News

Steven Winter Associates, Inc. (SWA) announces new leadership following the retirement of former President, Dianne Griffiths. Appointed by the firm’s Board of Directors, Marc Zuluaga will step in as Chief Executive Officer, and Srikanth Puttagunta will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer.

Zuluaga has focused on building a skilled team capable of evaluating and implementing whole-building solutions to reduce the carbon impact, increase health and comfort, and broaden the sustainability performance of existing buildings. In recognition of the consistently rigorous approach his team has applied within a variety of real estate segments, he was selected as an industry co-chair in 2015 of the Technical Working Group for the NYC Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. The group built the foundation for the 80×50 initiative in NYC and other markets.

“From accessibility and health to carbon and climate change, it has never been more important to improve the built environment,” stated Zuluaga. “I look forward to supporting our dynamic team in continually evolving and executing pragmatic and innovative solutions to some of the most pressing business challenges faced by our clients and partners.”

Zuluaga started his career with SWA 18 years ago, beginning with an internship after graduation from Brown University. He has held many positions since that time, including as a member of the board of directors. Through each he has remained committed to evolving industry practices both big and small. Zuluaga was previously active in the firm’s work to set standards for high-performance and sustainable new construction. He has also led numerous federal and state research initiatives grounded in the real-world challenges and opportunities uncovered in SWA’s day-to-day work for building developers, owners, operators and service providers.

Puttagunta has been with SWA for over 16 years, most recently as Principal Mechanical Engineer. His innovative work has led to nationwide advancements in energy efficient residential design and construction. He managed a team of experts for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America residential research program for five years, producing technical reports, developing guidelines, and presenting findings nationally. In addition, Puttagunta was the Quality Assurance Designee for the firm’s RESNET Rating Providership for several years. As a longstanding member of SWA’s Board of Directors and finance subcommittee, he has taken an active role to assure the firm’s continued financial health and sustainable growth.

Regarding his new role, Puttagunta stated, “Our biggest asset is our exceptionally talented staff. My responsibility is to enable them to continue to do what they love, while providing the highest quality of consulting for our clients and partners. I look forward to the opportunity to strengthen our processes and continue to foster a culture based on comradery, shared vision, and respect that Steven Winter built over 45 years ago.”

This transition solidifies an expanded leadership team with a long track record of empowering innovative employees. As the industry moves into a period of rapid growth and increased demand for services, SWA’s new leadership is committed to setting high standards and guiding the industry forward.

View Craine’s People on the Move featuring Marc Zuluaga here

View Craine’s People on the Move featuring Srikanth Puttagunta here