Longtime environmental leader announces retirement after earning prestigious NSSGA recognition

He’s quietly worked around the edges of North Carolina quarries, promoting environmental excellence and education across the industry. In September, East Division Vice President of Environmental and Land Services Brian North enjoyed a different type of moment in the sun while receiving one of the most significant accolades of his 40-year career.

“It’s truly an honor,” he said after leaders with the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) presented him with the 2025 Environmental Leadership Award. “Involvement with organizations like NSSGA allows us to demonstrate our core value of stewardship, and that helps move the entire industry forward.”

Soon after joining the workforce as an environmental technician with the City of Asheville, North Carolina, in the 1980s, North became a staunch champion of environmental causes. That commitment would carry him through his tenure with what is now the state’s Department of Environmental Quality and directly to Martin Marietta’s gates.

Since joining the company more than 31 years ago, his devotion to all things environmental has grown continuously.

“In my early roles, I inspected quarries owned by many different companies. But there was something different about Martin that always made me feel comfortable. It was the stewardship approach,” he said. “When you look at environmental issues from a stewardship perspective, you don’t see permit conditions as standards you have to rise to meet; you see them as basic expectations. Stewardship means going above and beyond.”

Professionally, that has meant making every effort to assist his Martin Marietta colleagues and volunteering his time with organizations like NSSGA.

After taking on leadership of the East Division’s Environmental and Land team in 2020, North’s base of operations shifted from Greensboro, North Carolina, to Raleigh. Garner Quarry Plant Manager Chad Franks said he appreciates having North and his team nearby.

Whether providing guidance on runoff, water sampling, forest management or other aspects of operating a quarry, environmental professionals are essential, Franks said.

“A strong Environmental team is everything,” he said. “Brian and his team are always here to offer help when we need it. We’re good at crushing rock. They’re the ones who help make sure we can do that in compliance with environmental rules and regulations.”

When not providing direct support to Martin Marietta’s production teams, North has spent the better part of three decades working with NSSGA. After serving as chairman of the advocacy group’s Water Task Force, he spent several years as chairman of the Environmental Committee.

While North’s work in these leadership roles contributed greatly to NSSGA’s decision to honor him, the environmental professional said having the opportunity to work on behalf of the greater mining industry has been recognition enough.

“Being involved is critical. You always have to stay engaged,” he said. “What NSSGA understands is that education is equally important. It’s not enough to ask someone to do something, you have to ask them to do something and then explain the reasons behind your request. This is how people come to understand the importance of our work.”

After a successful tenure with Martin Marietta, North retired at the end of 2025.

“Brian has been a tremendous advocate for Martin Marietta and the industry,” said East Division President Oliver Brooks while sharing news of North’s decision. “His positive impact on our people and operations leaves a strong legacy.”