Gensler Announces Two Key Leadership Elevations in North Central Region

Meghan Webster and Todd Heiser Will Step Into New Roles in the Growing Region

CHICAGO – Gensler, the world’s leading architecture, design, and planning firm, has announced two key leadership elevations in its North Central Region. Principal Meghan Webster, AIA, has been named Co-Managing Director of Gensler Chicago and Todd Heiser, FIIDA, named Co-Regional Managing Principal of the North Central Region, which encompasses the Chicago, Columbus (Ohio), Detroit, La Crosse (Wisc.), and Minneapolis offices.

“These trusted leaders exemplify Gensler’s people-first culture, leading with empathy, transparency, and accessibility,” said Ken Baker, FIIDA, Co-Regional Managing Principal. “Both Meghan and Todd have built incredible client relationships, driven award-winning work, and understand the core of our vision and values, and I am confident that as they step into their new roles, they will help us continue building forward and centering our focus on impact.”

Since joining Gensler, Webster has played a significant role in growing the firm’s business; delivered exceptional projects across the cities, education, and healthcare sectors; and extended her leadership to regional and global roles within the firm. She is also a Global Health Sector Leader, supporting the practice area’s strategic growth and innovation. Her work encompasses projects at multiple scales, such as mHUB Innovation Center, Purdue University Mitch Daniels School of Business, Wichita State University Barton School of Business, and more. Her ability to cultivate long-term relationships has led to repeat work with clients including Columbia College Chicago, University of Illinois and Western Kentucky University.

Alongside Co-Managing Director Brian Vitale, AIA, Webster will oversee Gensler Chicago’s business and operations, which includes a staff of more than 250 employees across 18 practice areas. Webster previously served as Cities Studio Director, where she leveraged her expertise in the education, sciences, and health markets to foster success and innovation within the studio. Her leadership has led her to become a recognized voice across the industry and Chicago community with accolades from Building Design + Construction and Crain’s Chicago Business. She currently serves on the Urban Land Institute’s University Development and Innovation National Product Council, ULI Chicago’s Women’s Leadership Initiative Advisory Board, and ULI Chicago’s Advisory Board.

“After nearly 15 years at Gensler Chicago, I could not be more excited to step into this role,” said Webster. “Together with Brian, I am looking forward to leading our incredible team of talented architects and designers to new heights and tackling the opportunities, innovations, and challenges that will ultimately shape the future of Chicago and beyond.”

Heiser joins Baker in his new role, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience, including nearly two decades at Gensler. Most recently, Heiser served as Co-Managing Director of Gensler Chicago, a position he held for nearly seven years. Since joining the firm, Heiser has earned a reputation for driving boundary-pushing projects for high-profile clients including NVIDIA, Marriott, General Motors, and JPMorgan Chase. He has become a leading design voice for award-winning projects including the Knoll Chicago Flagship, 167 Green, Willis Tower, and Uber Chicago. Beyond his impactful work at Gensler, Heiser is an actively engaged leader in the design community, currently serving as the Board Chair of Marwen in Chicago. He also is a Board Member of the Design Museum of Chicago and The Number Project.

“I am incredibly excited to join my colleague and friend Ken as co-leader of our North Central region,” said Heiser. “With many incredible and significant projects underway across our five offices, and even more yet to be uncovered, we are focused on growing our footprint and talent to ensure we are making the most impact for our clients, partners, and cities.”