Freese and Nichols Executive and Leadership Team

Brian Coltharp, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Freese and Nichols, directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. Overseeing long-term growth initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across all engineering, architecture, and environmental science divisions. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships while expanding the firm's footprint across North American markets. By prioritizing innovation in infrastructure design, Brian Coltharp directly impacts the operational success of water districts and government clients. Coltharp maintains rigorous standards for project delivery, ensuring that every consulting engagement meets the high expectations of the firm's diverse client base. Through consistent focus on market expansion and service quality, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's position as a leader in the consulting industry. Coltharp drives the organizational culture toward excellence, fostering a collaborative environment that supports sustainable development and long-term financial stability for the entire enterprise.

Gwen Perez, the Chief Financial Officer at Freese and Nichols, manages the firm's fiscal health and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing financial planning and analysis, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains a robust balance sheet to support long-term infrastructure investments. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams from diverse sectors, including energy and government consulting. By optimizing financial reporting processes, Gwen Perez directly impacts the firm's ability to fund strategic growth and operational improvements. Perez coordinates with the Board to provide transparent financial insights, facilitating informed decision-making across the organization. Through rigorous risk management, the Chief Financial Officer protects the firm's assets while identifying opportunities for capital efficiency. Perez ensures compliance with all financial regulations, maintaining the integrity of the firm's accounting practices. The Chief Financial Officer drives fiscal discipline, supporting the firm's mission to provide high-quality consulting services while ensuring sustainable profitability and long-term economic viability for the entire enterprise.

Larry Eckersley, the Chief Operating Officer at Freese and Nichols, manages the daily execution of engineering and construction projects. Overseeing internal workflows, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes resource allocation to ensure project efficiency across all regional offices. This leadership role involves coordinating between technical teams and project managers to maintain high standards of service delivery. By streamlining operational processes, Larry Eckersley directly impacts the firm's ability to meet complex client requirements in the energy and transportation sectors. Eckersley monitors project performance metrics, identifying opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. Through effective management of operational assets, the Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions. Eckersley ensures that all technical teams remain aligned with corporate objectives, facilitating seamless project execution from inception to completion. The Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on operational excellence, driving the firm's capacity to handle large-scale, multi-disciplinary consulting engagements with precision and reliability.

Michael Nichols, the Chief Marketing Officer at Freese and Nichols, architects the firm's brand strategy and market positioning. Overseeing business development initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer identifies new opportunities within the higher education and municipal sectors. This leadership role involves crafting targeted communication strategies that highlight the firm's expertise in environmental science and planning. By analyzing market trends, Michael Nichols directly impacts the firm's ability to secure high-value contracts and expand its client portfolio. Nichols manages the firm's reputation, ensuring that all marketing collateral reflects the core values of the organization. Through strategic outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer drives engagement with potential partners and clients across the country. Nichols coordinates with other C-suite leaders to align marketing efforts with the firm's broader growth objectives. The Chief Marketing Officer maintains a focus on brand consistency, ensuring that the firm's market presence remains strong and competitive in an evolving industry landscape.

Daniel Arthur, the Chief Information Officer (Consultation) at Freese and Nichols, architects the firm's digital infrastructure and technology strategy. Overseeing the implementation of advanced engineering software and data management systems, the Chief Information Officer (Consultation) ensures that technical teams possess the tools necessary for complex project delivery. This leadership role involves securing the firm's digital assets against emerging threats while promoting innovation in design technology. By integrating cloud-based solutions, Daniel Arthur directly impacts the firm's operational agility and collaborative capabilities. Arthur manages the technology roadmap, aligning digital investments with the firm's broader consulting goals. Through the deployment of scalable IT systems, the Chief Information Officer (Consultation) supports the firm's ability to handle large-scale data requirements for municipal and private clients. Arthur ensures that all technological initiatives remain focused on enhancing project accuracy and efficiency. The Chief Information Officer (Consultation) drives digital transformation, positioning the firm at the forefront of technological advancement within the engineering and architecture industry.

JaNette Bridgewater, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Freese and Nichols, directs the firm's talent acquisition and employee development strategies. Overseeing recruitment efforts, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the firm attracts top-tier engineering and environmental science professionals. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive workplace culture that supports professional growth and retention. By implementing comprehensive training programs, JaNette Bridgewater directly impacts the firm's ability to maintain a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering complex infrastructure projects. Bridgewater manages performance management systems, aligning individual contributions with the firm's strategic objectives. Through effective employee engagement initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer promotes a collaborative environment that values innovation and excellence. Bridgewater coordinates with department heads to address workforce needs, ensuring that the firm remains competitive in the talent market. The Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational development, supporting the firm's mission by cultivating a workforce that embodies the firm's commitment to quality and professional integrity.

Ian Taylor, the Chief Administrative Officer at Freese and Nichols, manages the firm's internal support functions and corporate governance processes. Overseeing facilities management and administrative operations, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the firm's physical and organizational infrastructure supports daily business activities. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental administrative tasks to improve overall efficiency. By streamlining corporate policies, Ian Taylor directly impacts the firm's ability to maintain operational consistency across all regional offices. Taylor manages the firm's compliance framework, ensuring that all administrative practices adhere to industry standards and legal requirements. Through effective oversight of support services, the Chief Administrative Officer facilitates a productive work environment for all employees. Taylor coordinates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that administrative resources align with the firm's strategic goals. The Chief Administrative Officer drives organizational efficiency, supporting the firm's mission by maintaining a stable and well-organized corporate foundation that enables the successful delivery of engineering and consulting services.