Verdantas Welcomes Mark Hardaway as New Chief Financial Officer to Drive Strategic Growth
On October 28, 2025, Verdantas, a frontrunner in digitally-enabled technical consulting for environmental, water, and energy transition markets, made a significant leadership change with the appointment of Mark Hardaway as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This transition marks an important step for the company as it continues to expand its capabilities and operational efficiencies.
Mark Hardaway, who previously served as the Executive Vice President of Finance since August 2025, steps into the CFO role following Pat Sheridan. Sheridan, who had been with Verdantas since its inception, will continue to contribute to the company’s strategic direction in an advisory capacity, focusing on key areas such as mergers and acquisitions, financial strategy, and organizational transitions. This succession promises a seamless transition while ensuring that Verdantas retains strategic continuity during this period of change.
Hardaway comes to Verdantas with a wealth of experience in private equity-backed companies, particularly within the engineering and consulting sectors. His most recent role as CFO at Arora Engineers, LLC, showcased his adeptness in steering firms towards operational success through transformative financial practices. Hardaway was instrumental in refining bank covenant compliance, managing liquidity, and establishing long-term capital planning strategies. Additionally, he successfully modernized accounting procedures that shortened the month-end close cycle, thereby improving financial reporting accuracy and aiding faster decision-making processes.
Jesse Kropelnicki, the CEO of Verdantas, expressed enthusiasm about Hardaway’s appointment, emphasizing that his dedication to operational support and digital innovation will significantly enhance the finance team. Kropelnicki noted, “Hardaway’s energetic and people-oriented leadership style will unify the finance team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose.”
In moving forward, Mark Hardaway has set clear objectives for his new role. “My focus will be on building a robust financial framework that empowers our teams, fosters innovation, and positions Verdantas for long-term success,” he stated. Hardaway’s commitment underscores the importance of operational excellence as necessary for delivering superior results to stakeholders.
Pat Sheridan, in his farewell from the CFO role, echoed sentiments of gratitude, stating, “It has been a privilege to serve Verdantas, and I am confident that Mark’s expertise will further strengthen our financial and operational capabilities.” This commentary highlights the confidence in Hardaway’s abilities and sets an optimistic tone for the company’s future.
James Soldano, Managing Partner at Sterling Investment Partners, added his support, remarking on Hardaway’s impressive leadership as a key asset for Verdantas’s next phase of growth. He expressed excitement about the potential advancements under Hardaway’s leadership.
With Mark Hardaway stepping into the CFO role alongside the strategic guidance of Pat Sheridan, Verdantas is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of success and innovation in the environmental and engineering landscape.
About Verdantas
Verdantas is recognized as a leader in digitally-enabled technical consulting solutions tailored for environmental, water, and energy transition markets. The firm integrates comprehensive environmental and engineering expertise to offer clients sustainable solutions. With a robust team of over 2,100 professionals nationwide, Verdantas harnesses diverse skills and innovative technologies to confront complex challenges, protect essential resources, and bolster resilient communities. To learn more about Verdantas, visit www.verdantas.com.
About Sterling Investment Partners
Sterling Investment Partners is a highly regarded private equity firm with over 30 years of experience in constructing successful middle-market companies. The firm concentrates on control investments in value-added distribution and business services, aiming for businesses with sustainable competitive advantages and substantial growth potential. Throughout its history, Sterling has executed over 270 transactions valued at more than $33 billion. The firm has been recognized as a top performer in the middle market private equity sector globally. For further details, visit www.sterlinglp.com.
Mark Hardaway, who previously served as the Executive Vice President of Finance since August 2025, steps into the CFO role following Pat Sheridan. Sheridan, who had been with Verdantas since its inception, will continue to contribute to the company’s strategic direction in an advisory capacity, focusing on key areas such as mergers and acquisitions, financial strategy, and organizational transitions. This succession promises a seamless transition while ensuring that Verdantas retains strategic continuity during this period of change.
Hardaway comes to Verdantas with a wealth of experience in private equity-backed companies, particularly within the engineering and consulting sectors. His most recent role as CFO at Arora Engineers, LLC, showcased his adeptness in steering firms towards operational success through transformative financial practices. Hardaway was instrumental in refining bank covenant compliance, managing liquidity, and establishing long-term capital planning strategies. Additionally, he successfully modernized accounting procedures that shortened the month-end close cycle, thereby improving financial reporting accuracy and aiding faster decision-making processes.
Jesse Kropelnicki, the CEO of Verdantas, expressed enthusiasm about Hardaway’s appointment, emphasizing that his dedication to operational support and digital innovation will significantly enhance the finance team. Kropelnicki noted, “Hardaway’s energetic and people-oriented leadership style will unify the finance team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose.”
In moving forward, Mark Hardaway has set clear objectives for his new role. “My focus will be on building a robust financial framework that empowers our teams, fosters innovation, and positions Verdantas for long-term success,” he stated. Hardaway’s commitment underscores the importance of operational excellence as necessary for delivering superior results to stakeholders.
Pat Sheridan, in his farewell from the CFO role, echoed sentiments of gratitude, stating, “It has been a privilege to serve Verdantas, and I am confident that Mark’s expertise will further strengthen our financial and operational capabilities.” This commentary highlights the confidence in Hardaway’s abilities and sets an optimistic tone for the company’s future.
James Soldano, Managing Partner at Sterling Investment Partners, added his support, remarking on Hardaway’s impressive leadership as a key asset for Verdantas’s next phase of growth. He expressed excitement about the potential advancements under Hardaway’s leadership.
With Mark Hardaway stepping into the CFO role alongside the strategic guidance of Pat Sheridan, Verdantas is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of success and innovation in the environmental and engineering landscape.
About Verdantas
Verdantas is recognized as a leader in digitally-enabled technical consulting solutions tailored for environmental, water, and energy transition markets. The firm integrates comprehensive environmental and engineering expertise to offer clients sustainable solutions. With a robust team of over 2,100 professionals nationwide, Verdantas harnesses diverse skills and innovative technologies to confront complex challenges, protect essential resources, and bolster resilient communities. To learn more about Verdantas, visit www.verdantas.com.
About Sterling Investment Partners
Sterling Investment Partners is a highly regarded private equity firm with over 30 years of experience in constructing successful middle-market companies. The firm concentrates on control investments in value-added distribution and business services, aiming for businesses with sustainable competitive advantages and substantial growth potential. Throughout its history, Sterling has executed over 270 transactions valued at more than $33 billion. The firm has been recognized as a top performer in the middle market private equity sector globally. For further details, visit www.sterlinglp.com.
Topics Business Technology）
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