2024 Founders Ball

Honorees

Joseph M. Sanzari

Joseph M. Sanzari is the founder and owner of Joseph M. Sanzari, Inc., one of the most sought-after and successful highway and heavy construction contractors in the United States. Having recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, Mr. Sanzari’s company is the driving force behind many significant projects in New Jersey and New York, including the award-winning reconstruction of the Route 4/Route 17 Interchange, which was famously completed 18 months ahead of schedule.

Often described as “a self-made man,” he began working and learning about construction in his hometown as a teenager. Starting his career as a member of Operating Engineers Local 825 as a heavy equipment operator, he then performed municipal, county and utility public works with one dump truck, one backhoe and a pickup truck.

With his reputation for completing complex projects in a timely manner, Mr. Sanzari is known for his keen attention to detail and personal involvement in every aspect of his business. He describes “responsibility” as the foundation of his core values and believes deeply in safety, loyalty, integrity, independence and partnership. Consistent with his life’s work, a favorite quote is, “The road to success is always under construction.”

Mr. Sanzari has a lengthy history in community leadership and philanthropy, and has been a loyal presence for and supporter of Holy Name, with a particular interest in the Alfiero & Lucia Palestroni Foundation Multiple Sclerosis Center.

He enjoys spending time with his family, and is the father of four and grandfather to eight.

Harold J. Daggett

Harold J. Daggett has served as International President of the International Longshoremen’s Association since 2011. In 2023, he was reelected to his fourth four-year term as the leader of the 85,000-member international union. The ILA represents waterfront workers and other crafts at port areas from Maine to Texas, the Great Lakes region, Puerto Rico, major U.S. rivers, eastern and central Canada, and The Bahamas.

Only the ninth international president in the ILA’s 132-year history, Mr. Daggett serves as chief negotiator for ILA members and has successfully negotiated two landmark six-year agreements with the United States Maritime Alliance. He is credited with bringing increased employment and stability to his ILA members and growth to the industry at all ILA ports.

A third-generation ILA member, Mr. Daggett followed in the footsteps of his father and namesake, Harold Daggett, Sr., who worked in the ILA industry for 57 years. First joining ILA Local 1804-1 following an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy for which he served in Vietnam, Mr. Daggett has been a part of the ILA as it faced historic challenges over five decades.

He has been recognized by the international maritime community with some of the industry’s top honors, and is actively involved in charities benefitting health care and children. The ILA and its Atlantic Coast District have been advocates and loyal supporters of the Holy Name health system through many activities and initiatives.

Mr. Daggett is the father of three, and has six grandchildren and two great grandsons.