Clark Patterson Lee (CPL) Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Clark Patterson Lee (CPL) has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, information technology, and administrative governance.

Focused on delivering multi-disciplined design solutions, Clark Patterson Lee (CPL) maintains a commitment to excellence across the healthcare, transportation, municipal, and academic sectors throughout the United States.

Leadership Roles at Clark Patterson Lee (CPL)

  • Chief Executive Officer - Todd Liebert
  • Owner & Chief Executive Officer - Chikku Thomas
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ted Cordes
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Christopher Colby
  • Interim Chief Information Officer - Paul Bornemann
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Kenneth Mayer
  • Todd Liebert - Chief Executive Officer

    Todd Liebert, the Chief Executive Officer at Clark Patterson Lee (CPL), directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. Overseeing the integration of architecture, engineering, and planning services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with long-term growth objectives across the Northeast and Southeast regions. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with public and private clients to expand the firm's footprint in the healthcare and academic sectors. By prioritizing innovation in 3D and virtual design, Todd Liebert drives the firm toward modernizing infrastructure projects. The Chief Executive Officer maintains constant communication with the Board to ensure fiscal health and operational excellence. Through consistent focus on market expansion, Liebert secures the firm's position as a leader in multi-disciplined design. This executive leadership ensures that all regional offices maintain high standards of professional service while delivering complex, large-scale projects for diverse municipal and private sector clients.
    Todd Liebert

    Chikku Thomas - Owner & Chief Executive Officer

    Chikku Thomas, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer at Clark Patterson Lee (CPL), manages the foundational ownership interests and high-level corporate governance. Overseeing the firm's commitment to multi-disciplined design excellence, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer shapes the culture and long-term sustainability of the organization. This leadership role involves evaluating market opportunities within the transportation and municipal sectors to ensure consistent revenue streams. By guiding the firm's expansion into new geographic territories, Chikku Thomas strengthens the company's presence across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The Owner & Chief Executive Officer collaborates with other senior leaders to refine service delivery models for complex architectural and engineering projects. Through strategic oversight of corporate assets, Thomas ensures the firm remains competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. This executive role focuses on maintaining the integrity of the firm's design philosophy while driving operational efficiency across all regional offices.

    Ted Cordes - Chief Financial Officer

    Ted Cordes, the Chief Financial Officer at Clark Patterson Lee (CPL), manages the financial health and fiscal planning of the firm. Overseeing capital allocation and budgeting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the firm's multi-disciplined architecture and engineering projects. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize profitability across the healthcare and academic sectors. By implementing robust financial controls, Ted Cordes mitigates risk and enhances the firm's ability to pursue large-scale municipal contracts. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with the executive team to align financial performance with the company's strategic goals. Through rigorous oversight of accounting practices and investment strategies, Cordes maintains the firm's stability during periods of regional expansion. This executive role requires constant monitoring of project margins and operational costs to ensure sustainable growth. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the financial foundation necessary for the firm to deliver high-quality design and planning services.

    Christopher Colby - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Christopher Colby, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Clark Patterson Lee (CPL), directs the daily operations and project execution across all service lines. Overseeing the coordination between architectural, civil engineering, and landscape architecture teams, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that project delivery meets the highest standards of quality. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to improve efficiency in the transportation and municipal sectors. By managing the firm's operational capacity, Christopher Colby supports the successful completion of complex building and structural engineering projects. The President & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with regional managers to ensure consistent service delivery across New York and the broader Southeast market. Through active management of project workflows, Colby drives productivity and ensures that client expectations are met or exceeded. This executive role focuses on operational excellence, ensuring that the firm's multi-disciplined approach remains agile and responsive to the needs of public and private sector clients.

    Paul Bornemann - Interim Chief Information Officer

    Paul Bornemann, the Interim Chief Information Officer at Clark Patterson Lee (CPL), directs the firm's technology infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. Overseeing the implementation of advanced 3D and virtual design tools, the Interim Chief Information Officer ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of architectural and engineering technology. This leadership role involves securing data systems and optimizing the digital environment for teams working across multiple states. By modernizing the firm's IT framework, Paul Bornemann supports the seamless integration of complex design data into project workflows. The Interim Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executives to align technology investments with the firm's strategic goals in the healthcare and academic sectors. Through the management of digital assets and cybersecurity protocols, Bornemann protects the firm's intellectual property and operational continuity. This executive role focuses on leveraging technology to enhance design precision and project efficiency, ensuring that the firm maintains a competitive edge in the construction and design industry.

    Kenneth Mayer - Chief Administrative Officer

    Kenneth Mayer, the Chief Administrative Officer at Clark Patterson Lee (CPL), directs the internal administrative functions and corporate support services. Overseeing human resources, facilities management, and organizational policy, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the firm's infrastructure supports its multi-disciplined workforce. This leadership role involves fostering a productive work environment across all regional offices, including those in New York and the Southeast. By streamlining administrative processes, Kenneth Mayer enhances the firm's ability to attract and retain top talent in the architecture and engineering fields. The Chief Administrative Officer works with the executive team to implement policies that promote professional development and operational compliance. Through the management of corporate facilities and administrative systems, Mayer ensures that the firm's daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. This executive role focuses on building a strong organizational foundation, allowing the firm to concentrate on delivering high-quality design and planning services to its diverse client base.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Clark Patterson Lee (CPL) Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Clark Patterson Lee (CPL)?
    Clark Patterson Lee (CPL) is led by Todd Liebert (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Chikku Thomas (Owner & Chief Executive Officer) and Ted Cordes (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Clark Patterson Lee (CPL)’s executive team?
    The executive team of Clark Patterson Lee (CPL) includes leaders such as Todd Liebert (Chief Executive Officer), Chikku Thomas (Owner & Chief Executive Officer), Ted Cordes (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Clark Patterson Lee (CPL) have?
    Clark Patterson Lee (CPL) has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Clark Patterson Lee (CPL)’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Clark Patterson Lee (CPL) includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, Interim Chief Information Officer.