Jim Wolfe
Chairman & CEO
In his role as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Wolfe is an attorney with past concentrations in transportation, labor relations, regulated industries, real estate transactions, the Railway Labor Act and government relations. Jim leads business planning for the corporation and provides strategic advisory services to clients and continually looks for the next opportunity to improve the firm by winning new project work, creating strategic alliances and positioning the team for success.
Kevin E. Lentz, PE
President & COO
Serving as President and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lentz manages the company’s client services, project delivery, operations and finances. He is a hands-on leader, providing clear direction for project work and extensive technical expertise while building and maintaining strong working partnerships with clients and industry leaders. Kevin is most proud of Knight’s ability to build and nurture a strong team of professionals who work collaboratively to deliver high-quality services for our clients.
Christine Reed, PE
Senior Vice President, Springfield
Eugene Joynt, PE
Vice President
Construction
Noreen Ellis
Chief Communications Officer
Don Grabowski, PE
Vice President
Melissa Mulhern
Chief Financial Officer
Clay Shipley, PE
Vice President, Bolingbrook
Ryan McKane, PE
Director of Engineering, Wisconsin
Roxanne Knapp, RA, NCARB, LEED GA
Director of Architecture
Chuck Sommer, PE
Vice President
Dan Kavanaugh, PE
Senior Vice President, Chicago
Randy Byom, PE
Vice President
Jeffrey Bedwell, PE
Director of MEP
Team of 150+
Designing a Revitalized Community LeClaire Courts
Knight is leading the architecture and civil/site design of this Chicago Housing Authority redevelopment. Our architects and engineers are proud to be part of a diverse, multi-disciplined team of firms committed to working together to design quality, affordable housing for families and spaces for the community to gather.
I’m looking forward to using my skills to make LeClaire Courts a welcoming and attractive community
RICCO RATCLIFF
Architect
Ninette Paradiso
Project Manager
Ermin Skrebo
Project Architect
Ricco Ratcliff
Architect
Lionel Lugo
Civil/Site Lead
Project Highlights
- 44-Acre Chicago Housing Authority site
- 1.5 miles north of Midway Airport on Chicago’s southwest side @ I-55 and Cicero Avenue
- Designed to accommodate 688 Residential Units
- 70,000 SF retail/ commercial
- 10,000 SF Community Arts Center: AfterSchool /Tutoring Programs, Literacy Training, Arts and Cultural Programming
- 6,000 SF DayCare Center
History & Timeline
Lester B. Knight established a full-service engineering and architectural firm providing design, planning and management services to public and private clients in Chicago.
Lester B. Knight founded the transportation center rooted in the city of Chicago and established with the goal to optimize road and street development to further improve transportation practices.
Originally started with 38 employees Knight E/A, Inc. became an established firm in Chicago, and was shortly after awarded the IDOT Hanley Award for their innovation and expansion in the Chicago market.
With the goal of growth and innovation for their future, Knight acquired Arete 3 which sparked the expansion of the company. The Wisconsin office was established awarding Knight the WisDOT MC and CDB Directors and Pride in Partnership.
The company grew to over 100 employees while Knight continued to expand in Illinois to Springfield and Bolingbrook which led to the development of an in-house MEP practice.
Survey practice was established along with the WisDOT Full-Service Master Contract. While continuing to develop and be forward-thinkers, Knight was awarded the ACEC Engineering Excellence Honor Award.
With over $25 Million in revenue and over 150 employees with four offices in two different states, the Knight legacy continues to grow and innovate the future of civil, structural and MEP engineering, architecture, survey, and construction management.
Knight is dedicated to a core commitment and focus that delivers quality services today, leading to new opportunities tomorrow.
CHRISTINE REED, PE
Senior Vice President
