Eppstein Uhen Architects
Press Release

EUA Announces CEO Transition

Dufek to assume CEO role; Tennessen to remain active as board chair.

By - Jul 14th, 2025 03:05 pm
Kristin Dufek and Rich Tennessen. Photos courtesy of EUA.

Kristin Dufek and Rich Tennessen. Photos courtesy of EUA.

Milwaukee, WI, July 14, 2025 — EUA an integrated architecture, engineering and design firm trusted by clients across the country, has announced that Kristin Dufek will become CEO, effective August 1, 2025, as part of a planned leadership transition. She currently serves as president and will hold both the CEO and president titles during the transition. Current CEO Rich Tennessen will remain active as board chair as he moves into retirement at the end of 2027.

A 22-year veteran of EUA, Dufek brings nearly three decades of AEC industry experience and more than 15 years in leadership roles.

“Kristin has been instrumental in shaping who we are today,” said Tennessen. “She leads with empathy, clarity and conviction, and I can’t think of a better person to guide EUA into its next chapter.”

Since joining the firm in 2003 as a healthcare architect and planner, Dufek has played a central role in EUA’s evolution. She helped establish and expand the firm’s healthcare practice and has since taken on firmwide leadership roles, including healthcare studio director, vice president and president. Dufek has helped grow EUA’s presence across all markets and geographies, working closely with leaders in each office to build strong teams and client relationships, and actively serves on several community boards.

“It’s an honor to step into this role and lead a firm I care deeply about,” said Dufek. “We’ve built something special at EUA—an environment rooted in a shared purpose to elevate people’s potential. I’m committed to growing our incredible talent across all five offices, deepening our expertise, and continuing to evolve to meet the needs of our clients and communities.”

“Kristin’s leadership reflects the values and vision that have guided EUA for decades,” said Greg Uhen, member of EUA’s board of directors and past CEO. “This transition reflects not only her readiness but also speaks to Rich’s vision and the partnership they’ve built. Together, they’ve shaped a culture of excellence and collaboration that will carry EUA forward.”

Tennessen joined EUA in 1998, holding numerous leadership and business development roles before becoming president in 2011 and CEO in 2021. As board chair, Tennessen will remain actively engaged in shaping EUA’s strategic direction alongside Dufek and continuing to serve key clients and community partners. He will also remain involved in firmwide initiatives, such as EUA’s annual Beyond Design Bike Tour fundraiser for the Eppstein Uhen Tennessen Foundation.

Under Tennessen’s tenure as CEO, EUA experienced significant growth, including a merger with Performa, Inc., which expanded EUA’s integrated engineering services and added new offices in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Atlanta. He also served as a client executive on flagship projects across the firm’s portfolio and championed EUA’s presence in civic and community initiatives.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished as a firm and excited for what’s ahead,” said Tennessen. “I look forward to continuing to support Kristin and our leadership team as we focus on long-term goals, great design and engineering, client service and the development of our people.”

EUA is best known for designing environments that elevate people’s potential. More than 260+ employees in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Denver, and Atlanta demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to the markets, communities, and clients they serve. The respected 118-year-old firm specializes in several markets, including advanced manufacturing + industrial, community, healthcare, learning, living, science + technology, and workplace. For additional information, please visit the firm’s website at eua.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Mentioned in This Press Release

Leave a Reply

You must be an Urban Milwaukee member to leave a comment. Membership, which includes a host of perks, including an ad-free website, tickets to marquee events like Summerfest, the Wisconsin State Fair and the Florentine Opera, a better photo browser and access to members-only, behind-the-scenes tours, starts at $9/month. Learn more.

Join now and cancel anytime.

If you are an existing member, sign-in to leave a comment.

Have questions? Need to report an error? Contact Us