Metzger, Roloson & Winderl named to leadership team at LaBella Assocs.; Esteban, Healy take new roles as firm principals

Rochester, NY According to LaBella Associates, the firm has welcomed a new leadership team, effective January 1, 2020: 

• Steve Metzger has been appointed chief executive officer; 
• Jeff Roloson has been appointed president; and 
• Mike Winderl has been appointed chief operating officer. 

Together, alongside current chief financial officer Robert Pepe, the team will be responsible for stewarding the firm’s next generation of steady growth and fostering LaBella’s award-winning workplace culture. 

As a part of this planned succession, current CEO Sergio Esteban and current president Robert Healy will take on new roles as firm principals. They will continue to support client relationships, business development and community relations, and will maintain their current board positions as chairman and treasurer, respectively. 

“Steve, Jeff and Mike have been working alongside us for more than a decade and are extremely well-prepared to step into their new roles. Each of them has served on the Board of Directors and contributed to long-term strategic planning and visioning for the firm,” said Esteban. “They are proven leaders with deep understanding of and commitment to LaBella’s culture and vision.” 

“I speak for both Sergio and I when I say that we’re excited to focus on community and client relationships in our new roles as firm principals, while being available to advise and support our new leadership on the next phase of growth and innovation at LaBella,” said Healy. 

Metzger brings a strong background in civil engineering and more than 25 years of experience at LaBella to the role of CEO. He currently serves as the firm’s chief operating officer and is charged with directing investments in technology and firm infrastructure to support LaBella’s growth in all regions. 

Metzger also chairs the IT, safety, and quality management teams within the organization. 

“I am proud to be named CEO of LaBella,” said Metzger. “While no one can step into Sergio’s shoes and lead exactly as he does, I share his deep commitment to our company’s values and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead LaBella and represent our company in the community.” 

Roloson brings decades of architecture and engineering experience to the role of president. Currently, he serves as the firm’s director of architecture and is charged with the management of more than 125 architectural professionals and over $14.5 million in revenue. 

Roloson has served continuously on the LaBella Board of Directors since 2013. 

Winderl brings experience as both an engineer and manager to the role of chief operating officer. He currently serves as director of buildings engineering at LaBella, which comprises 115 professionals and $15 million in revenue. 

In that role, he oversees business development, as well as the engineering component and staff coordination of single and multi-discipline projects, including structural, mechanical, electrical, energy, plumbing and hydropower services. He has served continuously on the LaBella Board of Directors since 2012. 

“We cannot thank Sergio and Bob enough for the leadership, dedication, passion, and enthusiasm they have provided to LaBella throughout their distinguished tenures with the company,” said Pepe. “Part of that leadership has been to develop a strategic transition plan that allows for a seamless hand off of our executive roles. We are optimistic and excited for the next chapter of LaBella with Steve, Jeff and Mike at the helm.”