Randy Drake Elevated to Executive Vice President at Gresham Smith for Industrial Market Leadership

Gresham Smith Announces Randy Drake's Appointment as EVP for Industrial Market

In a significant move for its Industrial market sector, Gresham Smith, a leading firm in architecture, engineering, and consulting, has announced the promotion of Randy Drake, P.E., as the Executive Vice President (EVP). This appointment, effective immediately, marks a pivotal point in the company’s strategy for growth and innovation within the industrial and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Drake's extensive background of over 17 years in engineering and project management has uniquely positioned him to lead the firm's initiatives. Previously, he served as the Industrial Project Management Department Leader, where he was instrumental in steering complex projects towards successful completion while emphasizing process improvements to enhance overall project delivery. His proven track record of building strategic relationships and leading pursuit teams has led Gresham Smith to become a preferred partner, especially in the burgeoning field of lithium-ion battery plant design, and more recently, in the food and beverage manufacturing markets.

The CEO and Board Chair of Gresham Smith, Rodney Chester, commented on Drake’s appointment: "Randy's appointment reflects his deep understanding of our business, his ability to build and foster lasting client relationships, and his clear vision for the future of our Industrial market. He has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to our culture and people."

Drake's collaborative leadership style emphasizes client service, which effectively embodies Gresham Smith's mission to deliver on their brand promise of genuine ingenuity. His leadership and mentorship initiatives, including involvement in Gresham Smith's Leadership Evolution and Advancement Program (LEAP) and the Flem Smith Mentorship Program, underline his dedication to the firm's success.

An alumnus of the University of Tennessee, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and the University of Arkansas with a Master of Science in Engineering, Drake's education complements his professional expertise. His affiliations with various professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Project Management Institute, enhance his credibility as he takes on this significant role.

"I'm honored to step into this role and lead our talented Industrial team. Our clients are building the future, and Gresham Smith has the expertise and passion to help them succeed," said Drake upon his new appointment. This enthusiasm aligns with his vision for the Industrial market as he looks forward to promoting growth that resonates with Gresham Smith's core values and client-centered approach.

Gresham Smith, with an annual gross revenue of $355 million and 26 offices across the United States, has established itself as a premier architecture and engineering firm that provides a comprehensive suite of consultancy services to both private and public clients. The firm is known for its commitment to create thriving communities while being recognized as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and consistently listed as one of the Best Places to Work.

With this strategic leadership appointment, Gresham Smith reaffirms its dedication to advancing its industrial practice and enhancing client service, which is anticipated to contribute significantly to the firm’s growth trajectory in the competitive landscape of engineering and consulting.