GMB is at an exciting moment, shaped by the people, teams, and shared commitment that continue to move our work forward. As part of this next chapter, we’re highlighting a series of leadership appointments that reflect how our teams are growing and how we are continuing to build for what’s next.
As schools, colleges, and universities face increasing complexity, clarity matters more than ever. The challenges facing education are evolving quickly, and that reality calls for stronger alignment, deeper collaboration, and more connected ways of working. As our partnerships continue to grow, GMB is evolving to meet these needs by strengthening how our teams collaborate, align, creating a more connected and coordinated experience for the educators and institutions we serve.
At GMB, growth isn’t about adding layers or bureaucracy, it’s about making it easier for teams and partners to work together effectively. As our work with K–12 schools, colleges, and education‑focused organizations continues to grow, we’re thoughtfully evolving how we lead to better support collaboration, coordination, and delivery.
Built Around Collaboration
GMB brings together a wide range of expertise in planning, design, technical disciplines, and strategy to support complex educational environments. This collaborative teams of teams approach, allows specialists to work closely together while staying focused on shared goals.
As this work grows in scale, clearly defined leadership roles help strengthen the connections between teams, reinforcing our teams of teams approach and supporting alignment, shared responsibility, and confident decision making. These updates are designed to deepen collaboration across disciplines while preserving relationships and trust at the heart of GMB’s work
Strengthening Systems and Quality
As collaboration increases, strong systems become essential.
Leadership focused on operations, technical coordination, and quality helps ensure projects remain consistent, thoughtful, and well supported as they move from vision to execution. These teams focus on refining processes, improving coordination, and reinforcing standards so creativity and innovation are supported by reliability and care.
- Ben Perdok, Director of Operations, helps teams navigate complexity by aligning how they work and turning everyday problem solving into practical systems that support people, projects, and long-term growth.
- Paul Hector, Technical Team Lead, strengthens technical strategy and cross‑disciplinary collaboration, helping GMB explore tools and methodologies that support innovation across the firm.
- Lisa Maycroft, Quality Lead, leads quality assurance and quality control efforts, mentoring teams and strengthening processes that reinforce consistency, accountability, and continual improvement.
This balance allows projects to move forward smoothly while maintaining the high standards schools and universities expect
Enhancing the Project Experience
Projects are where ideas take shape and relationships are built.
Leadership across project delivery supports clear coordination, confident decision‑making, and a holistic view of outcomes. By aligning teams and disciplines early and often, GMB works to create a seamless experience for education partners throughout planning, design, and delivery.
- Nicole Smith, Project Delivery Leader, guides teams with calm confidence, supporting accountability and building client trust during complex, high‑stakes moments.
- Travis Vruggink, Project Lead, is expanding his existing role by joining the Client Lead team, supporting confident decision making and long-term partnerships.
- Jorge Benitez, Project Lead, is expanding his leadership role, bringing clear communication, a collaborative mindset, and a holistic approach that connects teams toward shared outcomes.
Supporting Stronger Communication and Partnerships
How ideas are shared and how partnerships are built play a critical role in moving education projects forward.
Leadership across marketing, communications, and business development helps ensure GMB listens carefully, communicates clearly, and connects its capabilities to the real needs of education leaders. This focus supports meaningful conversations, thoughtful storytelling, and long-term partnerships rooted in trust.
- Shelly VandeWege, Director of Communications and Branding, continues leading GMB’s communications and branding with a focus on clarity and purpose, translating complex work into clear, compelling stories that reflect the GMB’s values and elevate what matters most.
- Chloe Barthlow, Director of Marketing, turns strategy into action through a data informed approach, connecting market insight with execution to ensure ideas reach the right audiences and deliver meaningful results.
- Allison Lanier, Director of Business Development, strengthens relationships with K–12 and higher education partners by bringing clarity and consistency to how opportunity take shape, helping connect GMB’s expertise to real client needs.
Together, this leadership team brings greater clarity and consistency to how GMB engages with partners and communities navigating complex decisions.
Looking Ahead
This moment reflects how GMB continues to build for what’s next, thoughtfully, intentionally, and together.
These leadership updates mark a meaningful milestone for GMB and a chance to celebrate the people and teams who continue to shape how we work. Rather than adding hierarchy, these role evolutions reflect our belief that leadership grows through contribution, trust, and shared responsibility. They bring greater clarity to how teams connect and collaborate, while staying true to the human centered culture that has always defined GMB.
As always, GMB’s goal remains the same: to partner with education leaders in meaningful ways that support learning environments today and into the future.
