Design and engineering firm CVL Consultants, announces new President Ryan Weed, PE, to succeed retiring leader Les Olson. Effective today, Weed is named president of Arizona while Olson will serve as president emeritus until his complete retirement, which is expected in May.
Weed, previously executive vice president, has been with CVL since 1997 and worked closely with Olson. He holds a degree in civil engineering from Northern Arizona University and is a licensed professional engineer (PE). His engineering experience includes planning and zoning, preliminary layout, final construction documents, and coordination for residential, commercial, solar, energy, parks and master-planned communities. His leadership expertise includes navigating government relationships, regulatory matters, and helping comprehensive teams think creatively to solve problems in ways that benefit communities and clients. He will continue to be actively involved in project management and client relations.
CVL’s history in the Southwest spans nearly six decades of design and engineering in the areas of transportation and rail, fuel transmission, solar arrays, utilities, single-family and multi-family residential, commercial shopping, industrial centers, churches, universities and more. Integrated design services include civil engineering, land surveying, land planning, landscape architecture, water resources, storm water engineering, construction services and permitting. Notable past projects in Arizona include Trilogy West, Arizona Mills, Arizona Public Service substations, Aloravita, Layton Lakes, Arizona State University, Tegavah, and Kierland Commons shopping and residential.
“Ryan will lead us forward because, like Les, he embraces the value of innovation through technology and the importance of doing right for the client, which has been CVL’s calling card from the beginning,” says Michael Geddes, chairman of the board at privately held CVL. “Les successfully led us through widespread economic challenges and Ryan worked alongside him through that. I know this will be a seamless transition for clients and employees, and Ryan will keep a heavy emphasis on exemplary client service.”
Olson, who served 26 years with CVL and became president in 2000, is credited with helping the firm weather two national recessions by diversifying into the renewable energy sector – particularly solar and energy transmission. He also developed new business opportunities with Native Americans and with education, churches, healthcare and resorts. He led CVL’s expansion into North Dakota as energy development demanded new engineering and housing infrastructure.
Olson and Weed also led CVL through an organization-wide culture assessment to emphasize innovation and quality, and to re-emphasize client service. CVL now begins each project with a cross-departmental team to identify opportunities for design innovation, sustainability and livability for the end user, and responsible use of all resources involved.
“We’re excited to hear of Ryan’s new role; he’s a very knowledgeable person and always focused on the client’s need,” says David Garcia, vice president of land acquisition at Shea Homes. “He and CVL are very customer-driven and service-minded. They’re experienced enough to know what we need, they bring tremendous value and finish the job efficiently.”
