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ON THE MOVE DYER BROWN UNVEILS RESTRUCTURING AND NEW LEADERSHIP TRACK, NAMING KEY PROMOTIONS AND NEW ASSOCIATES Approaching its 50th year in practice, the national architecture and interior design firm Dyer Brown has announced a major expansion of its leadership ranks and employee ownership in the firm. A new career track has debuted to include associate and principal levels, and the firm named its first four associates, a senior associate, two associate principals, and new director of design as part of the announcement. Reflecting a trend among industry-leading service companies around the world, Dyer Brown’s new title track and firm structure are formulated to recognize and foster professional qualities of leadership, including “commitment to the best interest of the firm as a whole; engagement of clients and teams with integrity; and maintaining transparent, respectful communication with a willingness to continually improve,” says the firm. “As we further build and expand the future of Dyer Brown, we also actively seek to foster and encourage emerging leaders and owners who will take the firm forward to the next fifty years,” says Brent Zeigler, AIA, IIDA, president of Dyer Brown. “This new structure enhances our ability to reward and recognize our top designers and collaborators.” As it rolls out the new opportunity of its Associate titles, Dyer Brown has named its first four: ❚ ❚ Kelly Conover, the firm’s marketing manager ❚ ❚ Maggie Mitchell, IIDA, LEED GA, senior interior designer and leader of Dyer Brown’s Atlanta office
❚ ❚ Charisse Marchesi Smith, senior project manager and studio coordinator for Corporate Services ❚ ❚ Lisa Hylton Lamothe, senior project manager and studio coordinator for the firm’s Workplace, Retail + Hospitality studio All four were elevated to associate in December, says Zeigler. In a related move, Dyer Brown will advance Heather Stanley, NCIDQ, to senior associate in charge of the asset design and support practice. Strengthening the ranks of this acclaimed group previously known as Building Services elevates the innovative service offering for asset managers, landlords, brokers, and property owner-managers. Dyer Brown also announced the appointment of two associate principals: ❚ ❚ Ashley Dunn, AIA, who also serves as Director of Workplace ❚ ❚ Sara Ross, LEED AP, director of orporate Services In addition, the award-winning design firm has made a new director-level appointment, elevating senior architect and designer Karen Bala, AIA to be Dyer Brown’s new Director of Design. Bala’s advancement to this position reflects her increasingly high profile in the design community and her leadership on award-winning buildings, spaces and products. Bala’s move into the role also frees the president Zeigler – formerly director of design – to devote more time to Dyer Brown’s strategic planning and business operations. “These key promotions and Dyer Brown’s new title track represent our full commitment
to the evolution of our team and the future of the firm as a whole,” says Rachel Woodhouse, NCIDQ, LEED AP, Dyer Brown’s principal and director of operations. “The leadership track now includes the levels of associate, senior associate, associate principal, and principal, with corresponding increases in responsibility and visibility.” At the associate level and above, according to Dyer Brown, their leadership ranks are characterized by collaborating in the best interest of the whole firm, staying actively engaged in studio leadership, and seeking to develop junior staff. The firm’s leaders also take on responsibilities related to financial management of their studios as they work closely with studio leaders, directors and principals to execute new strategy. Outside the firm, the associates and principals can be seen engaging widely with professional organizations and the real estate and client communities. Dyer Brown’s latest announcement signals the firm’s continued robust growth and expansion in both project types and scales, as well as a clear intention to continue its tradition of growing and developing leaders from within its ranks. The move also speaks to Dyer Brown’s impressive staying power and growth in new national markets, including higher education and hospitality, which demand the vision and experience of individual market leaders. Dyer Brown is a Boston-based architectural firm specializing in building vibrant, refreshing environments for retail and professional spaces alike.
understanding of ESOPs, or are interested in discussing the next steps as it relates to implementing an ESOP in your company, please connect with Pat Stoltz or Jim Swabowski. Wintrust Financial Corporation is a $34 billion financial services company headquartered in the Chicago area. With our national niche lending groups, including Wintrust ESOP Finance and Wintrust Construction, Engineering & Architecture, our experts have the knowledge and expertise to provide a business owner in the AEC space with a relationship-focused partner and key trusted advisor. PAT STOLTZ and JIM SWABOWSKI can be reached at pstoltz@wintrust.com and jswabowski@wintrust.com. Wintrust ESOP Finance and Wintrust CE&A enjoyed participating in the recent 2019 M&A Next and Elevate AEC Conference and look forward to participating in future events. “Utilizing an ESOP as a part of the succession plan is a common tool in the AEC space, as it aligns well with the culture and objectives of many well performing companies in this space.”
PAT STOLTZ & JIM SWABOWSKI, from page 11
the economic challenge that faces many key employees who might otherwise buy into an ownership position. There has been significant ownership transition activity in recent years, with an increase in firms transitioning to ESOP ownership. This has been driven by a number of factors including: continued business transition from an aging baby boomer population; strong economic conditions; robust valuations/multiples; and strong capital markets which are creating liquidity in the market. Even given the common viewpoint that a recession is likely within the next two years, ownership transition is expected to continue at a higher than normal pace. When comparing an ESOP to other transition alternatives, an ESOP remains as one of the most flexible business transition alternatives. As in any significant business transition event, it is important to plan accordingly. This includes making sure your books and records, management team, and professionals are ready for this undertaking (especially as it relates to ESOPs). If you would like to gain a better
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THE ZWEIG LETTER February 24, 2020, ISSUE 1333
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