#USA #Dayton #Woolpert #Corporate Leadership #Neil Churman

Woolpert Names Neil Churman as CEO

Woolpert, a leading global architecture, engineering, and geospatial services firm, has officially promoted Neil Churman to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as of January 23, 2025. Churman, who has served as the President of the company since early 2024, takes over from Scott Cattran, who has led Woolpert since 2015. This change is part of Woolpert's long-term succession plan, where Cattran will continue to play a pivotal role as Executive Chairman, supporting Churman in shaping the company's strategic direction.

Churman has been a significant force in fostering strategic growth and operational excellence within the realms of architecture, engineering, and technology services. Under his leadership, Woolpert has embarked on a series of transformations that include five strategic acquisitions, the hiring of over 800 new employees, and the expansion of the company’s capabilities across the United States, Europe, and Australia. Remarkably, in 2024, the company reported its highest financial performance in its 114-year history, showcasing the effectiveness of Churman’s operational strategies.

Before joining Woolpert, Churman held senior roles at various firms, including TRC Companies, 7 Mile Advisors, and Michael Baker International. His academic background includes an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He will continue to work from Woolpert's Pittsburgh office, where he aims to enhance the firm’s growth trajectory.

Churman expressed his gratitude for this opportunity, stating, “I am honored to step into this role and am proud to uphold our over 100-year legacy in supporting critical programs for our clients. I also aim to strengthen our culture and create an excellent workplace for all our employees around the globe.” He emphasized the supportive, innovative, and performance-driven culture at Woolpert, vowing to continue the robust path laid by Cattran.

Cattran, who has been with Woolpert since 1999, played a tremendous role in transforming the company during his tenure. When he first became CEO, Woolpert had just over 600 employees and generated an annual revenue of $97 million, ranking 135th on Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms list. Fast forward to 2025, Woolpert's workforce has grown to over 2,700 employees on five continents, with an annual revenue exceeding $650 million, now ranking 47th on the same prestigious list.

Cattran's leadership style and acumen also facilitated successful private-equity partnerships, including the current collaboration with BDTMSD Partners, and revitalized the employee ownership program, adding over 500 new owners to ensure broader participation in the company's success.

He commented, “Around a decade ago, when I took on the CEO role, we envisioned not just being the leading architecture and engineering firm in our industry but one of the best companies in the world. Thanks to the hard work of all Woolpert employees, we are on an unprecedented path to achieve that vision.” Cattran expressed confidence in Churman's leadership and his abilities to advance this vision through strategic acquisitions and operational growth while building a world-class culture.

About Woolpert
Founded in 1911, Woolpert is the leading architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) firm dedicated to providing industry-leading solutions for public and private clients worldwide. Recognized as a Top 50 Global Design Firm by ENR, Woolpert has received eight certifications as a Great Place to Work and actively promotes a culture of growth, inclusivity, diversity, and respect. Today, Woolpert operates more than 60 offices across five continents and employs over 2,700 staff members. To learn more about Woolpert, visit woolpert.com.