HKS Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

HKS has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, design governance, technology infrastructure, financial management, information systems, brand marketing, human capital, and corporate operations.

Committed to excellence in global design, HKS delivers transformative architectural solutions for airports, sports venues, and health facilities while maintaining a philosophy of sustainable, human-centric innovation across all international markets.

Leadership Roles at HKS

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

    Leong Janson, the Chief Executive Officer at HKS, directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. Janson architects long-term growth initiatives by aligning architectural design services with the evolving needs of global clients in the sports, health, and civic sectors. By overseeing the firm's expansion into new international markets, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that HKS maintains a competitive edge in complex construction projects. Janson fosters collaboration across diverse design studios to guarantee that every project reflects the firm's commitment to high-performance architecture. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine operational goals and drive sustainable revenue streams. Through rigorous oversight of project delivery standards, Leong Janson secures the firm's reputation for excellence. Ultimately, Janson optimizes the organizational structure to support large-scale, multi-disciplinary design efforts across the globe.

    Heath May - Chief Executive Officer & Chairman

    Heath May, the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman at HKS, governs the firm's strategic direction and board-level initiatives. May architects the integration of advanced design technologies with traditional architectural practices to enhance project outcomes for government and commercial clients. Overseeing the firm's governance framework, the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman ensures that all design processes adhere to the highest standards of quality and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing high-level stakeholder relationships and driving the firm's mission to create impactful civic and cultural centers. By focusing on long-term value creation, Heath May aligns the firm's resources with global market demands. May maintains a focus on innovation, ensuring that the firm remains at the forefront of the architecture industry. Through strategic oversight, the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman secures the firm's position as a leader in complex, large-scale construction projects.
    Heath May

    John Humphries - Chief Financial Officer

    John Humphries, the Chief Financial Officer at HKS, directs the financial health and fiscal strategy of the firm. Humphries architects robust budgeting processes and capital allocation plans that support the firm's global design operations. Overseeing the financial reporting and risk management functions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains liquidity and profitability across all business units. This leadership role involves working closely with the executive team to evaluate the financial viability of new market entries and large-scale construction projects. By optimizing cost structures and managing investment portfolios, John Humphries drives sustainable growth and long-term financial stability. Humphries monitors economic trends to provide actionable insights that guide the firm's strategic decision-making. Through disciplined financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for the firm to continue delivering high-quality architectural services to government, health, and commercial clients worldwide.

    Sam Mudro - President & Chief Financial Officer

    Sam Mudro, the President & Chief Financial Officer at HKS, directs the operational execution and financial performance of the firm. Mudro architects internal processes that streamline project delivery and enhance organizational efficiency across all departments. Overseeing the firm's day-to-day business operations, the President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial targets are met while maintaining the highest standards of design quality. This leadership role involves coordinating between the executive team and department heads to align operational activities with the firm's strategic goals. By managing cash flow and operational budgets, Sam Mudro supports the firm's ability to undertake complex, multi-year architectural projects. Mudro drives the implementation of performance metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Through rigorous operational and financial oversight, the President & Chief Financial Officer secures the firm's ability to deliver consistent value to clients in the health, government, and commercial sectors.

    E. Taylor - V President

    E. Taylor, the V President at HKS, directs specific operational initiatives and project management functions within the firm. Taylor architects project delivery frameworks that ensure the successful completion of complex architectural designs for commercial and civic clients. Overseeing the coordination of multi-disciplinary teams, the V President ensures that project milestones are achieved on time and within budget. This leadership role involves managing client expectations and resolving operational challenges to maintain high levels of project quality. By implementing best practices in project management, E. Taylor drives efficiency and consistency across the firm's diverse portfolio. Taylor collaborates with other executives to align project-level activities with the firm's broader strategic goals. Through dedicated oversight of project operations, the V President secures the firm's ability to deliver exceptional architectural solutions that meet the unique requirements of clients in the global construction market.

    Natasha Luthra - Chief Technology Officer

    Natasha Luthra, the Chief Technology Officer at HKS, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the firm. Luthra architects scalable software solutions and design platforms that empower architects to execute complex projects with precision. Overseeing the integration of Building Information Modeling and advanced visualization tools, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the firm remains at the cutting edge of architectural innovation. This leadership role involves collaborating with design teams to implement efficient workflows that reduce project timelines and enhance design quality. By managing the firm's digital assets and cybersecurity protocols, Natasha Luthra protects the integrity of sensitive client data across global operations. Luthra drives the adoption of emerging technologies to support the firm's mission of delivering world-class design. Through strategic investment in digital capabilities, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the firm maintains a technological advantage in the competitive architecture market.

    Michael Gussow - Chief Information Officer

    Michael Gussow, the Chief Information Officer at HKS, directs the information systems and data management strategies that underpin the firm's global operations. Gussow architects secure network architectures and communication platforms that facilitate seamless collaboration between international design studios. Overseeing the firm's IT infrastructure, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all systems support the high-performance requirements of complex architectural projects. This leadership role involves managing the firm's hardware and software ecosystems to maximize operational efficiency and data accessibility. By implementing advanced data analytics, Michael Gussow provides the leadership team with critical insights into project performance and resource utilization. Gussow drives the firm's digital resilience by maintaining robust disaster recovery and data protection protocols. Through strategic management of information technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the firm remains agile and responsive to the needs of clients in the sports, entertainment, and commercial sectors.
    Michael Gussow

    Lisa McDonough - Principal and Chief Marketing Officer

    Lisa McDonough, the Principal and Chief Marketing Officer at HKS, directs the brand strategy and market positioning of the firm. McDonough architects comprehensive marketing campaigns that highlight the firm's expertise in designing iconic airports, civic centers, and sports venues. Overseeing the firm's global communications and business development outreach, the Principal and Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the brand remains synonymous with design excellence and innovation. This leadership role involves collaborating with project leads to showcase the firm's portfolio to potential clients and industry partners. By analyzing market trends and client feedback, Lisa McDonough refines the firm's messaging to capture new opportunities in the global architecture market. McDonough drives the firm's reputation management and public relations efforts to maintain a strong market presence. Through strategic brand development, the Principal and Chief Marketing Officer secures the firm's status as a preferred partner for large-scale construction projects.
    Lisa McDonough

    Michelle Carroll - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Michelle Carroll, the Chief Human Resources Officer at HKS, directs the talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies for the firm. Carroll architects comprehensive human capital programs that foster a culture of innovation and collaboration among the firm's global workforce. Overseeing the firm's recruitment and professional development initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm attracts and retains top-tier architectural talent. This leadership role involves managing employee engagement and diversity programs to support a high-performance work environment. By aligning human resources policies with the firm's strategic objectives, Michelle Carroll drives organizational growth and employee satisfaction. Carroll monitors workforce trends to ensure that the firm remains competitive in the global talent market. Through strategic management of the firm's human capital, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the expertise necessary to deliver world-class design services for airports, sports venues, and cultural centers.

    Ann Kifer - Chief Marketing Officer & Principal

    Ann Kifer, the Chief Marketing Officer & Principal at HKS, directs the firm's client engagement and business development strategies. Kifer architects targeted outreach programs that connect the firm's architectural expertise with the specific needs of government and health facility clients. Overseeing the firm's proposal development and client relationship management, the Chief Marketing Officer & Principal ensures that the firm effectively communicates its value proposition in competitive bidding processes. This leadership role involves working with design principals to develop compelling narratives for the firm's projects. By analyzing regional market dynamics, Ann Kifer identifies new growth opportunities and strengthens the firm's presence in key geographic areas. Kifer drives the firm's marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility and client loyalty. Through strategic business development, the Chief Marketing Officer & Principal secures the firm's pipeline of high-impact projects and maintains its reputation as a leader in the architecture 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 John Humphries (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), John Humphries (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, Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Financial Officer, V President.