SMMA last week announced four new shareholders in the firm: Michael Kyes, Erin Prestileo, Jennifer Tedeschi, and Brett Wilkinson.
The new shareholders were named by CEO Ara Krafian in a company all-hands meeting, alongside a separate announcement of three new promotions to principal.
“We are a firm that has always looked organically for our leadership, in the vast majority of cases,” said Krafian. “We hope to continue this organic growth within SMMA where we invest in people and commit to professional development.”
All four new shareholders are current Senior Associates at SMMA, with Erin Prestileo moving to a new role as Director of Site. Prestileo, who joined SMMA in 2007, has led some of the firm’s most complex K-12 site design projects, including Waltham High School and Somerville High School, earning praise from clients and colleagues alike for her exceptional leadership.
“Erin is a talented civil engineer who brings passion, leadership and commitment to everything that she does,” said Jennifer Howe, Vice President at SMMA. “She leads some of the most technically challenging site design projects while mentoring and empowering those around her to be their best every day.”
Michael Kyes, an architect who joined SMMA in 2015, serves as the firm’s Architecture Team Lead, where he has been instrumental in building and nurturing a diverse community of architects. Kyes also teaches a graduate-level design course at Roger Williams University and has volunteered for organizations such as the Open Architecture Collaborative and Engineers without Borders.
“Mike has been a champion for all of the architectural team and SMMA’s diverse practice,” said Alex Pitkin, Senior Vice President at SMMA. “His interest, curiosity, and passion to see each individual architect succeed, grow, and aspire to be their best while helping SMMA to be our best has been evident from day one.”
Also named as a new shareholder is Jennifer Tedeschi, an interior designer who joined SMMA in 2011. Tedeschi was commended for her exceptional client skills and design work for some of the firm’s most significant interior design projects, including 50 Rowes Wharf and the IIDA award-winning Waters IMMERSE lab.
“Jen is quite simply a rockstar,” said Marie Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President at SMMA. “Not once in eleven years has she even come close to letting me, or anyone else, down. Jen is loved by her team, the firm, and every client that’s had the opportunity to work with her.”
Brett Wilkinson, a structural engineer who joined SMMA in 2004, manages the firm’s structural engineering team and has served as lead engineer on major projects for Providence College and Atlantic Management. Wilkinson is also an active member for the Structural Engineers Associate of Massachusetts (SEAMASS), having served on the Board of Directors from 2014-2017.
“Brett has done a great job managing the structural department,” said Andrew Oldeman, Vice President and Principal at SMMA. “His care, compassion, and leadership has enabled the structural group to continue to grow and support the firm’s essential design goals. Brett also does a remarkable job working for clients and has served as lead engineer on countless projects.”
Congratulations to Brett, Jennifer, Michael, and Erin on their achievements and continued success as SMMA shareholders!
