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 organization. By fostering a culture of innovation, Heath May drives the firm toward complex architectural solutions that redefine urban landscapes. The Chief Executive Officer & Chairman maintains rigorous standards for project delivery, ensuring that every commercial and government facility meets the highest benchmarks of quality. Through strategic oversight of all regional offices, May secures the competitive advantage of the firm in a rapidly evolving global construction market, ultimately cementing the reputation of the company as a leader in high-performance design.

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 company maintains the resources required to support large-scale architectural ventures. This leadership role involves managing the firm's financial risk and optimizing revenue streams across diverse sectors, including commercial buildings and government facilities. By providing rigorous financial analysis, Sam Mudro drives informed decision-making for the executive team regarding global expansion and investment opportunities. The President & Chief Financial Officer works closely with the Board to ensure transparency and long-term profitability. Through the management of complex financial structures, Mudro supports the firm's ability to deliver high-value projects while maintaining operational efficiency. Ultimately, the President & Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation that allows the firm to pursue ambitious design goals and maintain a competitive presence in the global construction industry.

E. Allen, the V President at HKS, directs specific operational initiatives and project management workflows within the firm. Overseeing the execution of complex design projects, the V President ensures that teams adhere to strict timelines and quality standards for diverse clients, including health facilities and commercial developers. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to resolve technical challenges and maintain project momentum. By streamlining internal processes, E. Allen drives operational efficiency and supports the successful delivery of high-profile architectural works. The V President works closely with senior leadership to implement best practices that enhance project outcomes and client satisfaction. Through the management of regional project portfolios, Allen contributes to the firm's overall growth and operational excellence. Ultimately, the V President provides the tactical oversight necessary to translate the firm's design vision into reality, ensuring that every project meets the rigorous demands of the global construction market.

Michael Gussow, the Chief Information Officer at HKS, directs the digital infrastructure and data management strategies essential for global architectural operations. Overseeing the integration of advanced software systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that project teams possess the tools required for complex design modeling and secure data collaboration. This leadership role involves managing the firm's enterprise-wide technology stack to support seamless communication across international offices. By optimizing digital workflows, Michael Gussow directly impacts the efficiency of large-scale projects, including airports and sports venues. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with executive leadership to align technical investments with the broader business goals of the firm. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols and scalable cloud solutions, Gussow protects the intellectual property of the company while enabling high-speed innovation. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer maintains the technological backbone necessary for delivering world-class design services to a diverse global clientele.

Natasha Luthra, the Chief Technology Officer at HKS, directs the research and development of cutting-edge design technologies. Overseeing the adoption of emerging tools like generative design and virtual reality, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of architectural innovation. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between creative design concepts and technical execution for complex projects such as health facilities and cultural centers. By spearheading the implementation of new computational design methodologies, Natasha Luthra drives significant improvements in project precision and sustainability outcomes. The Chief Technology Officer works closely with the design teams to integrate advanced simulation software, enhancing the firm's ability to model environmental impacts. Through continuous evaluation of the technological landscape, Luthra optimizes the firm's design capabilities, ensuring that every project benefits from the latest industry advancements. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer secures the firm's position as a pioneer in the application of technology within the global construction sector.

Michelle Carroll, the Chief Human Resources Officer at HKS, directs the talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture initiatives for the firm. Overseeing the recruitment of top-tier architectural and design talent, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the company's mission of delivering high-impact global projects. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs that foster career growth and technical proficiency across all departments. By cultivating an inclusive and collaborative work environment, Michelle Carroll drives employee engagement and retention, which are critical for maintaining the firm's creative edge. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the executive team to implement performance management systems that reward excellence and innovation. Through strategic workforce planning, Carroll supports the firm's expansion into new international markets, ensuring that the right expertise is available for every complex project. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer builds the human capital necessary to sustain the firm's long-term success.

Ann Kifer, the Chief Marketing Officer & Principal at HKS, directs the brand strategy and market outreach efforts for the firm. Overseeing the communication of the firm's design philosophy, the Chief Marketing Officer & Principal ensures that the company's reputation for excellence is effectively conveyed to clients in the sports, entertainment, and commercial sectors. This leadership role involves managing global marketing campaigns that highlight the firm's portfolio of civic and cultural centers. By developing targeted messaging, Ann Kifer drives business development and strengthens relationships with key stakeholders. The Chief Marketing Officer & Principal collaborates with project leads to showcase the firm's unique design capabilities and sustainable practices. Through strategic brand positioning, Kifer enhances the firm's visibility in competitive international markets. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer & Principal secures the firm's market share by articulating the value of its architectural services and fostering a strong, recognizable identity that resonates with clients worldwide.