KLH Engineers Names First Woman to C-Suite
Kohrs Lonnemann Heil Engineers, Inc. (KLH Engineers), a national mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technology engineering firm, has named Colleen Fausz chief financial officer (CFO), chief administrative officer (CAO) and general counsel, effective Nov. 1, 2023. Fausz is the first woman appointed to the firm’s C-Suite.
Fausz succeeds Charles Parnell, who served as CFO since 2001, and Jeffrey Schlosser, who served as the CAO and general counsel since 2016, as they approach their retirements. Parnell will transition to a part-time controller as he winds down his career. Schlosser will stay on as a strategic advisor until he retires on Jan. 1, 2024.
As a certified public accountant (CPA) and attorney, Fausz brings a keen understanding of both the financial and legal landscapes. She will oversee KLH Engineers’ financial operations, accounting and benefits, as well as contracts and dispute resolution. Providing expert financial and legal advice, she will play a key role in the firm’s strategic planning and decision-making process.
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to be part of KLH’s leadership team. KLH’s commitment to innovation and leadership in the industry as well as its commitment to clients and the community is very impressive. I look forward to contributing to KLH’s continued success and growth,” said Fausz.
Prior to joining KLH Engineers, Fausz was a partner at DBL Law and practiced in the business and transactional, estate planning and probate, and banking and commercial sections within the firm. She assisted trusts, estates, businesses, nonprofits and individuals with tax compliance and tax and estate planning. In addition, Fausz represented companies in acquisitions and divestitures, as well as consulting on a variety of business and employment tax issues.
“Colleen brings a vast range of talent, perspective and work ethic. In an organization that thrives on innovation, her unique expertise and insight will be instrumental in continuing the legacy of her predecessors and driving new change to enhance our business,” said Jim Tavernelli, president and chief operating officer.
“We thank Chuck and Jeff for their years of dedication and exceptional leadership to the firm. They’ve had remarkable careers and have been critical to the success of KLH,” said Bob Heil, CEO. “We are also very pleased to welcome Colleen as their successor. She has the perfect blend of experience to make a tremendous impact at KLH. Under her leadership, we are well positioned for continued growth.”
Fausz is a member of the Kentucky Bar Association, Northern Kentucky Bar Association, Ohio Bar Association, Cincinnati Bar Association and Kentucky Society of CPAs. She earned a Juris Doctor from the Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Thomas More College.
About KLH Engineers
Founded in 1955, KLH Engineers is nationally ranked among the top mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technology engineering firms. As one of the most technically advanced practices in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, KLH leverages building information modeling and in-house software to deliver innovative and value-driven solutions. KLH serves the civic, education, healthcare, hospitality, lifestyle, industrial, retail and workplace markets.