Kent Schwendy Appointed Executive Director at BL Companies to Drive Innovation and Growth
On November 2, 2026, BL Companies announced the appointment of Kent Schwendy as the Executive Director of its Architecture, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (ASMEP) divisions. This strategic decision aligns with the company's mission to enhance its leadership in multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, environmental, and land surveying services. Schwendy brings over 35 years of extensive experience in various fields, including engineering, urban planning, architecture, real estate development, and construction. His impressive career trajectory includes serving as the president and CEO of the Corporation for Independent Living (CIL) and, prior to that, a notable 17-year tenure at the consulting engineering firm Fuss & O'Neill, where he excelled from project engineer to a partner and senior vice president.
Kent Schwendy's primary focus at BL Companies will involve leading the firm's architectural and engineering teams across its 18 offices. His leadership aims to strengthen collaboration within the company, develop deeper relationships with clients, and ensure the practice is well-positioned for sustained growth. Carolyn Stanworth, the president and CEO of BL Companies, praised Schwendy, stating, “Kent is a skilled and accomplished engineer, but he's also a tremendous leader and strategic thinker.” The firm prioritizes commendable work, nurturing future leaders, and business expansion. Schwendy embodies these values, with a solid track record as a team builder who understands how design excellence, quality client service, and effective business strategies integrate seamlessly.
Throughout his career, Schwendy has directed multidisciplinary teams of engineers, architects, planners, landscape architects, and environmental scientists on numerous nationwide projects. His expertise extends to master planning efforts and adaptive reuse planning and design specific to historic structures and industrial complexes. Reflecting on his new role, Schwendy said, “Carolyn and the employee owners at BL have built a rock-solid foundation and created lasting relationships with clients all over the country. To learn about BL is to understand the importance of culture and the way these talented people go about their business every day. It's a great place to work and I look forward to helping carry that momentum forward.”
Schwendy began his career as a utility engineer with the New York State Department of Public Service before taking on a role as a captain and civil engineer in the U.S. Air Force in the 1990s. He supported Operations Desert Storm and Vigilant Warrior, serving as the lead structural engineer for Dover Air Force Base, where he was instrumental in converting a World War II aircraft hangar into a museum.
Schwendy holds multiple professional certifications, including being a licensed professional engineer, a LEED Accredited Professional, a Congress for the New Urbanism Accredited professional, and a Certified Construction Specifier through the Construction Specifications Institute. He actively contributes to the engineering community by serving on the Civil Engineering Advisory Board at the University of Hartford, guest lecturing at the University of Connecticut, and facilitating courses for eCornell.
Completing his extensive portfolio, Schwendy graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in civil engineering focused on structures and transportation. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is a certified master beekeeper and a best-selling author of historical and fantasy fiction. As he steps into his new role at BL Companies, the firm’s trajectory as a leader in multidisciplinary design and engineering is set to reach new heights, all under the guidance of a strategic visionary like Kent Schwendy.
Kent Schwendy's primary focus at BL Companies will involve leading the firm's architectural and engineering teams across its 18 offices. His leadership aims to strengthen collaboration within the company, develop deeper relationships with clients, and ensure the practice is well-positioned for sustained growth. Carolyn Stanworth, the president and CEO of BL Companies, praised Schwendy, stating, “Kent is a skilled and accomplished engineer, but he's also a tremendous leader and strategic thinker.” The firm prioritizes commendable work, nurturing future leaders, and business expansion. Schwendy embodies these values, with a solid track record as a team builder who understands how design excellence, quality client service, and effective business strategies integrate seamlessly.
Throughout his career, Schwendy has directed multidisciplinary teams of engineers, architects, planners, landscape architects, and environmental scientists on numerous nationwide projects. His expertise extends to master planning efforts and adaptive reuse planning and design specific to historic structures and industrial complexes. Reflecting on his new role, Schwendy said, “Carolyn and the employee owners at BL have built a rock-solid foundation and created lasting relationships with clients all over the country. To learn about BL is to understand the importance of culture and the way these talented people go about their business every day. It's a great place to work and I look forward to helping carry that momentum forward.”
Schwendy began his career as a utility engineer with the New York State Department of Public Service before taking on a role as a captain and civil engineer in the U.S. Air Force in the 1990s. He supported Operations Desert Storm and Vigilant Warrior, serving as the lead structural engineer for Dover Air Force Base, where he was instrumental in converting a World War II aircraft hangar into a museum.
Schwendy holds multiple professional certifications, including being a licensed professional engineer, a LEED Accredited Professional, a Congress for the New Urbanism Accredited professional, and a Certified Construction Specifier through the Construction Specifications Institute. He actively contributes to the engineering community by serving on the Civil Engineering Advisory Board at the University of Hartford, guest lecturing at the University of Connecticut, and facilitating courses for eCornell.
Completing his extensive portfolio, Schwendy graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in civil engineering focused on structures and transportation. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is a certified master beekeeper and a best-selling author of historical and fantasy fiction. As he steps into his new role at BL Companies, the firm’s trajectory as a leader in multidisciplinary design and engineering is set to reach new heights, all under the guidance of a strategic visionary like Kent Schwendy.
Topics General Business）
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