CRB Announces Three C-Suite Leadership Changes

CRB has promoted Lee Emel to the role of Chief Innovation Officer in addition to other leadership changes. Photo credit: CRB.

Posted August 5, 2025

Kansas City-based CRB announced a restructuring of its leadership team with the addition of three new C-Suite roles.

Lee Emel, formerly the interim president and CEO, will now serve as the chief innovation officer. Shannah Falcone enters CRB as its first chief client officer. Finally, Eric Unrau will now serve as the company’s chief strategy officer. CRB stated in a Tuesday release that adjustments to the leadership team enable the company to support large, enterprise-level client investments and increase its agility on fast-paced projects.

As CIO, Emel will scale CRB’s consulting, operational readiness, sustainability, and procurement services while advancing capabilities in emerging technologies focused on accelerated project delivery.

CRB announced Shannah Falcone will be its new Chief Client Officer. Photo credit: CRB.

With over 20 years of experience building and strengthening client relationships, Falcone becomes the first chief client officer for the firm. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing client strategy, business development, and marketing.

CRB announced Eric Unrau will be its new Chief Strategy Officer. Photo credit: CRB.

Leading CRB’s long-term roadmap, M&A strategy, and international expansion is Unrau, who will serve as the firm’s chief strategy officer. He brings over 20 years of experience across project delivery, international operations, and client development. Additionally, former Northeast RVP Daniel Lachapelle will join Unrau’s Strategy team and lead CRB’s expansion in the Canadian market.

Accompanying the announcement of these three new leadership roles was the appointment of Matt Khair as chief of staff. Khair will manage the office of the president and CEO of CRB, Vahid Ownjazayeri, and the day-to-day operations of the executive team.

As part of the leadership restructuring, CRB will move from five U.S. geographic regions to four, in addition to CRB’s national Food & Beverage business unit, led by Tom Rychlewski, effective immediately.

CRB’s regional realignment includes:

  • West Region – Denver, Bay Area, Orange County, and San Diego offices, led by Regional Vice President Lindsay Kenney;
  • Central Region – Omaha, Dallas, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Kalamazoo offices, led by Senior Vice President Daniel Backman;
  • Southeast Region – Raleigh, Atlanta and Jacksonville offices, led by Regional Vice President Addie Anderson.
  • Northeast Region – Philadelphia, Boston, Bridgewater (N.J.) and Rockville (Md.), led on an interim basis by Matt Khair while a search is underway for a permanent RVP.

“We’re doubling down on what makes us different: visionary leadership, an unwavering commitment to our clients and people, and the ability to scale with purpose,” Ownjazayeri said in the release. “This is the next chapter of CRB’s story, and it’s one rooted in bold thinking, responsible growth, and lasting impact.”