Oates Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Rensing, PE, SE has been appointed the new chief executive officer of the company effective January 2, 2023. Current CEO Joseph Hagerty is retiring at the end of the year after three decades of leadership. He will remain on the company’s board of directors.
Rensing recently marked his 25th anniversary with the company this past November. He began at Oates as an intern, joining full-time upon graduation from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a master’s and bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. With an eagerness to learn and an innate drive to help others, he has experienced every aspect of operations at Oates. He has extensive experience in roadway and structure planning and design with knowledge in building inspections and repairs – including fall protection, ADA transition planning, stormwater management and construction administration. Rensing grew into management and leadership positions due to his strengths as a mentor and visionary.
He joined the corporate management team in 2006, opening the St. Louis office and working alongside leadership to provide strategic insight and direction into Oates’ mission, vision and operations. Rensing was identified as the firm’s next CEO because of his natural ability to lead. He brings a mindset for the future, a solution-focused approached and an ability to inspire.
“Jeff has a unique combination of good business sense and strong engineering judgement. He has the ability to see the forest through the trees. He is the right leader for Oates Associates and I look forward to watching the firm continue to grow under his leadership,” said Hagerty.
Bruce Schopp, PE, SE, president and chief operating officer added, “I have worked side-by-side with Jeff his entire career and his abilities never cease to amaze me. He naturally rose to the top and his skills and vision give me great confidence in his ability to lead and grow the firm. I’m excited to be a part of his success.”
Rensing will assume the role alongside Schopp. Working closely with Rensing and Schopp will be firm principals Michael Busch, PE, PTOE; Thomas Cissell, PE, PTOE, LEED AP BD+C; and Steven Keil, PE, PLS. This team has worked with one another for over 20 years and will continue to lead the firm in its strategic direction.
“I am honored and very fortunate to have the opportunity to lead such a great group of people. Through their efforts and dedication, Oates Associates has experienced continued growth, and I am excited to continue this trend moving forward. The support I have received from our entire staff through this transition has been a great source of inspiration, and I look forward to working with Bruce Schopp and the entire team to build on the foundation established by founder David Oates and the leadership of Joe Hagerty,” said Rensing.
In the firm’s 42 year history, Rensing is the second CEO.
