#USA #Dayton #Woolpert #Neil Churman #Scott Cattran

Woolpert's New Leadership: Neil Churman as CEO

In a significant executive shift, Woolpert, a leading firm in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services, has announced the promotion of Neil Churman to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Churman, who has been with the company as its president since early 2024, is eager to uphold Woolpert's tradition of excellence while pushing towards future growth and innovation.

Leadership Transition

Churman's elevation to CEO comes as part of Woolpert's planned succession strategy. He takes over from Scott Cattran, who has driven the company’s success since 2015 and will now step into the position of executive chairman. Cattran will assist Churman in guiding the firm's strategic direction and will continue to lead the board of directors.

Churman has an impressive track record in transforming business operations and enhancing organizational capabilities. He was appointed Woolpert's first chief corporate development officer in 2022 after being recruited by Cattran. Under his leadership, the company undertook five strategic acquisitions, contributing an additional 800 staff members and extending capabilities across the U.S., Europe, and Australia. Significantly, Woolpert experienced its most successful financial year in 2024, under Churman's guidance.

A Vision for the Future

Churman commented on his appointment, stating, "I am honored to take on this role and am humbled by the responsibility to carry forward our legacy of over 100 years of supporting critical programs for our clients. I am committed to strengthening our culture and ensuring we create a great place to work for all our global employees."

He illustrated his vision, focusing on investing in innovative solutions while maintaining Woolpert's core values of support, high performance, and inclusiveness. As a leader, he aims to nurture an environment that will foster growth and eventually position Woolpert as one of the best firms globally in its sector.

Scott Cattran’s Legacy

Reflecting on his experience at Woolpert, Cattran noted the extensive growth the firm has experienced over his leadership tenure. When Cattran took the helm a decade ago, the number of U.S. employees was just over 600, with annual revenues reaching $97 million. Fast forward to 2025, and Woolpert boasts not only a workforce of more than 2,700 across five continents but also annual revenues exceeding $650 million. Moreover, Woolpert has secured a 47th ranking on Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms list, evidencing its upward trajectory within the industry.

Cattran also highlighted the importance of the firm’s partnerships in the private equity domain, including its collaboration with BDTMSD Partners, which has allowed more than 500 new employees to become shareholders in the company's success.

Conclusion

Neil Churman's appointment as CEO represents not just a new chapter for Woolpert, but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to driving innovation and retaining a collaborative culture. Both he and Cattran express anticipation for the incredible potential that lies ahead for Woolpert, marking another milestone in the firm's illustrious 114-year history.

As Woolpert plans for the future, the focus remains clear—expanding its global presence while committing to high standards of excellence. With leadership transitions often being pivotal moments in a company's journey, Woolpert stands ready to thrive under Churman's stewardship.