GRAEF Names Next Chief Operating Officer

GRAEF is thrilled to announce Brent Pitcher as the firm's next COO.

Front Row - Ken Grebe, John Kissinger_Back Row - Brent Pitcher, Pat Kressin (L-R)

Back Row: Brent Pitcher - incoming COO, Pat Kressin - President and future CEO. Front Row: Ken Grebe - COO and John Kissinger - CEO

Brent Pitcher will succeed Ken Grebe, who is set to retire in May. Brent joined GRAEF in 2000 as a Site/Civil Engineer and has since held a variety of leadership roles, including Madison, WI Office Leader and currently Milwaukee Infrastructure Group Leader. Brent was named an Associate of the firm in 2005, Principal in 2007, and elected to GRAEF’s Board of Directors in 2012.

“I am honored to be named GRAEF’s next COO,” said Brent Pitcher. “GRAEF has been an integral part of my professional life for over two decades. I look forward to building on the incredible legacy of leadership established by Ken Grebe and working closely with the entire team to drive GRAEF’s continued success, innovation, and impact in the communities we serve.”

Pat Kressin, President of GRAEF, shared, “Brent and I have had the privilege of working together for much of our careers at GRAEF, and it’s been incredible to witness his growth as a leader and his dedication to our clients and communities. This is an exciting time for our firm as we embark on this next chapter together. I’m thrilled to continue collaborating with Brent in his new role and am confident that his vision and leadership will drive GRAEF to even greater success.”

Ken Grebe, who has served as COO since 2012, will retire in May, concluding an illustrious career that began at GRAEF in 1983. Under his leadership, GRAEF has experienced significant growth and operational excellence.

Ken Grebe and Brent Pitcher

“Serving as GRAEF’s COO has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Ken Grebe. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and grateful for the incredible team I’ve had the privilege to work with. Brent’s appointment as COO ensures that GRAEF is in excellent hands moving forward. I know he will continue to lead with the same integrity and passion that have been hallmarks of our firm.”

John Kissinger, CEO of GRAEF, added, “Ken’s impact on GRAEF cannot be overstated. His leadership has been a cornerstone of our success. As Ken steps into retirement, we welcome Brent to the executive team in this new capacity. Brent’s leadership will be instrumental as GRAEF continues to evolve and grow in the years ahead.”

This past September, GRAEF proudly announced our new President, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s journey. Hiring the next COO was a pivotal step in shaping GRAEF’s leadership and driving subsequent hires and transitions as the firm continues to progress towards the fourth generation of leadership.