CPL Promotes Chris Colby to President and Chief Operating Officer

CPL, a full-service design firm serving public- and private-sector clients for 50 years, is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Colby, AIA, LEED AP to President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). This advancement reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to fortifying its leadership team and positioning CPL for continued growth and ingenuity.

In his new role, Colby will lead CPL’s day-to-day operations and spearhead strategic initiatives that support the firm’s expansion, operational excellence, and long-term financial health. He will oversee all practice areas, ensuring that CPL continues to deliver exceptional design solutions while fostering a collaborative and people-first culture.

Colby brings a results-oriented approach and a deep commitment to sustainable growth, built on his proven track record in executive leadership. Prior to this promotion, he served as CPL’s National K-12 Practice Leader, where he successfully applied his business development acumen to attract new partners and achieve established profit, portfolio, and staffing objectives. Working closely with Regional K-12 Practice Leaders across the firm’s expanding footprint, Colby championed unified project management workflows and consistent client experiences.

With more than 25 years of architectural planning and design experience, Colby has left an indelible mark on the K-12 sector. His passion for creating high-performing, experiential learning environments has not only elevated CPL’s reputation in education design but also positioned the firm as a trusted partner for school districts across the country. This dedication to excellence and his ability to unite diverse teams will serve as critical assets in his new leadership role.

As part of this transition, Rick Henry, P.E., who previously served as CPL’s President, will assume the role of Chief Business Development Officer. In this capacity, Henry will remain deeply engaged with the firm, responsible for identifying strategic growth opportunities, forging key partnerships, and expanding CPL’s market presence.

Additionally, with Colby’s promotion, Graham Boyd, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB has been appointed as CPL’s new National K-12 Practice Leader. Boyd, a seasoned architect and dedicated leader, will continue to strengthen CPL’s presence in the education sector by guiding the firm’s K-12 practice and advancing its mission to design inspiring learning environments.

Known for his collaborative and transparent leadership style, Colby empowers teams, fosters cross-functional alignment, and champions a culture of accountability. His people-first approach aligns seamlessly with CPL’s core values, strengthening client relationships and ensuring the firm’s continued success.