Kleinfelder Strengthens Growth Strategy with Appointment of Chen Chen as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (August 25, 2026) - The Kleinfelder Group, Inc. ("Kleinfelder"), a leading engineering, design, construction management, construction materials inspection and testing, and environmental professional services firm, announced today that Chen Chen has joined the firm as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, further strengthening Kleinfelder's commitment to strategic growth and expansion.

In this role, Chen will work closely with CEO Louis Armstrong, leadership team and Kleinfelder's Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) team to lead the company's inorganic growth strategy. His responsibilities will include identifying and evaluating acquisition opportunities, developing relationships with prospective partners, leading transaction execution, and working with Kleinfelder's leadership team to position new partners for long-term success as part of the organization.

The appointment reinforces Kleinfelder's commitment to strategic growth through acquisitions and partnerships that expand the firm's capabilities, geographic reach, and service offerings. The company believes successful partnerships preserve the strengths and cultures that make organizations unique while creating new opportunities for employees, clients, and communities. As the company continues to invest in its long-term growth strategy, Kleinfelder is particularly interested in building relationships with organizations that share a similar commitment to technical excellence, client service, employee development, and strong local relationships.

Chen brings more than a decade of senior finance, investment, and corporate strategy and development experience to Kleinfelder. Throughout his career, Chen has successfully led and executed complex M&A transactions and strategic corporate development initiatives, driving significant value creation for clients, employees, and shareholders across infrastructure, energy, defense, and technology sectors. Most recently, Chen served as Vice President and Head of M&A at Lithko Contracting. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at PHI Group Inc. and spent nearly six years at Jacobs Engineering, where he served as Vice President and Head of Corporate Development, leading the company's strategy and M&A initiatives.

"Throughout my career, I've seen that the most successful transactions are built on shared values, mutual respect, and a long-term vision for growth," said Chen. "Kleinfelder has an exceptional reputation, strong technical capabilities, a talented team, and a culture that combines entrepreneurial leadership with the resources of a larger organization. I'm excited to build relationships with outstanding firms and their leaders and share how partnering with Kleinfelder can help them build on their legacy, accelerate growth, and create greater opportunities for their employees and clients."

"We are thrilled to welcome Chen to Kleinfelder," said Louis Armstrong. "His extensive experience leading complex acquisition strategies will strengthen our ability to identify, evaluate, and execute opportunities that support Kleinfelder's long-term growth. We believe Kleinfelder offers a compelling home for firms seeking growth opportunities while preserving the culture and client focus that have made them successful."

Kleinfelder's Commitment to Growth Through Partnership

Since 2019, Kleinfelder has completed seven acquisitions as part of its continued growth strategy. These partnerships have contributed to Kleinfelder's continued growth while strengthening its ability to serve clients across its markets.

Kleinfelder continues to seek partnership opportunities with high-quality engineering, environmental, infrastructure, and related professional services firms. Owners and leadership teams interested in learning more about Kleinfelder's growth strategy or exploring a potential partnership - whether in the near term or as part of longer-term succession planning - are encouraged to connect with Chen and Kleinfelder's Corporate Development team by sending us an email at [email protected].