Rich Smith has been promoted to President of HEI. He will serve as a liaison to HEI’s clients and will be the primary public representative of the company. As President, Smith will focus on the overall vision and brand of the company. Additionally, Smith will remain heavily involved in business development and assisting with diversifying and growing the firm.
Duane Henderson will remain as CEO. He will continue to be involved in the daily operations and help lead of the company through the transition period. Henderson has been CEO since 1988; his father Fran founded the company in 1970.
Dave Haake has assumed the role of Chief Operations Officer. His responsibilities will include overseeing the daily operations of the company, including internal design teams, specialty divisions, and branch offices.
Dana Kettle has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer; she will oversee and manage all financial aspects of the firm.
Rick Lahm has stepped down as CFO, a position he has held since 1990. Lahm will assume the role of Board Treasurer.
Tony Pianalto has assumed the role of Chief Technical Officer. He will oversee and manage the technical engineering aspects of the firm, including quality control, training, standards, building information modeling, sustainability and commissioning.
“HEI’s Board of Directors examined the roles and organization of our company and interviewed key personnel through a six month discovery period,” said Duane Henderson, CEO. “We wanted to make sure we were taking into consideration our shareholders’ thoughts and ideas with regard to the future of the company.”
“The plan presented will allow for a smooth leadership transition for our company,” said Rich Smith, President. “I’m excited about the opportunity and the changes and feel it will strengthen the management structure as our firm continues to grow both regionally and nationally.”
About Henderson Engineers, Inc.
Henderson Engineers, Inc. was founded in 1970 and provides mechanical, electrical, plumbing and refrigeration design services through its headquarters in Kansas City, as well as branch offices in Bentonville, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, New York Metro, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Tampa. Licensed in all 50 states, Henderson is comprised of over 450 employees including 150 Licensed Engineers and over 100 LEED® Accredited Professionals. In addition to its core services, Henderson Engineers, Inc. houses four specialty divisions: Impact Illumination (architectural lighting), Fire Dynamics (fire protection and code consulting), Collective Tech/ADG (comprehensive technology, security, audio visual, and acoustical design), and Outcome Cx (Commissioning). For more information visit www.hei-eng.com.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Oct 5, 2022
Co-living spaces, wellness-minded designs among innovations in multifamily housing
The booming multifamily sector shows no signs of a significant slowdown heading into 2023. Here is a round up of Giants 400 firms that are driving innovation in this sector.
Contractors | Oct 5, 2022
Materials shortages, cost spikes throwing Design-Bid-Build process out of whack
The traditional Design-Bid-Build delivery process is under considerable stress this year as materials shortages and cost spikes are upending usual practices, according to a new report from JLL.
Green | Oct 5, 2022
In California, a public power provider’s new headquarters serves as a test case for an innovative microgrid and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Sonoma Clean Power (SCP), the public power provider for California’s Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, recently unveiled its new all-electric headquarters.
Contractors | Oct 4, 2022
Which comes first, the building or the cost estimate?
At the start of a project, don’t forget to establish financial parameters when you’re discussing the design and program. By establishing the costs up front, you can avoid the pitfalls that might derail your project and guarantee its lasting success.
Fire and Life Safety | Oct 4, 2022
Fire safety considerations for cantilevered buildings
Bold cantilevered designs are prevalent today, as developers and architects strive to maximize space, views, and natural light in buildings. Cantilevered structures, however, present a host of challenges for building teams, according to José R. Rivera, PE, Associate Principal and Director of Plumbing and Fire Protection with Lilker.
| Oct 4, 2022
Rental property owners want access to utility usage data for whole properties
As pressure from investors for ESG reporting mounts, owners of multifamily properties increasingly look to collect whole-building utility usage data.
| Oct 4, 2022
In dire need of affordable housing, Aspen, Colo. will get a development that provides 277 affordable homes
A few miles from downtown Aspen, Colo., a development will provide 277 new affordable homes for an area experiencing a dire affordable housing crisis.
Green | Oct 3, 2022
California regulators move to ban gas heaters for existing buildings
California regulators voted unanimously recently on a series of measures that include a ban on the sale of natural gas-powered heating and hot water systems beginning in 2030.
| Oct 3, 2022
The College of the Holy Cross completes a $110 million performing arts center
In Worcester, Mass., a one-hour drive from Boston, the College of the Holy Cross has completed its $110 million Prior Performing Arts Center.
Resiliency | Sep 30, 2022
Designing buildings for wildfire defensibility
Wold Architects and Engineers' Senior Planner Ryan Downs, AIA, talks about how to make structures and communities more fire-resistant.
