Bohler Announces Executive Leadership Changes to Drive Operational Excellence 

Bohler announces executive appointments that accelerate operational excellence and innovation across its 36-office footprint, positioning the firm for continued growth and enhanced client service.

Daniel Duke advances to Chief Operating Officer, leveraging decades of industry leadership across multiple engineering disciplines. With expertise in site feasibility, planning, zoning, environmental compliance and sustainable design solutions across diverse land development sectors, Duke brings a versatile technical background to his expanded role. He has demonstrated strategic operational leadership as Managing Partner for Bohler’s Mid-Atlantic region, successfully overseeing operations across Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

As COO, Duke will focus on the overall operational efficiency and effectiveness of the entire organization, with responsibility for the overarching health and profitability of the company. He will work closely with Divisional Managing Partners to ensure adequate resources across operations while making strategic decisions on overall company staffing, major investments, and broad operational strategies.

Duke’s approach emphasizes integrating teams across the firm—leveraging the expertise of experienced groups to support newer offices and emerging talent. He aims to strengthen internal collaboration and ensure teams are set up for success, driving positive results, enhancing service delivery, and elevating Bohler’s reputation for excellence.

Rob Irons assumes the newly created role of Chief Delivery Officer, concentrating on project execution and technical excellence. Irons brings extensive operational expertise and deep industry knowledge developed through his leadership as Bohler’s Chief Operating Officer over the past three years, where he established a proven track record of optimizing delivery systems and enhancing technical standards.

In this new CDO position, Irons will lead efforts in project delivery excellence and technical innovation across all geographies. He will refine and evolve standards and processes that strengthen service and quality while ensuring teams have the resources needed to deliver outstanding client solutions. Irons will directly oversee Firmwide Service Line Leaders, providing the support they need while making strategic decisions to improve the efficiency of Bohler’s service lines.

Irons will work closely with service line leaders, design technology teams, business operations, and risk management to ensure seamless integration across all aspects of project execution. He will manage risks specific to service line delivery and drive innovations that can improve project management tools and methodologies.

Jennifer Esser, Esquire, joins as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, succeeding Jane Leventhal, who retired at the end of 2024. Esser joined Bohler in 2014 after beginning her career at Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP in Manhattan. She brings significant expertise in corporate governance, contract management, and strategic growth initiatives. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, where she served as a Law Review editor, Esser’s focus includes driving operational efficiencies and managing risk across the organization.

“This strategic leadership structure strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional results with greater efficiency,” said Adam Volanth, Chief Executive Officer. “By creating distinct roles for operations and delivery, we’re enhancing alignment and consistency across our footprint. The COO will oversee the firm’s company-wide performance metrics, while the CDO will ensure service and quality across civil engineering, survey, and planning practices by implementing standards and processes that enhance project delivery. This approach not only optimizes how we work but also creates new opportunities for innovation and growth in every market we serve.”