HKS Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

HKS has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, design innovation, technology infrastructure, financial management, and human capital development.

Committed to transformative design, HKS delivers global architectural solutions for complex civic, sports, and healthcare environments while maintaining a focus on sustainable, high-impact urban development.

Leadership Roles at HKS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Leong Janson
  • Chief Executive Officer & Chairman - Heath May
  • President & Chief Financial Officer - Sam Mudro
  • V President - E. Taylor
  • V President - E. Allen
  • Chief Technology Officer - Natasha Luthra
  • Chief Information Officer - Michael Gussow
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Principal - Ann Kifer
  • Principal and Chief Marketing Officer - Lisa McDonough
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Michelle Carroll
  • Leong Janson - Chief Executive Officer

    Leong Janson, the Chief Executive Officer at HKS, directs the overarching strategic vision for global architectural operations. Janson architects long-term growth initiatives by aligning design excellence with the evolving needs of international clients across the sports, healthcare, and commercial sectors. By fostering a culture of innovation, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every project reflects the firm's commitment to high-performance building standards. Janson manages high-level partnerships with government entities and private developers to secure large-scale civic projects. Through rigorous oversight of market expansion, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the firm's competitive edge in the global construction landscape. Leong Janson drives operational efficiency by streamlining project delivery workflows across diverse geographic regions. This leadership approach guarantees that the firm consistently meets complex client requirements while advancing the boundaries of modern architectural design and sustainable urban planning.

    Heath May - Chief Executive Officer & Chairman

    Heath May, the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman at HKS, governs the board and sets the foundational design philosophy for the entire organization. May architects the firm's creative direction, ensuring that every architectural endeavor integrates cutting-edge technology with functional, human-centric design principles. As the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, May oversees the integration of sustainable practices into all global projects, from airports to cultural centers. The Chairman drives collaboration between design studios to ensure consistency in quality and brand identity across international markets. By prioritizing research-driven design, May secures the firm's reputation as a leader in complex facility development. Heath May monitors the long-term health of the organization by balancing creative ambition with fiscal responsibility. This leadership role involves constant engagement with stakeholders to refine the firm's market position and influence the future of global architecture through innovative, resilient, and aesthetically significant building solutions.
    Heath May

    Sam Mudro - President & Chief Financial Officer

    Sam Mudro, the President & Chief Financial Officer at HKS, directs the financial health and operational stability of the firm. Mudro architects fiscal strategies that support global expansion and long-term investment in design innovation. As the President & Chief Financial Officer, Mudro oversees capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting across all business units. Mudro drives profitability by optimizing project cost structures and managing risk in diverse international markets. By collaborating with the executive team, the President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources align with the firm's strategic goals for civic and commercial development. Sam Mudro manages relationships with financial institutions and investors to secure the capital necessary for large-scale infrastructure projects. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of cash flow and financial performance metrics. Through disciplined financial management, Mudro secures the firm's ability to deliver high-quality architectural services while maintaining a strong balance sheet for future growth.

    E. Taylor - V President

    E. Taylor, the V President at HKS, directs the operational execution of large-scale commercial and civic projects. Taylor architects project management frameworks that ensure timely delivery and adherence to strict quality standards. As the V President, Taylor oversees the coordination between design teams, engineers, and contractors to streamline the construction process. Taylor drives efficiency by implementing lean project management techniques and optimizing resource allocation across regional operations. By managing client expectations and project budgets, the V President ensures that every development meets the firm's high standards for functionality and design. E. Taylor monitors project milestones and addresses operational challenges to prevent delays. This leadership role involves close collaboration with other executives to align project outcomes with the firm's broader strategic goals. Through meticulous oversight, Taylor ensures that the firm consistently delivers successful, high-impact architectural solutions that meet the complex needs of diverse global clients.

    E. Allen - V President

    E. Allen, the V President at HKS, manages the strategic planning and execution of specialized healthcare and institutional facility projects. Allen architects design-build processes that integrate clinical requirements with innovative architectural solutions. As the V President, Allen oversees the technical development of complex building systems, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety standards. Allen drives the adoption of sustainable design practices within the healthcare sector to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. By coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, the V President ensures that all project phases align with the firm's commitment to excellence. E. Allen monitors market trends in healthcare infrastructure to identify new opportunities for growth and service expansion. This leadership role involves managing client relationships and ensuring that project delivery remains on schedule and within budget. Through focused operational leadership, Allen contributes to the firm's reputation for delivering high-performance, resilient, and human-centric architectural environments.

    Natasha Luthra - Chief Technology Officer

    Natasha Luthra, the Chief Technology Officer at HKS, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support complex global architectural design and modeling. Luthra drives the implementation of advanced BIM software, virtual reality tools, and data analytics platforms to enhance project precision and client visualization. As the Chief Technology Officer, Luthra oversees the firm's cybersecurity protocols and digital transformation initiatives, ensuring that all intellectual property remains secure across international offices. Luthra manages the integration of smart building technologies into client projects, enabling the firm to deliver high-performance, connected environments. By aligning technical capabilities with design goals, the Chief Technology Officer supports the firm's ability to handle large-scale, data-intensive projects. Natasha Luthra optimizes internal workflows through automation and cloud-based collaboration tools. This leadership role ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of the digital construction revolution, providing clients with unparalleled technical accuracy and innovative design outcomes.

    Michael Gussow - Chief Information Officer

    Michael Gussow, the Chief Information Officer at HKS, manages the enterprise-wide information systems and data management strategies that underpin the firm's global operations. Gussow architects robust network architectures to facilitate seamless communication between regional offices and project sites. As the Chief Information Officer, Gussow oversees the deployment of enterprise resource planning systems to improve operational transparency and project tracking. Gussow drives the adoption of scalable IT solutions that support the firm's diverse portfolio, including airports and healthcare facilities. By maintaining high-availability infrastructure, the Chief Information Officer ensures that design teams have constant access to critical project data and collaborative tools. Michael Gussow monitors system performance and implements upgrades to support the firm's growth in international markets. This leadership role focuses on leveraging information technology to enhance productivity, reduce operational risks, and provide a stable foundation for the firm's complex architectural design and construction management activities.
    Michael Gussow

    Ann Kifer - Chief Marketing Officer & Principal

    Ann Kifer, the Chief Marketing Officer & Principal at HKS, architects the firm's brand identity and market positioning strategy. Kifer drives the development of targeted communication campaigns that highlight the firm's expertise in sports, entertainment, and civic architecture. As the Chief Marketing Officer & Principal, Kifer oversees the creation of compelling project narratives and client-facing materials that showcase the firm's design impact. Kifer manages global outreach efforts to attract new business in emerging markets and strengthen existing client relationships. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Marketing Officer & Principal ensures that the firm's messaging remains relevant and persuasive. Ann Kifer coordinates with design leads to translate complex architectural achievements into clear, impactful stories for diverse audiences. This leadership role focuses on elevating the firm's visibility and reputation as a premier global design partner. Through strategic brand management, Kifer supports the firm's growth and reinforces its status as an industry leader.

    Lisa McDonough - Principal and Chief Marketing Officer

    Lisa McDonough, the Principal and Chief Marketing Officer at HKS, directs the firm's business development and client engagement strategies. McDonough architects lead generation programs that focus on expanding the firm's footprint in the healthcare and government sectors. As the Principal and Chief Marketing Officer, McDonough oversees the proposal development process, ensuring that every submission reflects the firm's unique value proposition and technical capabilities. McDonough drives the firm's participation in industry conferences and events to build professional networks and enhance market presence. By fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, the Principal and Chief Marketing Officer secures high-profile contracts and long-term partnerships. Lisa McDonough monitors competitive activity to refine the firm's service offerings and market approach. This leadership role involves aligning marketing efforts with the firm's operational capacity to ensure sustainable growth. Through strategic outreach, McDonough consistently positions the firm as the preferred choice for complex, large-scale architectural projects.
    Lisa McDonough

    Michelle Carroll - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Michelle Carroll, the Chief Human Resources Officer at HKS, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies that support the firm's global workforce. Carroll drives initiatives focused on recruitment, retention, and professional development to ensure the firm attracts top-tier architectural talent. As the Chief Human Resources Officer, Carroll oversees performance management systems and compensation structures that reward excellence and innovation. Carroll manages diversity, equity, and inclusion programs to foster a collaborative and creative work environment across all international offices. By aligning human capital with business objectives, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm has the expertise required to execute complex design projects. Michelle Carroll monitors employee engagement and implements wellness programs to maintain a high-performing culture. This leadership role involves navigating global labor regulations and building a resilient, adaptable workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the architecture and construction industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding HKS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads HKS?
    HKS is led by Leong Janson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Heath May (Chief Executive Officer & Chairman) and Sam Mudro (President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of HKS’s executive team?
    The executive team of HKS includes leaders such as Leong Janson (Chief Executive Officer), Heath May (Chief Executive Officer & Chairman), Sam Mudro (President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does HKS have?
    HKS has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in HKS’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of HKS includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, President & Chief Financial Officer, V President, V President.