Rich E. Smith

Known as a passionate, open-minded, level-headed and visionary leader, Rich Smith has helped transform Henderson Engineers into a globally renowned engineering and building systems design powerhouse. He’s led remarkable growth while fostering a company culture that puts people first and embraces creativity, flexibility and diversity.

Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from KU in 1985, and his Master’s in architectural engineering from KU in 1991. He joined Henderson Engineers as director of engineering in 1994 and has been the firm’s President and CEO since 2013.

In the mid-1990s when Smith joined Henderson, approximately 80 percent of the firm’s work was retail. Smith has been instrumental in helping the company grow and diversify into other sectors, including K-12 and higher education, healthcare, sports and recreation, grocery, workplace, restaurant, warehouse and distribution.

Smith has played a pivotal role in business development efforts that have helped land some of the largest projects in company history. This includes the new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport, and SoFi Stadium, a revolutionary mega mixed-use entertainment district in Hollywood Park, California, that is home to the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams.

Under Smith’s guidance, Henderson also has undertaken two major projects surrounding KU basketball. Smith was involved in the architectural engineering efforts to renovate Allen Fieldhouse and construct the Hall of Athletics addition in 2005-06. This project helped preserve the building’s history while ensuring it remains a leading college basketball venue. Henderson also played a key role in construction of the DeBruce Center, which is adjacent to Allen Fieldhouse and is home to the original rules of basketball written by James Naismith in 1891. Henderson supplied the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, electronic physical security and fire protection design services for the facility.

Since Smith took over as President & CEO in 2013, Henderson has nearly tripled gross revenue to over $178 million as of 2020, and the firm has more than doubled in employee count to over 950 employees in 12 offices nationwide. Smith’s vision for growth extends beyond the walls of the firm he oversees. Through KC Global Design, he is leading the charge for the Kansas City region to stake its claim as the design capital of the world, with the goal of retaining and attracting top talent worldwide and bringing together the entire A/E/C industry locally in pursuit of a shared goal that benefits all parties.

As he has managed the rapid and impressive growth in revenue and employees during his tenure, Smith’s focus has extended well beyond the bottom line. His real expertise, and what truly sets him apart as a leader, is how he values people — colleagues, clients and community partners. Whether it’s his special way of turning negatives into positives, or his natural ability to incite enthusiasm without even trying, those who work closely with him say what sets him apart is his ability to connect with people at a level most wouldn’t think possible for someone in his position.

Smith’s people-first focus extends to all aspects of the company. He recognizes that whether it’s the Henderson offices or a building being designed by the firm, it’s all about providing a comfortable place for people to reach their full potential. Smith is at the forefront in redefining the firm’s vision and purpose — championing a shift to practice-based design with focus on research and development — all while enhancing a workplace culture that allows Henderson to recruit and retain top talent and empower the next generation of leaders, designers and technical experts. Henderson is also active in countless community and health and wellness initiatives that create lasting, positive results on a civic and personal level.

Beyond his leadership at Henderson, Smith has been a steadfast and active supporter of KU and the School of Engineering since graduating in 1985. He has served on the School of Engineering Advisory board since 2017 and spearheaded the effort for the Henderson Engineering Illumination Lab in the LEEP2 building at the KU Engineering complex. Smith is also generous with giving his time to his alma mater. He initiated efforts to personally call prospective architectural engineering students to talk with them about KU and the profession. He also delivered the inaugural address in the KU Engineering Career Accelerator Lecture series in fall 2020.

Smith serves as co-chair of KC Global Design, is on the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Area Development Council, the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City and BOK Financial, and is active in committees for KC Rising.

Rich and his wife Carol, both KU grads who met while students at KU, have been married since 1990 and live in Overland Park, KS. They have 4 children (Parker, Preston, Paige and Patrick) and spend their time keeping up with their children, traveling, and watching and attending KU athletic events.