Ryan Weed, PE, named President of Arizona

Consultants announced that Ryan Weed, PE, will succeed retiring president Les Olson. Effective Jan. 14, 2015, Ryan (shown right) is named President while Les (shown left) will serve as president emeritus until his complete retirement, which is expected in May.

Ryan, previously executive vice president, has been with CVL since 1997 and has worked closely with all the key personnel at CVL. 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, various regulatory matters, and helping comprehensive teams think creatively to solve problems in ways that benefit both communities and clients. Ryan will continue to be actively involved in project management and client relations.

Les, 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 personally led CVL’s expansion into North Dakota as energy development demanded new civil engineering and housing infrastructure, as well as development of new business opportunities with Native Americans and in other new areas such as education, churches, health care and resorts.   However, Les says he is most proud of nurturing young college graduates into successful civil engineers.

“The professional growth of our young engineers has been exciting to see,” he says. ”We spend time training and building a relationship; we watch them mature their skills and develop into successful professionals. That’s a reward that lasts forever.”

Les and Ryan together led CVL through a post-recession, organization-wide culture assessment to emphasize innovation and quality, and to re-emphasize client service.  As a result, 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 – including the client budget.

“I’m honored to become CVL’s fifth president in our long company history and I look forward to leading us to new achievements in innovation, sustainability and profitability,” Weed said. “I’ve always believed that doing the work right pays dividends for everyone, and CVL will continue to do this in close conjunction with the clients and communities we serve.”

“We’re excited to hear of Ryan’s new role; he’s a very knowledgeable person and always focused on the client’s need,” said 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.”

“Ryan’s professionalism and commitment to providing a high level of service through all stages of the project design, management and administration process make him the perfect individual to lead CVL’s Phoenix office,” added Andrew Gasparro, development manager with Evergreen – a property development company in Phoenix. “I am sad to see a good friend in Les Olson retire, but excited for the opportunity provided to another friend in Ryan Weed.”

In addition to his work at CVL, Ryan leads the CVL Bicycling Club – regular bike rides for clients and CVL friends through the Southwest’s most scenic areas. Contact us to sign up for a ride!