Ghafari Associates Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to innovation, [[Ghafari Associates]] architects and delivers comprehensive engineering, architecture, and construction solutions globally, shaping the built environment with expertise and forward-thinking design.

Leadership Roles at Ghafari Associates

  • Chief Executive Officer - Heath Blake
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Kouhaila Hammer
  • Chief Financial Officer - Keith Sherman
  • Operations President, International - Ali Solaksubasi
  • President, Operations (India) - Nick Purohit
  • 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 execution. Blake guides the firm's expansion and market positioning within the global engineering, architecture, and construction sectors. This leadership role involves fostering innovation and ensuring the delivery of high-quality client solutions that align with Ghafari Associates' foundational principles. Blake's oversight extends to cultivating key stakeholder relationships and driving sustainable growth across all business units. The Chief Executive Officer ensures that Ghafari Associates maintains its reputation for excellence and its commitment to shaping the built environment through advanced engineering and design practices. Heath Blake's strategic direction is paramount to the company's continued success and its ability to adapt to evolving industry demands.

    Kouhaila Hammer - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Kouhaila Hammer, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Ghafari Associates, spearheads the company's strategic direction and global operations. Hammer drives the firm's mission to provide integrated engineering, architecture, and construction services, ensuring client satisfaction and project success. This executive position involves cultivating a culture of innovation and operational excellence across all Ghafari Associates' endeavors. Hammer's leadership focuses on expanding the company's international presence and strengthening its market leadership. The President & Chief Executive Officer is responsible for overseeing major corporate initiatives and ensuring alignment with long-term business objectives. Kouhaila Hammer's strategic insights are critical to navigating complex market dynamics and reinforcing Ghafari Associates' position as a premier global solutions provider.

    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 to ensure the firm's economic stability and growth. This executive function involves managing capital allocation, optimizing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key role in supporting strategic decision-making by providing critical financial analysis and insights. Keith Sherman's leadership ensures that Ghafari Associates maintains robust financial health, enabling continued investment in innovative engineering and architectural projects and supporting the company's global expansion initiatives.

    Ali Solaksubasi - Operations President, International

    Ali Solaksubasi, the Operations President, International at Ghafari Associates, directs the company's operational activities and strategic initiatives across global markets. Solaksubasi oversees the execution of engineering, architecture, and construction projects outside of the United States, ensuring adherence to quality standards and project timelines. This leadership position involves managing international teams, optimizing resource allocation, and driving business development in key overseas regions. The Operations President, International is responsible for expanding Ghafari Associates' footprint and enhancing its service delivery capabilities in diverse international landscapes. Ali Solaksubasi's focus on operational excellence is crucial for Ghafari Associates' sustained growth and success in the global arena.

    Nick Purohit - President, Operations (India)

    Nick Purohit, the President, Operations (India) at Ghafari Associates, spearheads the company's operational endeavors within the Indian market. Purohit directs the strategic implementation of engineering, architecture, and construction services, ensuring alignment with local market demands and Ghafari Associates' global standards. This role involves managing project lifecycles, optimizing operational workflows, and fostering strong client relationships throughout India. The President, Operations (India) is responsible for driving growth, enhancing service delivery, and building a robust operational framework within the region. Nick Purohit's leadership is vital for Ghafari Associates' success and expansion in the dynamic Indian construction and design sector.

    Robert Bell - Chief Information Officer

    Robert Bell, the Chief Information Officer at Ghafari Associates, architects and manages the company's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Bell ensures that Ghafari Associates leverages cutting-edge information systems to enhance operational efficiency and support project delivery. This role involves overseeing cybersecurity measures, data management, and the implementation of innovative technological solutions across all departments. The Chief Information Officer plays a crucial part in driving digital transformation initiatives, enabling seamless collaboration among teams and improving client engagement through advanced platforms. Robert Bell's expertise is vital for maintaining Ghafari Associates' competitive edge in a technology-driven industry, ensuring robust and scalable IT operations that support the firm's global engineering and architecture services.
    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. This critical role focuses on fostering a strong corporate culture that aligns with Ghafari Associates' values and strategic objectives. The Chief Human Resources Officer is instrumental in developing programs that enhance employee engagement, professional growth, and retention across the global workforce. Christine McDermott's leadership ensures that Ghafari Associates attracts and retains top talent, essential for delivering exceptional engineering, architecture, and construction services worldwide.
    Christine McDermott

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    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, Operations President, International, President, Operations (India).