In late September, Allen + Shariff’s leadership gathered in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center to kick-off “Mission 2030.” Although we didn’t get to venture into space, we did develop “Mission 2030,” Allen + Shariff’s strategic plan to reach the company’s goals over the next 9 years. The meeting brought about a lot of insight into our continued mission, vision, and values and how to achieve those objectives. As we look toward the future, Allen + Shariff is working hard to position itself as one of the best places to not only work for, but also to work with. This can only be possible by strengthening our relationships, both internally with our staff and externally with clients.

To align ourselves to do just that, the firm has taken the first steps to open ownership opportunities to our current leaders. Please join me in congratulating our newest stockholders, Diane Bookwalter, Ric Bowser, Jonathan Cipriani, and Alicia Ruffin. They join me, and existing stockholders, David Price and David Van der Vossen as owners of the firm. Our company will continue to operate as a Minority Business Enterprise under the new ownership distribution.

Along with our new stockholders, the roles of President of Engineering and Chief Operating Officer of Engineering were re-established. The President and COO of Engineering will work together to envision the company’s growth in both market sectors and locations, and to maintain the day-to-day quality operations of our staff and offices. Please join me in congratulating David Price, President, and David Van der Vossen, COO, as they take on these roles. Both gentlemen will remain located in their respective offices and will continue to contribute to the daily goals of those offices.

A new roles and responsibilities matrix has also been established to facilitate the growth of our developing leaders throughout our offices. We have so many talented individuals within the firm, and we want to recognize this potential. These men and women truly are the future of our firm.

As we continue to move through our Mission 2030 goals, I can’t help but look back at this year and be grateful. Grateful for our clients and colleagues whose relationships truly make our profession successful and a joy to work with. Although 2020 and then 2021 created obstacles that we could not foresee, Allen + Shariff utilized these strong relationships to foster continued growth. For that, I am extremely humbled and thankful. I could not be more excited about what the future holds!