CHA Announces Promotion of James Stephenson to CEO of CHA Holdings, Inc. on January 1, 2020

CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA), a highly diversified, full-service engineering consulting firm, announces the promotion of James Stephenson to CEO of CHA Holdings, Inc. and President of CHA Consulting, Inc. on January 1, 2020. Jim will succeed Michael Carroll, PE, who will transition to Chairman of the Board for CHA Holdings, Inc.

Jim joined CHA in May 2019 as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer bringing more than 20 years of broad strategy, financial and corporate development experience. Prior to joining CHA, he was the Chief Strategy Officer at a top 20 ENR ranked company, where he was responsible for structuring a five-year strategic growth plan focused on executing acquisitive growth and strategic investments that helped position the company as a leader in innovation and each of their operating sectors.

“This is the right time for a leadership transition and Jim is the perfect leader and strategist to take CHA to the next level,” said Michael Carroll. “When Jim came on board earlier this year to oversee strategy and growth, we knew he was the right person to deliver exceptional value to our clients, effectively scale the business, and guide our staff to becoming the best firm in the industry.”

“Mike is a true partner and has been instrumental in CHA’s transformation over the past five years,” said Jeff Quake and Mike Scardigli of First Reserve. “We look forward to working with Mike in his role as Chairman where he will continue to support the company in areas of strategy, organizational excellence and mergers & acquisitions.”

“CHA is a great company with a rich history and exceptional staff, and I am honored to take over from Mike and build on his legacy. With support of a great financial partner in First Reserve, the company is in a unique position to accelerate growth and deliver value within our end markets. With three successful acquisitions this year and the largest backlog in our history, CHA is poised for continued growth and success,” said Jim Stephenson. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue to work with the leadership team to propel CHA to be the most client-focused and responsive engineering firm in the industry.”

Quake and Scardigli said, “Stephenson is a perfect fit for CHA. He brings a wealth of relevant experience, strategic vision and proven leadership ability that will serve CHA well for many years to come. The company has made significant strides in organic growth, acquisition and talent initiatives and we have full confidence in Jim and the team to continue building on this momentum.”