SSOE Group, the global A/E and construction management firm, has promoted Vince DiPofi, PE, to be its next President and CEO. He will replace current CEO Bob Howell, who will retire in the first quarter of 2020. DiPofi officially assumes his new roles on December 4, when the company will hold its shareholders’ meeting.
DiPofi, the company’s COO and Executive Vice President, is a 35-year industry vet who has been with SSOE since 2000, when he started as Business Leader for the firm’s food group.
“For a firm like SSOE, that has enjoyed continued success for over 70 years, the role of CEO is a great responsibility,” says DiPofi. “I’m confident in the entire SSOE team’s ability to work together to continue this company’s history of innovation and great client service.”
Last August, SSOE celebrated its 70th anniversary. Howell has been with the firm since 1980, starting as a draftsman trainee. He has led SSOE since December 2014, and during his leadership tenure the Toledo, Ohio-based company has ranked among the industry’s 10 largest engineering and architecture firms, and 15 largest international engineering firms, according to BD+C’s annual GIANTS rankings.
Last December, the company stated that, since 2009—when it committed to delivering projects on schedule for lower total costs—it had saved clients more than $1 billion in project costs: at least $10 million each for 34 clients and more than $1 million each for 95 clients. The firm had also returned 95% of its fees to clients in the form of project savings over the previous five years.
DiPofi is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and has been a registered Professional Engineer in Ohio and Michigan since 1990. He received his Bachelor of Science from The University of Toledo in Mechanical Engineering in 1985.
At SSOE, DiPofi has been influential in fostering a culture of business development, having held previous roles as Director of Business Development, Chief Strategy Officer, and provided oversight of SSOE’s Mexico and China operations. He served as SSOE's Chairman of the Board until 2018. In his current capacity, DiPofi has executive level oversight over the firm's Advanced Technology Strategic Business Unit; Healthcare, Cmmercial, and Education practices; and its virtual design and construction team.
Related Stories
Windows and Doors | Feb 28, 2024
DOE launches $2 million prize to advance cost-effective, energy-efficient commercial windows
The U.S. Department of Energy launched the American-Made Building Envelope Innovation Prize—Secondary Glazing Systems. The program will offer up to $2 million to encourage production of high-performance, cost-effective commercial windows.
AEC Innovators | Feb 28, 2024
How Suffolk Construction identifies ConTech and PropTech startups for investment, adoption
Contractor giant Suffolk Construction has invested in 27 ConTech and PropTech companies since 2019 through its Suffolk Technologies venture capital firm. Parker Mundt, Suffolk Technologies’ Vice President–Platforms, recently spoke with Building Design+Construction about his company’s investment strategy.
Performing Arts Centers | Feb 27, 2024
Frank Gehry-designed expansion of the Colburn School performing arts center set to break ground
In April, the Colburn School, an institute for music and dance education and performance, will break ground on a 100,000-sf expansion designed by architect Frank Gehry. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the performing arts center will join the neighboring Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Grand by Gehry, forming the largest concentration of Gehry-designed buildings in the world.
Construction Costs | Feb 27, 2024
Experts see construction material prices stabilizing in 2024
Gordian’s Q1 2024 Quarterly Construction Cost Insights Report brings good news: Although there are some materials whose prices have continued to show volatility, costs at a macro level are returning to a level of stability, suggesting predictable historical price escalation factors.
Sustainability | Feb 26, 2024
GBBN's Inflation Reduction Act Calculator goes live
GBBN has publicly released its IRA Calculator, a tool that helps you understand funding opportunities in the IRA for sustainable design.
Construction Costs | Feb 22, 2024
K-12 school construction costs for 2024
Data from Gordian breaks down the average cost per square foot for four different types of K-12 school buildings (elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, and vocational schools) across 10 U.S. cities.
MFPRO+ Special Reports | Feb 22, 2024
Crystal Lagoons: A deep dive into real estate's most extreme guest amenity
These year-round, manmade, crystal clear blue lagoons offer a groundbreaking technology with immense potential to redefine the concept of water amenities. However, navigating regulatory challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability are crucial to success with Crystal Lagoons.
AEC Tech | Feb 20, 2024
AI for construction: What kind of tool can artificial intelligence become for AEC teams?
Avoiding the hype and gathering good data are half the battle toward making artificial intelligence tools useful for performing design, operational, and jobsite tasks.
Engineers | Feb 20, 2024
An engineering firm traces its DEI journey
Top-to-bottom buy-in has been a key factor in SSOE Group’s efforts to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive in its hiring, mentoring, and benefits.
Building Tech | Feb 20, 2024
Construction method featuring LEGO-like bricks wins global innovation award
A new construction method featuring LEGO-like bricks made from a renewable composite material took first place for building innovations at the 2024 JEC Composites Innovation Awards in Paris, France.
