LAN Names Kate Fath Despinoy, PE, PMP, Vice President and Director of Operations
Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN), a leading planning, engineering and program management firm, has named Kate Fath Despinoy, PE, PMP, Vice President and Director of Operations. Based in LAN’s Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, office, Despinoy will provide firmwide leadership focused on operational performance, project delivery, financial management and the processes needed to support LAN’s continued growth.
In her new role, Despinoy will work closely with LAN’s executive leadership, business group directors and practice leaders to strengthen operational consistency and performance throughout the firm. Her responsibilities include overseeing key financial and project-performance metrics, supporting business planning and budgeting, leading operational reviews, identifying opportunities for improved efficiency and scalability, and helping advance firmwide initiatives.
“Kate brings exactly the combination of operational discipline, business leadership and engineering experience we need as LAN continues to grow,” said Steve Gilbreath, PE, President of LAN. “She understands that strong operations are ultimately about helping our people deliver better results for our clients. Her experience managing complex businesses, developing leaders and improving performance will be an important asset as we continue building LAN for the future.”
Despinoy brings more than 18 years of engineering consulting experience spanning executive leadership, operations, business development, client management and complex project delivery. Most recently, she served as Vice President and Water Market Leader for Stanley Consultants, where she led the firm’s national water market with responsibility for financial performance, revenue forecasting, sales, staffing strategy, market growth and profitability across water, wastewater and water resources services.
Her career also includes leadership of municipal, industrial and federal infrastructure programs and projects involving water and wastewater treatment, water conveyance, pump stations, utilities, transportation, drainage and other major infrastructure. She has managed multidisciplinary teams and advised public- and private-sector clients on capital programs, infrastructure planning and long-term investment needs.
“LAN has an exceptional reputation built on technical excellence, strong client relationships and talented people,” Despinoy said. “I’m excited to join the firm at an important point in its growth and to work with teams across LAN to strengthen the systems, processes and collaboration that allow our professionals to do their best work and deliver outstanding service to our clients.”
An important focus of Despinoy’s role will be helping LAN translate its strategic growth objectives into consistent operational execution. She will support performance and financial reviews across LAN’s business groups, help identify and manage operational risks, and work with firm leaders to improve processes that influence project performance, profitability and quality.
“Growth creates opportunity, but it also requires us to continually improve how we operate,” Gilbreath said. “Kate will help us make sure our operations keep pace with our ambitions—giving our teams the information, support and structure they need to succeed while maintaining the quality and responsiveness our clients expect from LAN.”
Despinoy earned a Master of Engineering Management from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University. She is a licensed Professional Engineer and certified Project Management Professional and also holds the LEED Green Associate credential.
She is active in the water and wastewater industry, serving as vice chair of the American Water Works Association Stainless Steel Pipe Committee and as a current and former leader of committees within the Central States Water Environment Association. She is also an active member of the Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association.
