Ghafari Associates Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ghafari Associates has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, information technology, finance, human resources, and international expansion.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, [[Ghafari Associates]] delivers comprehensive engineering, architecture, and construction solutions, shaping global infrastructure and impacting diverse markets through expert design and strategic execution.

Leadership Roles at Ghafari Associates

  • Chief Executive Officer - Heath Blake
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Kouhaila Hammer
  • Chief Financial Officer - Keith Sherman
  • President, Operations (India) - Nick Purohit
  • Operations President, International - Ali Solaksubasi
  • Chief Information Officer - Robert Bell
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Christine McDermott
  • Heath Blake - Chief Executive Officer

    Heath Blake, the Chief Executive Officer at Ghafari Associates, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational framework. Blake guides Ghafari Associates' global expansion initiatives, ensuring alignment with market demands and client objectives. This leadership role involves fostering innovation across all service lines, including engineering, architecture, and construction. Blake's oversight extends to optimizing resource allocation and driving profitable growth. The Chief Executive Officer ensures Ghafari Associates maintains its position as a leader in the industry. Heath Blake's strategic direction shapes the company's future trajectory and market impact. Blake focuses on enhancing client relationships and expanding the company's service portfolio to meet evolving industry needs. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include cultivating a high-performance culture and championing sustainable business practices across all Ghafari Associates' projects. Blake's leadership ensures the successful delivery of complex projects worldwide.

    Kouhaila Hammer - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Kouhaila Hammer, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Ghafari Associates, spearheads the company's strategic direction and executive leadership. Hammer drives the overarching mission of Ghafari Associates, focusing on delivering integrated engineering, architecture, and construction services globally. This executive position involves setting corporate objectives and ensuring operational excellence across all divisions. Hammer's leadership cultivates a culture of innovation and client-centric solutions. The President & Chief Executive Officer oversees major business development efforts and strategic partnerships. Kouhaila Hammer's influence extends to shaping the company's long-term growth strategy and market positioning. Hammer ensures Ghafari Associates consistently meets and exceeds client expectations through superior service delivery. The President & Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in navigating complex market dynamics and maintaining Ghafari Associates' competitive edge. Hammer's vision guides the company's expansion into new territories and service areas.

    Keith Sherman - Chief Financial Officer

    Keith Sherman, the Chief Financial Officer at Ghafari Associates, directs the company's financial planning, risk management, and fiscal operations. Sherman oversees all aspects of financial reporting, budgeting, and investment strategies, ensuring the fiscal health and stability of Ghafari Associates. This executive position involves managing capital allocation and optimizing financial performance across diverse projects. Sherman's responsibilities include developing financial models that support strategic growth and operational efficiency. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in securing funding and managing relationships with financial institutions. Keith Sherman's expertise is vital for navigating complex financial regulations and ensuring compliance. Sherman drives initiatives to enhance profitability and shareholder value. The Chief Financial Officer's strategic insights guide Ghafari Associates' long-term financial objectives and investment decisions, supporting the company's global expansion and project execution.

    Nick Purohit - President, Operations (India)

    Nick Purohit, the President, Operations (India) at Ghafari Associates, directs the company's operational activities and strategic development within the Indian market. Purohit oversees the execution of engineering, architecture, and construction projects, ensuring adherence to quality standards and project timelines. This leadership position involves managing local teams and fostering strong client relationships within India. Purohit's responsibilities include driving operational efficiency and identifying new business opportunities to expand Ghafari Associates' presence in the region. The President, Operations (India) ensures seamless coordination between global Ghafari Associates standards and local operational requirements. Nick Purohit's focus is on optimizing resource utilization and project delivery to achieve superior client satisfaction. Purohit plays a key role in adapting Ghafari Associates' service offerings to meet the specific demands of the Indian market. The President, Operations (India) is instrumental in driving growth and operational excellence in this key international territory.

    Ali Solaksubasi - Operations President, International

    Ali Solaksubasi, the Operations President, International at Ghafari Associates, spearheads the company's operational strategies and expansion across global markets outside of India. Solaksubasi oversees the delivery of engineering, architecture, and construction services, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency in all international ventures. This executive role involves managing diverse teams and navigating complex regulatory environments in various countries. Solaksubasi's responsibilities include identifying and capitalizing on new international business opportunities, thereby driving Ghafari Associates' global growth. The Operations President, International ensures that Ghafari Associates' operational frameworks are adapted to meet regional market needs while maintaining global standards. Ali Solaksubasi's leadership is critical for enhancing project execution and client satisfaction in international territories. Solaksubasi focuses on optimizing operational performance and fostering strategic partnerships to strengthen Ghafari Associates' worldwide presence. The Operations President, International is key to expanding the company's global footprint and service capabilities.

    Robert Bell - Chief Information Officer

    Robert Bell, the Chief Information Officer at Ghafari Associates, architects the company's technology strategy and digital infrastructure. Bell oversees the implementation and management of all IT systems, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and data integrity across Ghafari Associates' global operations. This role involves driving digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and client service delivery. Bell's responsibilities include evaluating and adopting new technologies that support Ghafari Associates' engineering, architecture, and construction services. The Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration of information systems, facilitating collaboration among project teams. Robert Bell's strategic guidance is crucial for leveraging data analytics to inform business decisions and optimize project outcomes. Bell champions the use of advanced digital tools to streamline workflows and improve project lifecycle management. The Chief Information Officer's focus is on maintaining a secure, scalable, and innovative technological environment for Ghafari Associates.
    Robert Bell

    Christine McDermott - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Christine McDermott, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ghafari Associates, leads the company's talent management and organizational development strategies. McDermott oversees all human resources functions, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, ensuring a supportive and productive work environment across Ghafari Associates. This role is critical in fostering a strong corporate culture that aligns with the company's mission and values. McDermott's responsibilities include developing and implementing HR policies that support employee growth and retention. The Chief Human Resources Officer champions initiatives aimed at enhancing employee engagement and diversity. Christine McDermott's strategic approach to human capital management is essential for attracting and retaining top talent in the engineering, architecture, and construction sectors. McDermott ensures Ghafari Associates cultivates a skilled and motivated workforce capable of delivering exceptional project outcomes. The Chief Human Resources Officer's leadership supports the company's global operational needs.
    Christine McDermott

    Explore Leadership Teams in Architecture, Engineering & Design

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ghafari Associates Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ghafari Associates?
    Ghafari Associates is led by Heath Blake (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kouhaila Hammer (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Keith Sherman (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Ghafari Associates’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ghafari Associates includes leaders such as Heath Blake (Chief Executive Officer), Kouhaila Hammer (President & Chief Executive Officer), Keith Sherman (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ghafari Associates have?
    Ghafari Associates has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ghafari Associates’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ghafari Associates includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Operations (India), Operations President, International.