs, the annual CareerExpo, and support for individual high schools and teachers.

Doug currently serves on the Auburn University Building Science Industry Advisory Board as well as the Clemson University Student Affairs Executive Council, where both of his children attended college.

Beyond his industry involvement, Doug has served his local community as a board member for the Atlanta Area Council of Boy Scouts of America and the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce as well as a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club. Additional board positions have included the Georgia Board of Regents’ Facility Advisory Board as well as board positions at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta and Sheltering Arms.

Doug’s passion for mentoring young adults as they pursue their career dreams and ambitions inspired him to create the New South Foundation where he currently serves as a board member. The New South Foundation was established to provide educational scholarships for young adults with a connection to the construction industry. Since its inception, the Foundation has expanded to support many community and charitable organizations in addition to its annual scholarship program.

Doug and his wife Caroline have five adult children and two grandchildren. As Doug is transitioning the leadership of New South to the next generation of leaders within the company, he and Caroline spend much of their free time at his family farm raising cattle, traveling and golfing.