GRAEF is proud to announce the appointment of Mary Beth Pettit, P.E., as the firm’s first-ever Chief Technical Officer (CTO). This newly created role is a key part of GRAEF’s Leadership Transition, positioning the firm for continued growth and innovation. A longtime leader within GRAEF, Mary Beth currently serves on the Board of Directors and Operations Team and has spent the past seven years leading the firm’s Milwaukee Transportation Group.

As CTO, Mary Beth will oversee Technical Directors and lead firmwide initiatives in quality, training, software standardization, and best practices across all disciplines. This role will be instrumental in GRAEF’s future growth, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of technical excellence and innovation as it expands. Mary Beth has already been a driving force in these areas through her leadership of GRAEF’s Technical Communities, where she has helped develop firmwide technical standards, software evaluations, and industry trend analysis.

“I am honored and excited to step into this role,” said Mary Beth. “Having been part of GRAEF for over 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible expertise and collaborative spirit that define our firm. As we continue to grow, maintaining the highest technical standards and fostering innovation will be essential. I look forward to working with our teams to enhance project delivery and drive the next chapter of GRAEF’s success.”

Mary Beth’s journey at GRAEF began as a Co-Op student, and she has remained with the firm throughout her career. She led the Milwaukee Transportation design team in 2006, took on management of the entire department in 2018, and today serves as a Principal, Vice President, and an elected Board Member. She holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Marquette University and an M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Pat Kressin, President of GRAEF, emphasized the significance of this appointment, stating, “The creation of the Chief Technical Officer role is a critical step in GRAEF’s Leadership Transition and long-term growth strategy. Mary Beth’s technical expertise, strategic mindset, and passion for continuous improvement make her the perfect fit. As CTO, she will help ensure we continue delivering high-quality, innovative solutions while fostering collaboration across teams. This role will be instrumental in driving GRAEF forward.”