Annual ElevateAEC Conference

Since becoming President and CEO in 2018, Amy Jones has been the driving force behind O’Connell Robertson’s rapid growth and success, navigating the firm through a period of significant transformation. Her leadership during the global pandemic demonstrated resilience and adaptability, guiding the firm through challenges and ensuring business continuity while fostering a supportive and flexible work environment for staff.

Amy first joined O’Connell Robertson in 1997, where she contributed to the firm’s success through her roles in marketing, business development, and project execution. Before becoming President, she served as an integral part of the marketing and business development team and played a key role in managing projects for several major clients.

As President and CEO, Amy is responsible for setting the firm’s corporate vision, shaping strategic direction, managing financial operations, and leading talent initiatives. Her commitment to fostering strong client relationships, strategic partnerships, and community engagement has been instrumental in O’Connell Robertson’s decade-long growth trajectory. Amy is particularly dedicated to ensuring that the firm’s talented staff are supported and inspired, creating an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Amy’s active involvement in regional education issues, as well as her leadership in various professional and non-profit organizations, speaks to her passion for giving back to the community and advancing educational progress across Texas. She has contributed to boards, committees, and campaigns focused on school district progress, educational partnerships, and attendance initiatives, providing a strong voice for positive change in local communities.

Through Amy’s leadership, O’Connell Robertson has not only grown in size but also in its reputation for delivering positive client experiences, creative problem-solving, and impactful design solutions that benefit the communities they serve.

Barbara helps AEC firms develop strong marketing and communication strategies. She advises and coaches teams on proposals, interviews, research, planning, and promotions. A recognized AEC strategist, writer, trainer, and mentor, she has worked across construction, engineering, and architecture firms. A Past President, Fellow, and CPSM of SMPS, she also serves as an SMPS Foundation Trustee. She received the 2022 SMPS Weld Coxe Marketing Achievement Award. In 2023, she co-authored The Architecture of Vision: Leadership in Your Professional Practice, a research-based guide to leadership and success in the AEC industry.

As Chief Operations Officer, Bob manages Corgan’s expense and capital budgets; leads business planning and governance; and oversees operational efficiencies, advancement, innovation, and governance. He also leads all aspects of technology, including its acquisition, deployment, management, and security. Beyond the technical aspects of his job — of which there are many — Bob considers listening to be one of the most important things he does. His ability to foster an innovative and secure technology environment is directly tied to his deep understanding of our architectural goals and the challenges we face in achieving them. 

Bob enjoys combining both his creative and technical skill sets to imagine and design the future. With the evolving nature of technology, he often gets that opportunity. He takes pride in continuous learning and in using those learnings to have a positive impact on clients and the world. Bob enjoys seeing the lives of others improved and society advance.

His passion for learning includes formal education as well. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, and Master of Business from Lawrence Technological University as well as a Juris Doctor from the University of North Texas. In addition to being a licensed architect in Michigan and Texas, he is a licensed attorney in Texas and is PMP certified.

A longtime and deeply committed member of the Engineers Without Borders (EWB) worldwide network, Dr. Boris Martin became EWB-USA’s CEO in June 2022. During two decades prior, he played various roles at EWB Canada, including 8 years as CEO and three years in Burkina Faso as a volunteer.
Boris’ experience in international development spans sectors such as agriculture, entrepreneurship and economic development, rural infrastructure, WASH and community development. He has worked with government programs, large scale development projects as well as entrepreneurial initiatives, using both grants and innovative finance instruments.
Boris is also a founding member of the advisory council at FinDev Canada (Canada’s Development Finance Institution) and past President of the Board at EWB international. He holds a PhD in engineering and a Graduate Diploma in Social Innovation.

Brad’s 30+ year career spent working with architecture and engineering (AE) firms includes his most recent role as Partner with TWO CPAs & Consultants, Inc., as well as being a Consultant with PSMJ Resources for 17 years. Additionally, after serving as an outsourced CFO and controller for numerous firms, Brad has deep firsthand knowledge of how to develop and execute successful finance and accounting practices in the AE industry.

Highly skilled at translating accounting terms and best practices into a language his AE clients can easily understand and act on, Brad has a strong track record for helping firms improve profitability, transition ownership, and successfully execute mergers and acquisitions. With enthusiasm and passion, Brad approaches each client relationship holistically, with a focus on understanding overall operations, personal lifestyle goals, and the firm’s future view.

Education

• BS degree in Economics from The Ohio State University
• MBA and Law degrees from Capital University

Professional & Community Highlights

• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Ask Brad About

The night he spent with a movie star.

Casey Shea leads the AEC strategy for sa.global’s Service-Centric Industry Cloud, where he helps engineering and consulting firms rethink how they operate, collaborate, and scale.

With over two decades of experience driving technology transformation across project-based industries, Casey brings clarity to complexity and passion to every partnership. He works closely with Microsoft to align product innovation with real-world firm needs—making agility, data, and AI not just possible, but practical. Casey is a trusted voice for firms ready to move from legacy to leadership.

Chad Clinehens is the president and CEO of Zweig Group. Passionate about the business side of design and technical service firms, Chad has built a career on leading them through growth and change. He has worked with AEC firms throughout the U.S. on a variety of needs – strategic business planning, turnarounds, partner separations, organizational restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, marketing and sales, growth campaigns, and more.

As a registered professional engineer, Chad brings an in-depth knowledge of what makes professional service firms and the people who work for them unique. Working in the industry for more than 20 years, he has been involved in many aspects of the business including design, project management, department management, regional office management, and directional leadership. He holds a MBA and BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas and is a registered professional engineer in several states.

Dave Williams knows that great leaders thrive under pressure by focusing on what drives their performance. A former Division I baseball player and middle school chess champion, he learned early that success isn’t about talent—it’s about resilience, confidence, and adaptability. As a previous performance coach for the New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, U.S. Army, and U.S. Air Force, and now as a performance strategist for ISG, Dave helps leaders unlock their full potential. With a storytelling approach, he teaches leaders to remember their A, B, Cs—Always Be Coaching—empowering teams to grow, adapt, and excel in high-performance environments.

Emily is a Vice President at HP Engineering, Inc., a leading engineering firm that provides innovative and sustainable solutions for the AEC industry. She is a certified LEED AP BD+C with over nine years of experience in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design and construction management.

She leads a team of talented engineers and project managers who deliver high-quality projects for educational, municipal, industrial, government, and corporate clients. She leverages her expertise in communication, collaboration, and execution to ensure the product vision is realized and the client satisfaction is achieved. She is also an active member of CREW Dallas/KC and ASHRAE, where she contributes to the professional development and networking of women and engineers in her field.

Frank Lazaro is a recognized leader in artificial intelligence, innovation, and technology consulting, known for delivering actionable strategies that drive growth and operational efficiency. With over two decades of experience in marketing, technology, and business strategy, Frank has held leadership roles at global brands such as Deloitte and AT&T, accumulating valuable experience across various sectors and industries.

A best-selling author, keynote speaker, and trusted advisor, Frank is the premier voice on the practical application of AI in business. His consulting expertise spans various industries, particularly the AEC sector, where he helps firms adopt AI and emerging technologies to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and unlock new revenue opportunities.

Frank is also an inventor with multiple US patents for business processes and product design, reflecting his commitment to practical innovation. He’s known for building high-performing teams and delivering measurable outcomes across complex initiatives.

His published works include Finding 12 Minutes: Unlocking Efficiency with Generative AI, AEC Marketer’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence, Let Me Be Frank with You, and Fck Them Turtles – Illusion of Change*. These books highlight his ability to translate complex technology into real-world business value.

Frank’s passion for technology and innovation continues to shape how organizations approach AI transformation. Whether consulting, writing, or speaking, he inspires professionals to think differently, act decisively, and lead with vision.

Gene is Chairman of San Antonio-based Pape-Dawson Engineers. In his previous position as President, he provided technical management and leadership to the firm’s management team and its employees. From a staff of two 50 years ago, Pape-Dawson now employs more than 450 professionals and has grown into one of the largest and most respected engineering firms in Texas. Gene’s commitment to the engineering profession has been recognized with many accolades including Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Bexar Chapter, Young Engineer of the Year (1991) and the Engineer of the Year (1999); National Association of Homebuilders Member Award and American Society of Landscape Architect Environmental Stewardship Award (2002); Real Estate Council of Texas Philip M. Barshop Founder’s Award (1999).

He serves the profession with memberships in ASCE; NSPE; TSPE, Bexar Chapter, State Director; Professional Engineers in Private Practice; Greater San Antonio Builders Association; and Associated General Contractors of Texas.
Gene’s service to San Antonio is seen in such organizations as: “The Dawson Family” induction into the San Antonio Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement; various committees for the City of San Antonio; Real Estate Council of San Antonio; Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce; North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce; UTSA Road Runner Foundation Board; Cancer Therapy and Research Center; Bandera First Bank; San Antonio Christian Schools; Bank of San Antonio Board of Directors; Alamo Bowl, Chairman and Board member; Real Estate Council of Texas; Bexar Land Trust, Inc.; San Antonio Water System; Frost National Bank; Northeast YMCA of San Antonio.

Throughout the impressive growth of Pape-Dawson, the firm continues to serve its clients with integrity, competence, hard work and quality service. Gene also serves his alma mater with the same principles. His university service includes President’s Leadership Council, President’s Circle, President Legacy Council, Lifetime Member of the Javelina Alumni Association. He is a member of the Legacy Society, which recognizes university philanthropists. In recognition of Gene’s Javelina Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni induction, Pape-Dawson, Sam Dawson and Gene made a gift to create the Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc./Eugene H. Dawson, Jr., P.E. Endowed Engineering Scholarship. Additionally, Gene has established the Eugene H. Dawson, Jr. Endowment for Excellence in Civil Engineering. This gift was matched with Arrington funds to create the Eugene H. Dawson, Jr. Endowed Professorship in Civil Engineering. Currently, Gene is leading the most significant endeavors ever undertaken at the university by serving as the National Campaign Chair of “With You. Without Limits”, the university’s ambitious $100 million comprehensive campaign

Gordon Greene, P.E. is an experienced Executive Vice President at Patel, Greene & Associates, LLC. Gordon has a background in civil engineering and management, with previous roles at PBS&J an Atkins Company and the Florida Department of Transportation. Greene holds a BSCE in Civil Engineering and an MBA in Management and Information Systems from the University of South Florida.

Hiren is the President at Patel, Greene and Associates, LLC. Hiren is an effective, detailed leader who deeply understands the preferences and processes of his clients. Hiren resolves to lead his firm in creating innovative and cost-effective solutions. Working alongside other executive leadership, Hiren’s focus remains on maintaining a supportive work environment, a work-hard-play hard mindset, and overall, a company that staff and their families are proud to be a part of. He is focused on ensuring our firm provides the best service to our clients and provides a positive impact on our communities.

K. Hezekiah Harris serves as CEO/President/Managing Member of CMTS LLC. Being a second-generation business owner, he is committed to maintaining the guiding principles of the organization. With 36 years of experience in government and commercial projects, he is highly skilled in developing and managing exceedingly productive teams. Mr. Harris is responsible for personnel assignments and performs periodic status reviews to ensure the effectiveness of all CMTS project management endeavors. He has served in leadership positions in both general contracting and consulting fields, with direct experience in construction phasing, quality management, and project controls.

With over a decade of experience in the AEC industry, Jeff Adams is a seasoned M&A advisor who helps firms achieve their strategic growth objectives. As Director of SN’s Merger and Acquisitions practice area and Certified M&A Advisor, he leads the M&A team, partnering with architecture, engineering, and construction firms on both the buyer and seller sides to strategically position them for greater future success. Jeff has successfully advised numerous M&A transactions, ensuring smooth and successful transitions for his clients. He also hosts the popular AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition podcast, where he shares insights and best practices with AEC leaders, including executives from ENR Top 500 firms.

During his career, Jeff has gained extensive experience overseeing strategy and operations related to accounting, financial planning, and analysis. Before joining SN, he held an executive leadership role at an engineering firm, where he played a pivotal part in leading his firm through a successful acquisition process.

Jen leads clients through the complex world of federal, state and international taxation of corporations, partnerships and individuals. Additionally, she provides tax research, consultation, and compliance in the areas of accounting methods, international tax, multi-state taxation, tax credits, depreciation, entity selection and structure, and overall strategic tax planning and advisory services. In short, she knows a thing or two about taxes.

A tax specialist with a thing for history and the Civil War, Jennifer brings a unique perspective to her clients and with over 18 years of experience, she has seen just about every tax scenario. Her deep working knowledge of taxation has contributed to the success and profitability of clients in a diverse range of industries.

Jered is responsible for guiding the firm's innovation strategy, including new service line development, technologies, and new ways to expand the firm's offerings to clients. He also oversees the firm’s Information Technology function.

Jered began his career with another firm in Denver, where he primarily focused on private sector land development. Joining Olsson nearly 23 years ago, Jered was a design engineer and project manager in the Land Development (Site/Civil) practice. He opened an office in Minneapolis to lead growth of the firm’s largest client at the time. Jered was later named an Omaha team leader and led efforts to grow the local team and support growth of the Omaha office.

In 2007, Jered was named one of the firm's first practice group leaders, tasked with leading the Land Development practice. In 2016, he created Olsson's Business Development function to lead growth of key clients and oversaw the Marketing and Client Experience groups. Building on that growth, he was tasked with leading the firm’s program strategy, which included oversight of the telecom, power delivery, data center, federal, and rail markets. With the recent re-org, Jered will no longer provide direct oversight of the programs or Sales and Growth but instead focus on innovation and technology.

Jered currently resides in Lincoln with his wife Jamie and their five children. Jered holds degrees in both civil engineering and natural resources and environmental sciences from Kansas State University.

A decorated Air Force combat veteran and seasoned recruiting professional with extensive experience inside corporate, agency and consultant-based recruiting environments, in both domestic and international markets. Deep recruiting expertise across multiple industries to include: Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Retail, CPG, IT/Telecommunications, Energy, Aerospace and others.

Joe is a Principal and the Roadway Director at Patel, Greene and Associates, LLC (PGA). His nearly two decades of experience includes time in both the public and private sectors. Joe’s current responsibilities include the management of over 40 staff, providing guidance and support of project pursuits and production for the firm. He manages high-profile contracts, including the FDOT District One GEC ($30M), and serves on multiple industry committees to enhance the effectiveness of transportation initiatives statewide.  

Joe has dedicated himself to public service, having served on multiple boards including non-profit organizations and local municipal boards in his community. Through these roles he has gained valuable insight into strategic planning and leadership. He has participated in several strategic plan developments and currently serves PGA on their Vision Committee - focused on strategic plan implementation. 

Joseph is a Principal and the Structures Director at Patel, Greene and Associates, LLC. His background includes the design of various transportation structures ranging from short, simple-span bridges to complex multi-span bridges. He currently oversees a total of 22 structure staff members at various PGA offices. He is involved in several professional organizations including ASCE, FES, and FELI. Joe is a natural leader and has been instrumental in the statewide growth of PGA’s Structures Group.

Justin Smith, SE, PE, MBA is a subject matter AEC leadership and project management expert with a proven track record of business growth and profitability in diverse and highly technical programs. Having led teams successfully completing high pressure projects throughout the country and internationally, he is no stranger to the challenges that organizational leaders and team leaders in the AEC industry face.

Having held nearly every role that exists in a modern AEC firm, Mr. Smith brings a practitioner’s eye to consulting and training and regularly offers his expertise to firms, universities, and professional organizations looking to develop skills and offerings that provide a competitive advantage for talent. Mr. Smith has consulted on projects and with companies on matters including workplace culture improvement, leadership development challenges, business system implementations, and project leadership for highly technical subject matters.

Kate’s 25 years of experience in the Architecture and Engineering industry includes leadership roles as a Consultant, Principal-in-Charge, and National Engineering Director. Her primary focus is on helping clients with transition strategies including ownership transition and mergers and acquisitions. Kate applies a “lead with people” approach as she partners with firms to successfully anticipate and prepare for their future.

KP is the visionary Founder and CEO of Shadow Ventures, a powerhouse in technology and innovation in the built environment. Renowned for his expertise, he authored the definitive guide to Building Information Modeling—“BIM for Building Owners and Developers”, What you know about Startups is wrong.”, and his latest book that is helping companies leverage AI to increase their enterprise value, “Creating the Intangible Enterprise: The Critical Skills Required to Thrive in an AI-Driven World”.

With a remarkable track record, KP has founded and successfully exited three technology companies, achieving IPOs on NASDAQ, NYSE, and through private ventures. He has led Enterprise Transformation at Gehry Technologies, and served as General Manager of ATDC at Georgia Tech, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected technology incubators. KP is not just a leader—he’s a game changer, driving the future of our industry with unwavering confidence and strategic insight. He has become the most influential leader of his generation in driving change in some of the oldest industries in the world.

Kristi focuses her extensive expertise on helping clients design a workforce that is not only prepared for the future, but one that leverages disruption to thrive and succeed. Weaving together a unique blend of anticipatory tools and insights with practical solutions, Kristi provides clients with an organizational architecture that empowers them for the NextGen.

Applying deep workforce knowledge, Kristi helps companies overcome challenges by providing strategic direction, implementing and improving policies and procedures, and skillfully turning human capital management into a competitive advantage.

Kristi is an active blogger and frequent presenter on workforce related topics.

As the Chief Operating Officer of RS&H, Lisa brings tenacity and strategic vision to her role. Lisa’s influential leadership has propelled the company forward through the development of innovative ideas and the determination to see them through. In her role, she leads all operational activities related to service delivery to achieve the firm’s strategy, objectives, and annual goals.

Lucas Hayden leads AEC Strategy for Unanet products. Unanet is built to help AEC firms do business better and Lucas, with a background in development, data, education, and client services, works to provide solutions that help firms solve problems, innovate, and refine their business processes.

Lynn is a visionary leader celebrated for her unparalleled talent in connecting individuals with transformative opportunities. As an executive well-being coach and career strategist, she empowers a diverse clientele, from innovative startups to Fortune 1-50 companies, inspiring profound personal and professional growth. Her forward-thinking approach extends to her role as a co-founder of pioneering hospitality ventures that prioritize inclusive, family-friendly environments and cultivate vibrant communities. With an accomplished background as an international supply chain executive at Maersk, Home Depot, and Walmart, and credentials as a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Lynn combines bespoke, creative, and holistic methods in both individual and group settings. She revitalizes clients' strengths and energy, facilitating successful transitions and enhancing clarity and excellence in their careers and personal lives.

A forward-thinker: Marci's leadership, and understanding of innovation, is transforming
business through technology: with the goal of always being relevant at the audience’s point of need. She generates business growth through strategic organizational development and experience-marketing
of core benefits: membership, professional development, continuing education and credentialing.
Marci is the publisher of an award-winning journal; she is a two-time book author, and a contributing writer for trade publications.

Marci is currently the CEO of Society for Marketing Professional Services, leading the vision to transform business through marketing leadership.

Mark is an electrical engineer with 25 years of experience in the automation industry, with experience in developing wastewater collection and treatment, water treatment and distribution,energy,and manufacturing. He spent seven years with the Niagara Region as a SCADA engineerwhere he led a team that upgraded Niagara’s SCADA systems in all eight of their wastewater plants, six water plants, andassociated remote locations equating to approximately 120 sites. With his team, Mark pursued state-of-the-art technologies in all their treatment facilities along with wide-area solutions for management and information distribution.Mark’s post-graduate degree focused onwastewatercollection real-time controlengineeringstrategies concerning the Port Dalhousie collection system. He also completed a multi-year energy efficiency plan and facilitated an energy audit in all water and wastewater locations that included recommendations to the Energy Efficiency Steering Committee on cost savings initiatives.

Matt Wessale is a leader in Westwood’s Renewable Energy division, driving both internal and external initiatives to advance the company’s mission and vision. Since joining the Minnesota Professional Chapter of EWB-USA in 2019, he has played a key role in launching and expanding Westwood’s EWB-USA-focused giving-back program. As the EWB-MN Chapter President, Matt leads a team of over 50 volunteers and manages a $100,000 annual budget, guiding strategic initiatives that drive lasting, impactful infrastructure improvements both locally and internationally.

As Senior Director of Product Marketing, Megan Miller works with architecture & engineering firms around the world to help them improve their business processes through technology and thought leadership with resources like Deltek Clarity and Deltek’s leading project-based software solutions.

Mike is a visionary leader with a passion for advancing not only VHB, but the entire AEC industry as together we face unprecedented opportunities and challenges, from diversifying our workforce to advancing more sustainable, equitable communities. In his ten years as CEO, he has steered the company through a transformational period of strategic growth, geographic expansion, and technological advancement.

Fun fact: A proud Blue Hen, Mike was inducted into the University of Delaware Alumni Wall of Fame in 2022.

Peter Devereaux received a BS in Architecture from Penn State and an M-Arch degree from Yale University. In 1985, Devereaux joined a nine-person firm in Los Angeles, Fields Devereaux as Design Leader. Under Peter’s leadership as CEO the firm grew to a staff of 175 people and expanded into three cities in California. In 2006, Fields Devereaux merged with HarleyEllis, to form Harley Ellis Devereaux. Today HED has 460 employees in ten cities nationwide. Peter became a Fellow of the AIA in 2006 and served on the Executive Committee of AIA’s Large Firm Roundtable from 2014 through 2020. In 2023 he was elected Chairman of the Innovation Design Consortium, a public benefit corporation to advance the utilization of technology within the design space.

Rachel R. Gresham, AIA, MBA, WELL AP, CDT is a Nashville-based architect and Senior Director of Professional Practice Programs at the American Institute of Architects. With over a decade of project leadership experience, she now empowers AEC professionals through strategic business education and resource development. Rachel’s MBA research explored how firm structure drives culture. She applies this insight to help firms create equitable, high-performing workplaces. A recognized voice on justice, equity, and workplace ecosystems, she co-founded AIA Middle Tennessee’s EDI Committee and mentors future talent through Nashville’s ACE Mentor Program. Rachel speaks nationally on leveraging business practices to build resilient, inclusive AEC firms.

Scott is an AE industry veteran with 30 years of experience in strategy, marketing, and business development. As a former Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for a mid-sized engineering firm, Scott brings a unique perspective to his client work, delivering first-hand industry insight and knowledge.

Scott is a sought-after national speaker who has presented for numerous industry organizations including ACEC, AIA, ASCE, NCSEA, PSMJ, ROG, SDA, SMPS, and USGBC. A prolific writer, Scott has authored 15 books and written numerous ebooks, white papers, and blogs, including his Marketropolis blog for Engineering News-Record. He is a past president of the SMPS Foundation, an AEC research-focused nonprofit organization, and has served on the national board of directors for the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). In addition to being a Fellow of SMPS, Scott is also a Certified Professional Services Marketer.

Prior to joining Stambaugh Ness, Scott was the owner/principal of Aecumen, LLC, a firm providing consulting, facilitation, and training for AEC companies.

Education

• BS degree in Marketing from The Pennsylvania State University
• Certificate in Professional Photography from the New York Institute of Photography

Professional Highlights

• National AE Industry Presenter
• Society of Marketing Professional Services, Fellow
• SMPS Foundation, Former Trustee and President
• Forty Under 40, Central Penn Business Journal
• Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, Leadership York

Community Highlights

• Sitting Vice President of Marketing and Development for the Northern Central Railway, a nonprofit excursion railroad in southern York County. (Formerly known as Steam Into History.)
• Former President and Director of Historic York, Inc.
• Former Director of the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Former Director of the American Red Cross – York County Chapter
• Former Secretary and Director of Leadership York
• Former Vice President and Director of Main Street York
• Former Task Force Member for William C. Goodridge Freedom House & Underground Railroad Museum

Scott Cattran is the Executive Chairman of Woolpert. In this position, Scott supports the company, the CEO, and the leadership team with strategy, operations, and culture. Scott recruited his successor and worked with him for 4 years in a planned succession. From 2015-2025, Scott was President and CEO of Woolpert. In this position, Scott was responsible for setting the vision and strategy of the company, developing and strengthening a strong trust-built culture, achieving company long-term strategic goals, meeting the annual business plan, and making Woolpert a Great Place to Work for all employees.

To date, under Scott’s leadership, Woolpert has been rated a great place to work by employee’s 9 years in a row, expanded globally (from 500 to 2800 people), moved 95 spots up the ENR (from #134 to #39), closed 15 successful acquisitions, grown organically ~10%+ per year, ~10x’d profits, and ~20x’d share price.

Stefanie Richter is a recognized leader in business development and Microsoft partnership strategy, focused on enabling service-based firms to scale with purpose and clarity. At sa.global, she leads the firm’s go-to-market strategy for the Microsoft Service-Centric Cloud, working closely with engineering, legal, and consulting firms to navigate transformation. With a background in sales strategy, operational enablement, and change culture, Stefanie brings a human-first lens to every conversation—championing clarity, trust, and innovation. She’s also an active member of ACEC and a driving force behind Microsoft AI adoption in the AEC industry.

As a distinguished thought leader, Steve blends his passion for design and firm management with profound insights into emerging technologies. Over the past 2 decades, working directly with over 1,400 firm owners, Steve has significantly contributed to reshaping these businesses for enhanced growth and sustainability.

Steve's career highlights include a 7-year tenure at SOM Chicago, founding BBA Architects in 1993 and growing it to 17 architects before its 2007 sale, and creating ArchiOffice, a groundbreaking project management software company acquired by BQE Software in 2010.

Recognized for his significant impact on the profession, in 2009 Steve was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. Currently, as Founder of The Well-Designed Firm, he focuses on leading AE firms to operational excellence, mentoring leaders to craft businesses as elegant and innovative as the architecture they create.

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Steve champions the Stambaugh Ness client experience and is the driving force behind our firm’s strategic marketing and business development initiatives. A big believer of encouraging and supporting the growth and success of employees, Steve led us towards the adoption of a firm-wide strengths-based program. This unique program focuses on developing an individual’s talents and delivers positive benefits for both our employees and our clients.

Understanding the importance of anticipating the needs of our clients, Steve spearheads the development of strategic partner relationships with organizations that provide services that complement our menu of client solutions. Additionally, Steve serves as chief liaison between Stambaugh Ness and the BDO Alliance USA, of which we are an independent member.

Steve also serves as the Managing Partner of Stambaugh Ness TechSolutions, LLC, one of the nation’s leading Deltek Premier Partners and a leading technology consulting firm.

But don’t let the CPA stereotype fool you, if he wasn’t brainstorming innovative ways to meet the needs of clients, Steve would be touring the world as a drummer in a rock band.

Tom joined Zweig Group after a 19-year career as the Chief Operating Officer of a Washington DC-based engineering company. In that role, he was responsible for the business operations of a multi-office firm, to include oversight of the finance, accounting, human resources, information technology, facilities, and legal functions. Tom was a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and helped guide it through two economic shocks (the 2008 Great Recession and the 2020 Covid Crisis), an ownership transition from founders to the 2nd generation of leaders, and periods of high growth. Prior to this, he held operations and management roles in the telecommunication industry and served on active duty as a nuclear power-trained Submarine Warfare Officer in the United States Navy.

Systems thinking is a particular area of interest for Tom. He brings a strong understanding of the complex interactions between clients, employees, and the economic/business goals of AEC firms.

Tom holds a MBA from the University of North Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Duke University.

Ms. McMahan’s diverse knowledge of business intelligence and data analytics has contributed to the successful management of multiple projects and programs including the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)’s Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program, which administers funds for locally sponsored bicycle and pedestrian projects. Ms. McMahan has also developed applications to mine and transform data to support more efficient reporting tools and project estimate development.

Ms. McMahan has 25 years of experience in data analytics, product development, reporting, and pricing strategy in the private and public sectors at both the municipal and federal levels.

A firm believer that complacency breeds failure, Ying is driven by innate curiosity and life-long learning with a growth mindset. She is passionate about leading with purpose, inclusion, and authenticity. With over 13 years of diverse experience in the AEC industry, Ying has served in various capacities including strategic planning, design, and implementation; marketing and business development; CRM operations and commercial pipeline; client team management and capture win plans; as well as proposal development and oversight. Her unique strengths lie within her ability to integrate tactical thinking and strategic insights into business planning and capture qualitative and quantitative components to convey a cohesive message.

Prior to joining Zweig Group in 2022, Ying served as the Deputy Chief Strategy and Growth Officer for the US Operations of a Paris-based multinational architectural and engineering consulting firm specializing in public transportation and mobility solutions. Recognized as an innovative strategist who can integrate multiple perspectives into a shared vision, Ying was promoted to this growth-focused strategic role at the onset of COVID to partner with C-suite executives and cross-functional teams to develop a 2-3 year strategic plan for organizational survival and return to growth. She was also responsible for managing the implementation and execution effort of the strategic plan by facilitating regular performance reviews against pre-established KPIs to drive organizational growth and profitability.

Ying holds an MBA with a concentration in management and strategies and a Bachelor of Business Administration in international marketing, both degrees from the City University of New York (CUNY) Baruch College. Spurred by simple curiosity and a genuine interest in sustainability, Ying obtained her LEED AP BD+C credential in 2021. She is also multilingual - fluent in English, Korean, and Chinese, with intermediate proficiency in French and Japanese.