Coffman Engineers Announces Dave Ruff as New Board Chair

Dave Ruff Succeeds Will Veelman as chair of the board

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, April 14, 2021 – Coffman Engineers is pleased to announce Dave Ruff, PE as the new Chair of its board of directors. Ruff succeeds Will Veelman, SE, who has served as Chair of the board since the leadership transition from founder Dave Coffman, SE in 2015.

This planned transition coincides with Veelman’s future retirement and the sale of his ownership shares. Veelman will continue to provide operational guidance as a member of Coffman’s Executive Committee and 401(k) Committee. He will also continue to serve as a structural engineer in the Anchorage office.

“It has been a privilege to serve on the board for the past 21 years and participate in the growth and evolution of the business. Dave has amazing leadership skills and makes decisions based on integrity and a balanced point of view. I have complete confidence that the business will continue to flourish under Dave’s guidance,” said Veelman.

Ruff has served as Coffman’s board President since 2015. He will remain in his current role as CEO while serving as the Chair. Ruff has been at Coffman for more than 25 years. He is a mechanical engineer with a largely industrial focus. Ruff is a Principal and was the Spokane office General Manager from 2007 to 2014.

Will Veelman leaves a lasting legacy At Coffman

Veelman has been an employee at Coffman for over 40 years. He provided leadership in the Anchorage office and the structural engineering discipline. Beyond these capabilities, he developed oil and gas industry expertise and relationships with clients that provided continuous work.

“Will became board Chair during one of the most critical points in Coffman’s progression – the transition from our Founder to the next generation of leadership. No one could have bridged generations of leadership like Will did. He was just the right person at just the right time. Will is part of the fabric of Coffman Engineers,” said Ruff.

“As the incoming Chair, I have big shoes to fill, but Will has blazed a trail that allows me to hit the ground running. I am excited to take on the responsibility as board Chair and will do my very best to build upon our success and prepare us for the future which continues to be very bright,” said Ruff.

Ruff’s appointment as board Chair follows a record year for Coffman. The company ended 2020 with revenue of $103 million and nearly 600 employees located in offices across the country.