Lisa Larrabee to Retire as CEO of Harris & Associates

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Harris & Associates announced today that Lisa Larrabee will retire as the firm’s CEO effective October 3, 2021. She will remain in her role as Chair of the Board of Directors to support the new leadership team. Steve Winchester will succeed Lisa in the role of CEO.

Lisa joined Harris as CEO in 2010 and led the firm successfully through the nation’s post-recession environment to a position of sustained growth. During her tenure, Harris transitioned ownership to its employees, becoming a 100% employee stock ownership plan S corporation. She restructured the firm’s leadership to enhance collaboration and oversaw the addition of new capabilities in environmental, planning, and consulting areas. Lisa also increased investments in leadership development across the firm and provided a clear path for future success defined by Harris’ Purpose, Vision, and Shared Values. Through her leadership and focus on employee engagement, Harris has also consistently been named a Top Workplace by its employees and industry publications.

“It’s been a tremendous privilege to work alongside such extraordinarily talented and genuinely good people,” Lisa said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. We weathered many storms and came through each one stronger. I’m excited about what lies ahead for Harris and our clients.”

Through a thoughtful succession planning process, Steve Winchester, current Harris COO and CFO, was selected to take over the role of CEO. Steve has been part of Harris’ executive team for nearly six years and will retain his CFO role. Michelle White, current Chief People Officer at Harris, will step into the role of COO.

“Lisa left her imprint and made a lasting impact on Harris over the past decade serving as our CEO,” Steve said. “She guided Harris through tough economic conditions early in her tenure and most recently has invigorated the organization by way of our unifying Purpose and Shared Values. She has paved the way for Harris’ continued growth and success.”

“It’s been inspiring to see a values-driven leader like Lisa guiding Harris through turbulent times,” said Board Member Elisa M. Speranza. “She leaves an admirable legacy for the company: a thriving, exciting, and welcoming place to work and a trusted partner to its clients. We wish her and her family all the best as she heads off to her next adventures.”

“Lisa has taken Harris a long way,” said Board Member Pat McCann. “From employee ownership to a focused vision to a strong culture, she has led the company forward to be well positioned for a successful future.”

“Under Lisa’s Leadership, Harris has thrived and become a market and industry leader,” said Board Member Robert K. “Bob” Wilson. “Her charismatic leadership style has been felt in a meaningful and positive way by all within the company as well as externally with clients and their projects. She also has demonstrated the importance of being a determined advocate when needed, such as in the area of social justice. She certainly will be missed!”

About Harris

Harris is a 100% employee-owned company focused on helping communities solve today's complex challenges in planning, financing, environmental compliance, civil engineering, and construction management. Our offices and project sites span the West Coast in California and Washington with a staff of over 280 employee-owners. We focus on serving clients in the municipal, water, transportation, and education markets. www.WeAreHarris.com