Coffman Engineers Inc., a multidisciplinary engineering consulting company, has announced leadership changes at its Spokane office.

As of Jan. 1, Jeff Mitchell, structural engineer and principal, is Coffman's new general manager in Spokane, succeeding Karl Kolb, who held the position for 10 years.

Coffman Engineers started succession planning about three years ago to ensure a smooth leadership transition when the need arises.

"I turn 62 this month and looking at my horizon, it seemed like it was the right time for some fresh leadership to move the office forward," says Kolb.

Mitchell adds, "It's not something that just happened overnight." 

Mitchell joined Coffman Engineers 14 years ago as a structural engineer. He's been serving as the company's structural department manager for the last five years and became a partner three years ago.

As general manager, Mitchell is responsible for overseeing the financial performance of the Spokane office, strategic planning, supervising department managers, and directing the mission, vision, and office culture in Spokane, he says.

Mitchell notes that he will continue working as a technical lead on structural and industrial projects as well.

Kolb will remain in Spokane and will support the Spokane office through his role as Northwest regional manager, he says, adding that Damiano Seghetti is succeeding Mitchell as the new structural department manager.

Coffman Engineers has entered the new year with good momentum following a 30% increase in revenue in 2024 compared with 2023, Mitchell says.

The Spokane office is poised to take advantage of growth opportunities this year in the energy sector and through design-build projects, he says.

"We've been doing a lot of those projects, but we see a lot more on the horizon," Mitchell says.

As part of the company's long-term succession planning, Coffman Engineers invests in leadership training for its employees through programs such as the Coffman Consultant College, which Mitchell went through about five years ago to prepare for future advancement opportunities, he says.

The program offers networking opportunities with other general managers at Coffman, insights from senior leaders, and training in areas including financial performance, marketing, soft skills, and human resources, explains Mitchell.

"The relationships and connections between those leaders are super important as we sort out challenges ... that come up along the way," Kolb says.

Mitchell's promotion is an example of Coffman's succession planning, which prioritizes intentional internal promotion opportunities, he says.

The company typically doesn't seek to hire general managers from other companies, asserts Kolb.

Coffman Engineers has about 130 full-time employees based in Spokane. The company operates 22 total offices in 15 states with about 900 full-time employees companywide.