Morris-Depew Associates names new president and executive leadership team

On the heels of a banner year and continued growth, Morris-Depew Associates has announced a restructuring of its executive leadership team solidifying the company’s trajectory for 2022.

Longtime team member Bill Morris, PE, will assume the role as President, effective Dec. 31. The appointment reflects Tina Ekblad’s transition from the company at the beginning of 2022 to serve as an in-house planner for a private law firm. Ekblad will remain in an advisory role with MDA through the end of the year.

“Since 2011, Tina has played a critical role in growing the organization’s land planning division throughout Southwest Florida and expanding the firm’s North Florida footprint. We wish her the best of luck in her new endeavors and look forward to continuing the great work she has established and adding value to future client projects,” said Morris.

With nearly 25 years of experience serving as a core leader in numerous civil engineering-related projects throughout the state of Florida and a member of the MDA team since 1997, Morris has directly impacted the economic growth of communities on the east and west coast, including job opportunities, commercial and residential development, healthcare, transportation, and more.

The executive leadership team will also be comprised of Ryan Shute, PE, who will serve as Chairman; and Michael Ekblad, who will assume the role of Director of Operations and Director of Landscape Architecture.

Shute has been leading client initiatives related to land development in the residential, commercial, public works, and institutional sectors for more than two decades. As a civil engineer, Shute has also been recognized for his efforts to navigate a project through the parallel multiple regulatory agency approval processes – beginning from conceptual design through construction completion.

Ekblad is an experienced leader in the areas of landscape and irrigation design, hardscape design, site planning, and permitting for commercial, industrial and residential projects. He has also been recognized for his skill and knowledgeable in the community development process, community visioning, amenity design, lifestyle planning, and construction phase services.

In addition, the company has also welcomed Ben Smith as Director of Planning. An AICP certified planner with more than 14 years of experience, Smith is a recognized leader in the planning industry working closely with more than a dozen local municipalities – from the North Bay Village in Dade County to the City of Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island. With extensive knowledge and experience in review of site plans, variances, special exceptions and rezoning, Smith has also been instrumental in preparing many Comprehensive Plan Amendments and Land Development Code revisions. His work is evident throughout numerous projects conducted in the Village of Estero and City of Fort Myers including the establishment of the Midtown future land use category.

“We are excited to draw on Ben’s depth of experience and problem-solving knowledge to lead the planning department at MDA,” added Morris.

The team will also be supported by Director of Surveying Michael Rooks and Director of Engineering Jack Morris – along with a trusted team of more than 30 experienced professionals and a network of community partners – who will bolster Morris-Depew Associates’ continued work throughout the state of Florida.

“2021 has turned out to be one of the most impactful years for Morris-Depew Associates. Despite the challenges that arose due to an unprecedented pandemic, the company is seeing continued growth in operations and broadened services for clients led by an exceptionally talented team,” said Shute. “These changes reflect the company’s continued commitment to expert service, innovative solutions and impactful results for our region.”

Serving Florida since 1989, Morris-Depew Associates is a multidiscipline consulting firm with specialties in Civil Engineering, Land Planning, Expert Witness, Landscape Architecture and Surveying and Mapping services. MDA’s efforts are based on a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to the planning and design processes, which emphasizes interaction within the firm’s allied professional expertise in conjunction with the client’s objectives and ultimate needs. The members of MDA have experience in the planning and design of a wide variety of urban, residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and community-oriented projects ranging from large-scale resort residential projects to urban community spaces and commercial multiuse developments.