Mark W. Thackray Honored with 2026 Safety Leadership Award
At Thackray Crane Rental, safety has always been more than a priority to us. It’s a core value built into everything we do. That commitment was recently recognized in a big way.
We’re proud to announce that Mark W. Thackray, Operations Safety Director, has been awarded the 2026 Safety Leadership Award from the Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council.
Mark was recognized alongside fellow industry leaders, including Keith Davis, Safety Manager at Hunter Roberts Construction Group, and Nicholas DeJesse, Corporate Safety & Health Director at Target Building Construction—further highlighting the level of leadership and professionalism represented among this year’s honorees.
A Lifetime Dedicated to the Industry
Mark represents the third generation of the Thackray family, continuing a legacy that dates back to 1947. As the son of owner Walter “Skip” Thackray, he was introduced to the business early, working alongside his father and grandfather starting at just 14 years old.
That early exposure laid the foundation for a career built on experience, accountability, and a deep understanding of the work.
Today, as Operations Safety Director, Mark plays a critical role in guiding Thackray’s safety standards across every job, every crew, and every lift.
Leading Through Safety
Safety in the crane and construction industry isn’t optional—it’s everything. Mark’s leadership has helped reinforce a culture where planning, communication, and execution all center around protecting people and doing the job right.
His approach goes beyond policies and procedures. It’s about setting expectations, mentoring crews, and ensuring that safety is understood, respected, and consistently applied in the field.
This recognition from the Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council reflects the impact of that leadership, not just within Thackray, but across the industry as a whole.
Four Generations of Commitment
What makes this moment even more meaningful is the continuation of the Thackray legacy.
Mark’s daughter is now working alongside him in safety, representing the fourth generation of the family in the business. It’s a powerful reminder that the values Thackray was built on—especially safety—continue to be passed down and strengthened over time.
A Standard That Doesn’t Change
At Thackray Crane Rental, every project begins and ends with safety. From pre-lift planning to execution on-site, the goal is always the same: protect people, deliver precision, and do the job the right way.
Mark’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining that standard.
Congratulations, Mark
We’re incredibly proud to see Mark recognized with this award.
His dedication, leadership, and commitment to safety continue to move Thackray, and the industry, forward every day.
