Strand Associates, Inc.^® (Strand), is pleased to announce the promotion of Matthew S. Richards, P.E., to President and CEO, effective April 1, 2019. Matt will become the fifth CEO in the company’s more than 70-year history. He succeeds the retiring Philip E. Budde, P.E., who started with Strand in 1976, became President in 2005, and then CEO in 2017.

“I’m excited to turn the reins of leadership over to the next generation of managers to build upon the success that Strand has achieved over the last 73 years, and I’m confident that Matt’s dedication and leadership will lead the firm toward continued future success,” said Phil.

Matt began his career here in 1998 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from University of Wisconsin-Platteville and working for 7 years in consulting engineering in Illinois. He has served the firm in many capacities, including project management and business development; leading the risk management group; and as a member of the firm’s Board of Directors, as Corporate Secretary, and Executive Vice President.

“The future for our industry and for Strand Associates, Inc.^® has never been brighter and I look forward to building upon the foundation of excellent service to our clients that Phil and the preceding leadership helped establish. Thank you to Phil for his contribution to the firm’s overall growth and success, and for guiding us in providing our clients with true excellence in engineering,” said Matt.

In addition to his responsibilities here, Matt has been an active member and volunteer for the American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin, receiving the organization’s President’s Award in 2007 and serving as Chairman from 2013 to 2014. He has also been an active member of the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers and American Public Works Association.  In 2006, Matt was the recipient for University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Outstanding Alumnus Award.