CHAMPAIGN, IL—On January 27th, 2023 the Board of Directors of Clark Dietz voted to confirm Wes Christmas, PE, ENV SP as its new Chief Executive Officer and President.
Christmas is an experienced engineer, completing his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Purdue University in 2000. He has dedicated his entire career to Clark Dietz, serving the firm for over 22 years, starting as a project engineer and resident project representative for the planning, design, and construction of roadway and trail improvements, enhancements, stormwater, water/wastewater collection, and distribution projects throughout the Midwest.
Subsequently, Christmas advanced to roles that included project manager, Area Manager, Regional Director, Regional Sales Manager, Corporate Director of Business Development, and Executive Vice President. Growing within the organization, he was entrusted as manager or client liaison for a variety of large and complex projects for Indiana and Kentucky communities, of which he maintains close working relationships. Christmas continues to identify infrastructure needs, solutions, and funding mechanisms while being engaged and active in the communities he serves.
Christmas has served on the Board of Directors of Clark Dietz since 2012, acting as Corporate Treasurer from 2018-2020. In 2018 he was named Regional Director for Indiana/Kentucky operations. In 2020, he was named Executive Vice President and in 2021 Corporate Director of Business Development, all while serving as a client liaison and trusted advisor for clients in the Indiana and Kentucky markets. His corporate and regional responsibilities included monitoring and managing regional workload, financial planning, and performance optimization in the areas of profitability, accounts receivable, staff utilization, contract development, and staff recruitment.
Retiring Chief Executive Chip Craddock offers his advice saying, “I would encourage Wes to have the courage of his convictions. He is incredibly bright and well-rounded, and Wes has the opportunity to take this firm to places it has never been. He is going to be a great leader.”
“The opportunity to assume the role of President and CEO for the firm with which I have spent my entire career is exciting and humbling. I am grateful for the support and leadership of the people that make up this great organization. I want to specifically thank our outgoing President and CEO, Chip Craddock, for his focused mentorship and friendship over the past few years. He has put the firm in a wonderful position, and I look forward to building upon the great foundation and record of success he established to grow our firm, nurture our staff, and support our clients to create innovative solutions to their needs,” adds Christmas.
The Clark Dietz shareholders and staff have placed our trust and support in Wes, and we offer our congratulations to him on his new role!
Clark Dietz, Inc. is a recognized leader in transportation, civil, environmental, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering with over 130 professional staff in regional offices in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Wisconsin.
