Board of Directors

Jeff Biskup, Co-Founder

Jeff Biskup

Co-Founder

Jeff co-founded CRB in 1984 and currently serves on the Board of Directors. He has played an instrumental role in building CRB into a respected provider of consulting, design, and construction-related services for pharmaceutical and biotech industries, manufacturing, and research facilities and processes. A licensed Professional Engineer in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, he oversees CRB’s international growth and leadership development.

Vahid Ownjazayeri, President and Chief Executive Officer

Vahid Ownjazayeri

President and Chief Executive Officer

Vahid leads the company’s global strategy, operations, and client delivery. With more than 40 years of industry experience, he is responsible for driving growth, advancing technical excellence and strengthening CRB’s collaborative culture. A licensed Professional Engineer, Vahid oversees CRB’s commitment to helping clients navigate disruption, scale innovation, and achieve transformational outcomes through its integrated engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting services.

Daniel Backman, Chief Operating Officer

Daniel Backman

Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer, Daniel is responsible for operational leadership, high-performing teams, and project execution across the company’s international footprint. Daniel joined CRB in 1996 after earning his mechanical engineering degree from Washington University, rising through the organization before helping to establish the company’s Kalamazoo office, and eventually leading the company’s Central operations as Regional Vice President. A licensed professional engineer, Daniel also serves on CRB’s Board of Directors.

Shannah Falcone, Chief Client Officer

Shannah Falcone

Chief Client Officer

Shannah oversees Business Development, Account Management, Vertical Markets and Marketing and Communications. With over 20 years of industry experience, Shannah brings a client-centric philosophy to ensure CRB is positioned as a forward-thinking industry leader, premier technical expert, and genuine partner to our clients. Shannah is currently serving her second term on CRB’s Board of Directors.

Eric Unrau, Chief Strategy Officer

Eric Unrau

Chief Strategy Officer

As Chief Strategy Officer, Eric shapes CRB’s long-term roadmap – expanding key partnerships, exploring new markets, optimizing our commercial strategies, and driving international growth, particularly in Europe, where oversees international operations. He has nearly 30 years of experience within the industrial sector including specialty chemicals and life sciences industries, with experience that includes consulting, capital projects, business management and strategic business planning. He also serves on the company’s Board of Directors.

Tim Hannan, External Board of Directors Member

Tim Hannan

External Board of Directors Member

Tim is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for News-Press & Gazette Company, and has long-term success in driving business and financial results through strategy, people, and processes. He is also Chief Financial Officer for the BERKS Group, a business investment firm, and has deep experience in public accounting.

Bob Uhler, External Board of Directors Member

Bob Uhler

External Board of Directors Member

Bob provides strategy to senior executives, boards, and private equity firms to build value for their companies. He currently sits on several engineering and construction corporate boards, including TRC, Inc. and Stanley Consultants, and he previously served as Chairman of Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. Uhler also has been named as a National Association of Corporate Directors Leadership Fellow.

Dirk Schafer, Board of Directors Advisory Member

Dirk Schafer

Board of Directors Advisory Member

With nearly 40 years in construction leadership, Dirk served in numerous roles at JE Dunn Construction before ultimately becoming its COO and Midwest Region President. His focus on strategy and mentorship have earned him widespread respect throughout the industry, and his alignment with CRB’s values of technical excellence, collaboration and entrepreneurship make Schafer an invaluable addition to the Board.

Leadership

Vahid Ownjazayeri, President and Chief Executive Officer

Vahid Ownjazayeri

President and Chief Executive Officer

Vahid leads the company’s global strategy, operations, and client delivery. With more than 40 years of industry experience, he is responsible for driving growth, advancing technical excellence and strengthening CRB’s collaborative culture. A licensed Professional Engineer, Vahid oversees CRB’s commitment to helping clients navigate disruption, scale innovation, and achieve transformational outcomes through its integrated engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting services.

Ken Olson, Chief Financial Officer

Ken Olson

Chief Financial Officer

As CFO, Ken oversees the company’s financial strategy, planning, and analysis, as well as accounting, risk management, and treasury operations. A Certified Treasury Professional with more than 30 years of financial leadership, Ken holds an MBA from MIT Sloan and a BA from the University of Washington.

Daniel Backman, Chief Operating Officer

Daniel Backman

Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer, Daniel is responsible for operational leadership, high-performing teams, and project execution across the company’s international footprint. Daniel joined CRB in 1996 after earning his mechanical engineering degree from Washington University, rising through the organization before helping to establish the company’s Kalamazoo office, and eventually leading the company’s Central operations as Regional Vice President. A licensed professional engineer, Daniel also serves on CRB’s Board of Directors.

Sam Kitchell, Chief Commercial Officer

Sam Kitchell

Chief Commercial Officer

Sam leads the company’s commercialization strategy, working across business lines to strengthen client relationships and ensure CRB’s long-term financial performance. Previously our Chief Operating Officer, Sam has more than a quarter-century of leadership experience, Sam held high-level operations leadership roles at multiple biopharma companies before joining CRB in 2021.

Danielle David, Chief People Officer

Danielle David

Chief People Officer

With more than 25 years of experience helping businesses succeed by investing in their people, Danielle is a trusted leader in talent management, total rewards, and organizational effectiveness at large, high-performing companies. As Chief People Officer at CRB, she and her team work closely with leaders across the organization to shape culture, lead change, and build strong, effective teams. They’re known for their focus on strategic HR planning, leadership development, and executive succession in complex, fast-moving environments.

Chris Walker, Chief Legal Officer

Christopher Walker

Chief Legal Officer

Christopher brings deep legal experience that is instrumental as CRB pursues growth while managing risk. He lead our legal strategy with a focus on contracting, establishing and maintaining risk management practices, and positioning the company for growth.

Eric Unrau, Chief Strategy Officer

Eric Unrau

Chief Strategy Officer

As Chief Strategy Officer, Eric shapes CRB’s long-term roadmap – expanding key partnerships, exploring new markets, optimizing our commercial strategies, and driving international growth, particularly in Europe, where oversees international operations. He has nearly 30 years of experience within the industrial sector including specialty chemicals and life sciences industries, with experience that includes consulting, capital projects, business management and strategic business planning. He also serves on the company’s Board of Directors.

Shannah Falcone, Chief Client Officer

Shannah Falcone

Chief Client Officer

Shannah oversees Business Development, Account Management, Vertical Markets and Marketing and Communications. With over 20 years of industry experience, Shannah brings a client-centric philosophy to ensure CRB is positioned as a forward-thinking industry leader, premier technical expert, and genuine partner to our clients. Shannah is currently serving her second term on CRB’s Board of Directors.

Lee Emel, Chief Innovation Officer

Lee Emel

Chief Innovation Officer

Lee has over 30 years of experience in delivering capital programs for life sciences and other advanced technology companies, having overseen the execution of over $2B of projects in the U.S. and abroad. Lee is a seasoned member of CRB’s executive leadership team, previous Board Director, and strategic leader of key company initiatives. As Chief Innovation Officer, Lee drives global growth and innovation for CRB – expanding our capabilities as a trusted business partner to our clients.

Matt Khair, Chief of Staff

Matt Khair

Chief of Staff

Matt serves as a strategic partner to the CEO and Leadership Team, driving alignment and execution of enterprise-wide initiatives. With nearly two decades of experience at CRB, he has led diverse, high-performing teams across project delivery, operations, and regional leadership. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Operations for the Western Region, where he focused on team development, operational excellence, and cultural transformation. His collaborative approach to leadership and record of simplifying complex systems drive lasting client and business outcomes.

Regional and Operational Leadership

Addie Anderson, Regional Vice President, Southeast

Addie Anderson

Regional Vice President, Southeast

As Vice President of Regional Operations for the Southeast, Addie leads CRB’s business and project delivery across the region. Since joining CRB in 2000, she has built a 25-year legacy of client dedication, operational excellence, and team leadership. With deep expertise in life sciences and project delivery, Addie brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to every challenge. Her leadership continues to strengthen client relationships, shape careers, and drive CRB’s success throughout the Southeast.

Lindsay Kenney, Regional Vice President, West

Lindsay Kenney

Regional Vice President, West

As Regional Vice President, Lindsay mentors and manages the west region of CRB. With 23 years of experience in project management and process engineering with life science, pharmaceutical and biotech projects, she is focused on client experience and building relationships to make projects under her leadership successful.

Ben Skowronski, Regional Vice President, Northeast

Ben Skowronski

Regional Vice President, Northeast

As Northeast Regional Vice President, Ben leads CRB’s operations across one of North America’s most important life sciences corridors. Since joining CRB in 2015, he has guided numerous impactful projects in the sector, large-scale biopharma and advanced therapy facilities. With more than 20 years in the AEC industry, Ben is recognized for his collaborative leadership and strategic oversight, bringing deep expertise and a commitment to driving innovation for CRB’s clients.

Lindsey Stigers, Regional Vice President, Central

Lindsey Stigers

Regional Vice President, Central

Lindsey Stigers is CRB’s Regional Vice President, Central, overseeing strategy, operations, and client engagement across the region. A licensed Professional Engineer and Washington University graduate, Lindsey brings over two decades of experience in operations, life science project leadership, and team building. She has directed major pharmaceutical expansion programs while serving as Senior Director of Design Operations and our St. Louis office leader.

Noel Maestre, Vice President, Life Sciences

Noel Maestre

Vice President, Life Sciences

Noel leads strategy and market positioning for CRB’s global life sciences practice, driving long-term growth and client success. With more than 20 years of experience spanning facility planning to operational readiness, he brings deep expertise in both traditional and advanced modalities. He and his team shape pursuit strategies, oversee project leadership, and execute CRB’s most strategic global opportunities — always with a focus on creating value through strong partnerships with clients and collaborators.

Tom Rychlewski, Vice President, Food + Beverage Regional Operations

Tom Rychlewski

Vice President, Food + Beverage Regional Operations

Tom leads CRB’s design, automation, and construction efforts within the food and beverage market. Since joining in 2008, he has built and led high-performing teams, scaled the business significantly, and refined CRB’s delivery models. Known for his client-focused approach, Tom drives operational excellence and strengthens internal alignment across control systems integration operations and food and beverage operations.

Daniel Lachapelle, Vice President, Regional Operations, Canada

Daniel Lachapelle

Vice President, Regional Operations, Canada

Daniel has 30-plus years of global experience across engineering and construction in Canada, the U.S., Asia, and Europe. A seasoned specialist in regulated-industry facility design and project management — spanning pharmaceuticals, biopharma, and food & beverage — he excels at building cohesive, high-performing teams that deliver at scale. He was the founding president of ISPE Canada and served on its national board.

Carl Williams, Vice President, Environmental, Health and Safety

Carl Williams

Vice President, Environmental, Health and Safety

Carl leads CRB’s U.S. EHS strategy, program development and deployment, compliance, and transformational safety culture initiatives. Additionally, he oversees CRB’s internal sustainability programs, including our strategy for managing greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Carl has deep, multi-national experience in manufacturing and construction work environments focused on occupational safety and health, environmental science, cultural and behavioral change, regulatory compliance, risk and industry loss control and corporate social responsibility.  

John Pignataro, Vice President, Project Operations and Risk

John Pignataro

Vice President, Project Operations and Risk

John is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in the design, engineering, and construction industry. He focuses on driving project execution and risk management, overseeing initiatives across the business to raise efficiency, manage enterprise and project risk, and enhance project delivery excellence. He’s been recognized for his commitment to safety and quality, and ability to build scalable solutions to improve business and project performance.

Mike Barrett, Vice President, Global Project Delivery

Mike Barrett

Vice President, Global Project Delivery

As Vice President Global Project Delivery, Mike leads strategic projects for CRB and our clients.  He is responsible for setting up project execution approaches that maximize the value conditions for our clients, onboarding project teams inclusive of CRB staff, our clients and our partners into the project’s operational systems and best practices.  He is driven by developing and coaching project teams into becoming high performing teams using the most effective and innovative systems, processes, and tools.

Wade Shelden, Vice President, Design and Construction Operations

Wade Shelden

Vice President, Design and Construction Operations

With over 35 years of industry experience—more than 30 of those in the life sciences sector—Wade supports the execution of design and construction operations across the organization by building scalable systems that enhance performance, standardizing to best practices, and driving continuous improvement. His focus on operational excellence adds measurable value to clients and ensures consistent delivery across complex, high-stakes projects.

John Lupa, Vice President, National Construction

John Lupa

Vice President, National Construction

John leads CRB’s construction strategy and delivery across the U.S., partnering with regional and technical teams to ensure safe, predictable, and high‑quality outcomes for clients. He brings a disciplined, collaborative approach to construction execution, with a focus on operational excellence, risk management, and team development. John works closely with clients and internal stakeholders to align construction performance with project and business goals.

Tracy Stanfield, Vice President, Information and Technology

Tracy Stanfield

Vice President, Information and Technology

Tracy is Vice President of Information and Technology at CRB, bringing over 20 years of experience in the technology field and construction industry. Tracy leads a high-performing team that delivers secure, scalable, and innovative solutions across infrastructure, cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI with a strong focus on aligning technology with business goals – advancing CRB’s ability to deliver exceptional results for clients.