Haskell announced Aug. 6, that effective immediately James 'Jim' O’Leary has been appointed chief executive officer (CEO) assuming full executive leadership responsibilities of the $1 billion firm. Last September O’Leary was appointed president of Haskell. He will now hold both titles succeeding Steve Halverson, who had held the positions for the past 19 years. Halverson will continue to serve as chairman.
“It is my great personal pleasure to announce that Jim O’Leary, effective immediately, has been named chief executive officer at Haskell,” said Halverson. “He is the right person, at the right time. I trust Jim completely.”
O’Leary joined Haskell in 1989, assuming progressive roles of responsibility including today's appointment to CEO. During his 29 years with the company, O’Leary has held several key positions including field engineer, project manager, senior project manager, director, vice president, senior vice president, executive vice president, COO and president.
“I’m truly humbled and honored to continue the legacy set by Steve Halverson, and Preston Haskell before him, as the new CEO of Haskell,” said O’Leary. “Our strategy for the future will support and strengthen who we are, as well as serve the evolving needs of our customers.”
Halverson was the second CEO since Preston Haskell founded the company in 1965. Haskell served as President until appointing Halverson in August 1999. O’Leary takes leadership of Haskell that in recent years has experienced tremendous growth and expanded its operations internationally. A series of strategic acquisitions and initiatives have resulted in a fully integrated AEC firm with 1,350+ employees in 20 offices in the US, Mexico, and Asia. The company expects to record new sales of over $1 billion, serving domestic and global clients in diverse markets including Consumer Packaged Goods, Federal, Healthcare, Energy, Infrastructure and Transportation.
O’Leary graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in building construction, and is a certified general contractor. He is active in several civic and professional organizations including Chair of the Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center board of directors, a member of the Design-Build Institute of America, as well as other design and construction national trade organizations.
