3
P R O F I L E
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul, MN. HGA was the project designer and architect of record. / Paul Crosby
Middle ground As a collaborative leader, CEO Tim Carl likes to take input from many different levels of the firm, and from across generations.
A CONVERSATION WITH CARL. The Zweig Letter: What are the key strengths for an effective leader?What are your key strengths? Tim Carl: The ability to have empathy and to act inclusively. Connecting people and being a good lis- tener are also key. Right now, I’m working to con- nect three generations of people who all have differ- ent points of view. I need to understand all of their values and how they connect to the workplace. I be- lieve I have an ability to help others succeed, I also work to engage people at every level. It’s important to lead from the middle. I think I do that. “I also work to engage people at every level. It’s important to lead from the middle. I think I do that.” TZL: How would you describe your leadership style? TC: Accepting and inclusive. From what I’ve been told, I’m approachable and I believe that is See Q&A, page 4
By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent
I n February 2015, HGA (Hot Firm #38 for 2015) – an integrated architecture, engineering and plan- ning firm based in Minneapolis – appointed a new CEO, Tim Carl, to succeed Dan Avchen, the compa- ny’s leader since 1996. Carl has been at HGA for 17 years. Prior to becom- ing CEO, he was a design principal and practice group leader for the arts, community, and educa- tion studio where he led a team of 35. He’s worked with designers in various HGA offices on a num- ber of projects and has led design efforts on sever- al high-profile projects, including the University of Minnesota’s Northrop Auditorium renovation, the expansion and renovation of General Mills’ head- quarters, and the Nelson Cultural Center addition to the American Swedish Institute. This Indiana native and graduate of Notre Dame worked at RTKL Associates in the Dallas office for six years. His sister was the one who suggested he relocate to Minnesota to be closer to her and he’s never thought twice about the decision. Before joining HGA, he worked for Ellerbe Becket in Min- neapolis.
Tim Carl, CEO, HGA
THE ZWEIG LETTER April 11, 2016, ISSUE 1147
Made with FlippingBook Annual report