Midwest People: November 2023
Construction firm Leopardo has named Giancarlo Pacini as president. Current president and CEO Mike Leopardo will remain CEO and work closely with Pacini as they transition roles and responsibilities. This change comes as part of the company’s long-term strategic plan and associated succession plan. Previously, Pacini served as senior vice president of Leopardo’s health care and senior living sectors, which comprise a significant portion of the company’s overall revenue. He also oversaw business development, sales and marketing in addition to co-chairing the company’s geographic expansion task force. Pacini started at the company 25 years ago as an intern. Leopardo was founded in 1977. In addition to its Chicago headquarters, the company has offices in California, Florida and Ohio.
Infrastructure solutions firm HNTB has named Scott Shogan Michigan office leader and senior vice president overseeing offices in Detroit, Allen Park, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Sterling Heights and Jackson. He succeeds former office leader Eric Morris, who has been appointed HNTB Great Lakes division operations officer. With more than 27 years of experience, Shogan has led teams across various levels, ensuring the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects. Shogan most recently served as the Midwest transportation market leader for another consulting firm. He has extensive expertise within the transportation infrastructure industry including traffic engineering, planning, development, management and emerging technologies. As office leader, Shogan will be responsible for managing HNTB’s operations in Michigan, including overseeing project delivery, client relations, business development and employee development. Shogan will be based in the firm’s Detroit office.
The National Precast Concrete Association has named Nick Rhoad as its new president and CEO. Rhoad brings more than 20 years of experience in association management, government service and private sector economic development to his new role. Rhoad will start his new position on Dec. 1. Most recently, he was CEO of the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials. Prior to that, he was vice president of economic development for a private sector company supporting manufacturers with property tax reductions. Rhoad also served in state government under two Indiana governors.
Baker Barrios Architects announces two new hires. William Maffett has been hired as national director of higher education, and Jeff Saad has been named Midwest regional director of health care. Maffett will be based in the firm’s Nashville office; Saad will be in the Chicago office. The new hires are part of the firm’s national expansion efforts, which include the opening of the Chicago office in 2022 and having licensing in all 50 states. Maffett has nearly two decades of experience in planning, design and construction in the higher education sector, including serving on the staff of Auburn University as a campus architect overseeing more than $360 million in capital projects during his tenure. Saad has 20 years of industry experience, focused entirely on designing for the health care sector nationally and internationally. Most recently, he was health and wellness practice leader at Gensler.
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, which is headquatered in Chicago, has announced a leadership transition. Steve Watts, board chairman, is succeeded by Shonn Mills, who has been a board member since 2020.
Chicago-based design-build firm Clayco has named Marilynn Rubio as executive director of civic and social impact to lead local engagement and philanthropy for the company and for the Clayco Foundation, which it said is “dedicated to enhancing the local communities" in which the company operates. She has held leadership positions at the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority and in former city Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration.
