#USA #Rochester #CPL #Design Excellence #Christopher Colby

CPL Unveils Leadership Shift in Celebration of 50 Years of Excellence

CPL, a renowned design firm with a half-century of experience in public and private sector projects, recently declared a major leadership transition coinciding with its 50th anniversary. This change signifies a notable evolution for the firm as it embraces Christopher Colby, AIA, LEED AP, as its new President and Chief Operating Officer. This pivotal moment not only marks a new chapter in CPL’s management but symbolizes the beginning of a third generation of leadership within the company.

A Legacy of Growth and Excellence

With a commitment to strategic growth and unwavering dedication to design excellence, CPL’s transition is guided by its Vision 2025 initiative, started in 2017 to navigate the firm into the next era. Colby’s promotion comes after an extensive succession planning process, demonstrating the firm’s resolve to maintain cultural continuity while expanding its vision.

Colby's journey in architecture kicked off with a high school internship focused on a local church renovation. This initial experience ignited his passion for design, compelling him to pursue studies at Alfred State before formally joining CPL, where he thrived particularly in K-12 design. Eager to instigate inspirational learning environments, his trajectory varied through founding his own firm and returning to CPL, significantly enhancing its K-12 practice in the Hudson Valley.

Reflecting on his experience, Colby shared, "I've had the rare opportunity to learn the business side of architecture from the ground up. From sitting in on leadership meetings early in my career to running my own firm, I've developed a deep understanding of what makes an organization thrive. I'm honored to lead CPL into its next chapter."

Transitioning Leadership Roles

This leadership change marks Colby’s succession of Richard Henry, P.E., who has transitioned to Chief Business Development Officer. Henry continues to be an integral part of CPL, tasked with identifying avenues for growth, fostering essential partnerships, and broadening the firm’s market scope. Todd Liebert, AIA, current CEO alongside Henry, has played a critical role in steering CPL through substantial growth periods, establishing a leadership model that is now increasingly diverse and geographically widespread.

Several additional leadership appointments have also been announced, further bolstering CPL’s executive team:

• - Ken Mayer, FAIA, LEED AP: Appointed as Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing operations, human resources, and organizational effectiveness.
• - Graham Boyd, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB: Takes on the role of National K-12 Practice Leader to expand CPL's influence in education design further.
• - Rachel Nilson, AIA, NCARB: Will serve as National Community Culture Practice Leader, steering CPL’s ventures in civic and cultural projects.
• - Rebecca Keefer, AICP: Offers her expertise as National Placemaking Practice Leader, focusing on community-oriented environments.
• - CJ Gaffney: Joins as Director of Strategic Marketing to enhance the firm's positioning in the market.

The robust Board of Directors also remains a cornerstone of governance and strategic oversight as CPL transitions, ensuring that the culture rooted in strong values and commitment endures.

A Future Steeped in Values

As CPL embarks on its sixth decade of operation, the firm remains true to its foundational values. CEO Todd Liebert commented, "We've weathered many challenges, and our strength lies in our ability to adapt while staying true to who we are. This leadership transition is not just a change in titles—it's a reaffirmation of CPL's commitment to bold, adaptive leadership and purpose-driven design."

Founded in 1975, CPL is a multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, and planning firm that provides inspiring design services and enriches communities across 26 cities in eight states. The firm specializes in various sectors, including Community Culture, Healthcare, Higher Education, and K-12 Education, delivering services that include architectural and interior design, civil engineering, and planning. For more information, visit www.CPLteam.com.

Conclusion

CPL’s leadership transition signifies more than just a personnel change; it represents an evolution of the firm into a promising future, bolstered by a legacy of innovation and a commitment to excellence that has defined its first 50 years. With Colby at the helm, CPL is poised to continue its exceptional journey in designing spaces that inspire and engage communities.