HKS Executive and Leadership Team

Heath May, the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman at HKS, directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. Overseeing global operations across diverse sectors like sports, healthcare, and civic infrastructure, the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman ensures alignment between design excellence and long-term business growth. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine market positioning and expand the international footprint of the firm. By fostering a culture of innovation, Heath May drives the architectural evolution of complex commercial and government projects. The Chief Executive Officer & Chairman maintains rigorous standards for project delivery, ensuring that every design outcome meets the high expectations of global clients. Through consistent focus on operational efficiency and creative integrity, the firm secures its status as a leader in the architecture industry, consistently delivering high-impact environments that define modern urban landscapes.

Sam Mudro, the President & Chief Financial Officer at HKS, directs the financial health and operational stability of the firm. Overseeing fiscal planning, budgeting, and capital allocation, the President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization maintains the resources necessary to support large-scale architectural ventures. This leadership role involves managing financial risk and ensuring compliance across all international operations. By optimizing the financial structure of the firm, Sam Mudro drives profitability and supports the strategic expansion into new markets. The President & Chief Financial Officer works in tandem with the Chief Executive Officer to evaluate investment opportunities and ensure the long-term viability of the business. Through rigorous financial oversight and strategic resource management, the President & Chief Financial Officer provides the stability required for the firm to pursue ambitious design projects, ultimately securing the financial future of the organization.

E. Allen, the V President at HKS, oversees regional operational excellence and project delivery standards. Focusing on the execution of commercial and civic building projects, the V President ensures that site-specific requirements meet the rigorous quality benchmarks of the firm. This leadership role involves coordinating between project managers and design teams to streamline the construction process and resolve logistical challenges. By monitoring project timelines and budget adherence, E. Allen drives efficiency across the regional portfolio. The V President collaborates with the executive team to implement best practices that enhance the overall project delivery experience for clients. Through the management of regional resources and the oversight of local project teams, the V President ensures that the firm maintains its reputation for excellence in every market, consistently delivering high-quality architectural solutions that meet the specific needs of diverse communities and business partners.

Michael Gussow, the Chief Information Officer at HKS, manages the digital infrastructure and data security frameworks essential for global architectural operations. Overseeing the integration of advanced software systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that design teams possess the necessary tools for high-fidelity modeling and collaborative project management. This leadership role involves protecting sensitive client data across all government and commercial sectors while optimizing internal workflows for maximum efficiency. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, Michael Gussow safeguards the intellectual property of the firm. The Chief Information Officer coordinates with other C-suite leaders to align technological investments with the broader business goals of the organization. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer supports the firm in maintaining a competitive edge, ensuring that digital capabilities remain at the forefront of the architectural design process.

Natasha Luthra, the Chief Technology Officer at HKS, architects the technical innovation strategy that powers the firm's design capabilities. Overseeing the adoption of emerging technologies like generative design and virtual reality, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that project teams utilize cutting-edge tools to solve complex architectural challenges. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between creative vision and technical execution, particularly for large-scale sports and entertainment venues. By fostering partnerships with software developers, Natasha Luthra drives the development of proprietary design platforms that enhance project precision. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with the Chief Information Officer to ensure seamless integration of hardware and software across all global offices. Through continuous research into sustainable building technologies, the Chief Technology Officer positions the firm as a pioneer in high-performance architecture, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in modern construction.

Ann Kifer, the Chief Marketing Officer & Principal at HKS, directs the global brand strategy and market outreach initiatives. Overseeing the communication of the firm's design philosophy, the Chief Marketing Officer & Principal ensures that the reputation of the company remains strong across the healthcare, civic, and commercial sectors. This leadership role involves crafting compelling narratives for high-profile projects and managing client relationships to drive new business acquisition. By analyzing market trends, Ann Kifer identifies growth opportunities in emerging regions and sectors. The Chief Marketing Officer & Principal works closely with the executive team to align brand messaging with the strategic goals of the firm. Through the execution of targeted campaigns and industry engagement, the Chief Marketing Officer & Principal elevates the visibility of the firm, ensuring that the unique value proposition of the organization resonates with stakeholders and potential clients worldwide.

Michelle Carroll, the Chief Human Resources Officer at HKS, manages the talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture strategies. Overseeing the recruitment of top-tier architectural talent, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm maintains a diverse and highly skilled workforce capable of executing complex global projects. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs that foster innovation and leadership growth within the company. By implementing performance management systems, Michelle Carroll drives employee engagement and retention across all regional offices. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the executive team to ensure that human capital strategies support the long-term business objectives of the firm. Through the promotion of an inclusive and collaborative work environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the internal foundation of the organization, ensuring that the firm remains an employer of choice in the competitive architecture industry.