Cannon McNair Takes Charge as Chief Strategy Officer at HFA Architecture + Engineering
Cannon McNair Promoted to Chief Strategy Officer at HFA Architecture + Engineering
HFA Architecture + Engineering has announced a pivotal advancement within its leadership team with the promotion of Cannon McNair to the role of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). This new position is designed to enhance the company’s strategic approach in an ever-evolving architectural and engineering sector.
Having joined HFA in 2019, McNair has amassed valuable experience and insights within the firm, particularly as the Director of Brand + Marketing. His tenure in this position allowed him to merge creative initiatives with business acumen, spearheading various brand strategies and collaborating closely with senior leadership to create comprehensive growth plans.
According to Dave Wilgus, CEO of HFA, this move underscores the firm’s commitment to leadership within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) markets. Wilgus stated, “Cannon embodies the growth mindset needed to expand our reach and reputation as a trusted solution provider.” This confidence is rooted in McNair’s history of implementing innovative strategies that foster creativity and practical solutions.
In his new role, McNair is tasked with developing and executing growth strategies that respond to ongoing challenges and leverage the opportunities within dynamic market conditions. He remarked, “Our ability to identify unique challenges and opportunities for each market sector allows us to stand out as innovators.” This vision reflects the company's commitment to advancing industry norms through thoughtful design and adaptability in a rapidly changing landscape.
McNair aims to harness this visionary approach to augment HFA's client-centered approach to architecture and engineering. He recognizes that consumers are continually changing their perspectives, which means that the firm must adapt and evolve accordingly. “We are at an exciting crossroads,” he noted, emphasizing the need to redefine industry standards in response to shifting consumer expectations and desires.
The new CSO is also focusing on fostering a workplace culture that emphasizes innovation and collaboration. McNair envisions a future where HFA not only leads in project delivery but also sets a standard for what it means to be a rewarding and successful workplace. “We believe in redefining what it means to be an exceptional workplace—one that is fresh, innovative, and built for our people to succeed,” he asserted.
This strategic reorientation aligns with broader trends affecting the AEC industry, where competition and differentiation are increasingly defined by service quality and innovative design. With over 35 years of experience, HFA has established itself as a formidable player in markets spanning retail, healthcare, hospitality, and beyond.
As McNair steps into this key position, his focus on collaborative efforts and integrated solutions promises to drive HFA Architecture + Engineering toward a bright future. His foresight and entrepreneurial spirit are expected to invigorate the firm's strategic direction.
The architectural landscape is always evolving, and HFA sees it as their duty to shape the future of design, construction, and leadership within the sector. McNair's leadership and vision will undoubtedly influence how HFA responds to the intersection of consumer expectations and industry standards in the years ahead.