Getting to Know Lisa Robert, PE, the New CEO Driving RS&H’s Future

Lisa Robert, PE, has taken over the helm of RS&H, a national employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, as its new Chief Executive Officer. With an inspirational career spanning 35 years and extensive leadership experience, including her previous role as Chief Operating Officer of RS&H, Robert’s vision for the company signals a blend of strategic growth, dedication to innovation, and an unwavering commitment to employee ownership. 

A licensed professional engineer in four states, Robert is a trailblazer known for her focus on fostering collaboration, empowering teams, and driving results. Her career has been defined by moments of transformation—for herself and the organizations she serves—setting the stage for her new role as a driving force behind RS&H’s future. 

Recently, Robert took time to share her plans for RS&H’s next chapter, discuss her leadership philosophy, and offer insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. 

The Vision for RS&H

Q: What excites you most about stepping into the role of CEO at RS&H? 

A: “This is both an extraordinary honor and a humbling responsibility. RS&H’s 84-year legacy is built on a foundation of exceptional work, innovation, and, most importantly, the commitment of its associates. What excites me most about leading this organization is the opportunity to honor that legacy while advancing our goals of sustainable growth and innovation. Our employee ownership model particularly energizes me. It’s such a powerful mechanism for engagement, collaboration, and shared success. Creating more opportunities for our associates to invest in the company, and their futures, is one of my key priorities.” 

Strategic Goals and Innovation

Q: RS&H has a diverse portfolio across several key markets. What are your goals for the company as you take on this role? 

A: “At the heart of our strategy is maintaining and strengthening our role as a trusted partner for our clients. I firmly believe that success stems from consistently delivering exceptional results on every project. Beyond that, our strategic plan includes initiatives to enhance internal operations while fostering innovation that anticipates and meets the changing needs of our clients. Of course, this goes hand-in-hand with supporting our associates’ growth and expanding ownership opportunities, as these elements are deeply connected to the success of our broader strategy.” 

Addressing Industry Challenges

Q: The AEC industry continues to face significant challenges, from talent shortages to disruptive technological shifts. How do you plan to position RS&H to adapt and lead effectively? 

A: “The challenges we face are both complex and interconnected. Take the workforce challenge, for example. There’s a critical need for new talent in our industry, but we also need to invest in our existing workforce. That’s why creating opportunities for professional development and ownership within RS&H is essential. Technology is another area of focus; we need to not only keep pace but also lead in leveraging innovations to deliver better solutions for our clients. Finally, adaptability and resilience are key. Market conditions can change quickly, but our values and dedication to excellence will ensure we’re ready to respond effectively.” 

Fostering Growth and Innovation

Q: How do you approach fostering innovation within an organization that’s rooted in such a strong tradition of excellence? 

A: “It’s about balance. Innovation doesn’t mean leaving tradition behind; it means building on it thoughtfully. At RS&H, we have incredible talent across the board, and I believe innovation must rise from all levels of the organization. It’s not just about adopting new technology for the sake of it, but finding ways to enhance our performance and deliverables meaningfully. I also believe that being transparent about the ‘why’ behind innovation is helpful. People need to see how and why we’re evolving so they feel part of the process. That collective buy-in is what fuels lasting change and progress.” 

Commitment to Employee Ownership

Q: RS&H’s 100% employee ownership model is foundational to the firm’s identity and a key differentiator. What makes you so passionate about this model? 

A: “Employee ownership fosters a sense of purpose and belonging unlike anything else. When you know you are contributing to something you own, it creates a deep level of engagement, pride, and responsibility. For me, this model is deeply personal—I’ve worked my entire private-sector career in employee-owned firms and have witnessed firsthand how transformational it is, not just for the company but also for our associates and their families as well as the communities we serve. At RS&H, we’ve made so much progress in opening ownership to all associates, and I’m committed to continuing to expand those opportunities. It’s not just a business model; it’s a reflection of who we are as a company.” 

Looking Ahead

Q: Where do you see RS&H in five years? 

A: “I truly believe RS&H is on a path to remarkable growth. For us, it’s not just about becoming bigger; it’s about becoming better in every sense to increase our opportunities to have a positive impact on the future. From doubling in size to expanding into new markets, RS&H will continue to deliver exceptional value to our clients while remaining true to our core values. I also envision a future where our commitment to employee ownership is more than a differentiator; it’s a guiding principle that influences every decision we make. We’ll be a stronger, more adaptable organization because our associates feel invested in what we’re building together.” 

Looking Forward Together

When asked about her vision for RS&H, Robert’s answer reflects her servant-leadership philosophy. “Leadership is about serving the people who make this organization extraordinary. My role is to support and empower our associates, ensuring they have the tools, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive,” she explains. Robert believes that by fostering collaboration and prioritizing the growth of RS&H’s talented teams, the company will meet its goals and achieve continuous success. “Together, we are building a brighter future—not just for our firm, but for our clients and communities,” she adds. Her approach underscores a deep commitment to helping others excel, a mindset that will undoubtedly shape RS&H’s path forward.