McKenzie Jordan, president of Chancel Builders Inc. and Chancel Hospitality Residential and Tourism Inc., is the recipient of the 2012 Jason Ammons Free Enterprise Award, given annually by Coastal Carolina University's E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration.

Jordan, who graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in construction management, has been in the construction business for more than 15 years. Prior to his current business, Jordan worked full time as a project manager with Chancel Construction Group Inc., a company founded by his father, Charles Jordan, more than 30 years ago.

During his time at Chancel, Jordan managed more than $50 million in construction projects. In 2003, he moved from project manager to director of business development. In 2005, Jordan formed Chancel Builders. In 2008 and 2011, Chancel Builders was recognized as one of South Carolina’s 25 Fastest Growing Companies by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

Jordan is also involved with various civic organizations, including the Children’s Committee at First Baptist Church in Conway and the Board of Visitors for the Wall College of Business at CCU. He is a member of the Caduceus Society at Conway Medical Center, and a deacon and Sunday school teacher at his church.

“This award was established to honor those business leaders who have ‘risen through the ranks’ in American industry, and McKenzie is that kind of person,” says Ralph Byington, dean of the Wall College. “As a former student of CCU, he has applied his hard work and knowledge to earn a reputation for excellence.”

The Jason Ammons Free Enterprise Award was created by the family of the late Jason Ammons, a Myrtle Beach businessman. The award recognizes individuals whose careers have combined entrepreneurial excellence and responsible citizenship. Past recipients include William H. “Billy” Alford and Clay Brittain Jr.