Global planning, architecture, engineering and interiors firm LEO A DALY has expanded its federal business group, appointing Michael D. Huffstetler, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, as corporate director of federal programs, and hiring two industry veterans to key business-development positions. 

Promoted from interim corporate director of federal programs, Huffstetler now leads a nationwide network of federal-agency client managers, business developers and marketing professionals, aligning the firm’s planning, architecture, engineering, interior-design, and program-management capabilities to serve federal agencies and industry partners. He is based in the firm’s Omaha, Nebraska, Headquarters.

Huffstetler has 30 years of experience in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, including 10 years active duty service in the U.S. Air Force. Since joining LEO A DALY 14 years ago, he has held a number of leadership roles, including international director of operations; national director for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) programs; and most recently, interim corporate director of federal programs. Previously he served in the U.S. Air Force as a civil engineering officer and architect and subsequently worked as a project manager with AECOM. 

Leslie L. Shepherd, FAIA, has been hired to lead the firm’s General Services Administration (GSA) market sector. He is based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. studio.

Shepherd draws on 28 years of experience in design leadership at the U.S. General Services Administration, and four years in the private sector focused on GSA work. As Chief Architect of the Public Building Service for 12 years, he was responsible for the Design Excellence program across 11 regional offices, overseeing $10.5 billion worth of active projects and $1.5 billion of new projects per year. He served as senior advisor to the administrator and commissioner, and provided national leadership for GSA regarding design and construction policy, quality, and innovation. He joins LEO A DALY from EYP, where he was Director of Planning.

Debra R. Crafter has been hired to lead small-business engagement for its federal business development team. As small-business program manager, Crafter will engage with and support small businesses partnering with the firm on federal design projects and contracts. She is based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. studio.

Crafter draws on more than 25 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, contracts and management, and a proven track record of partnering with small businesses to grow their capabilities and deliver successful projects to the federal government. She joins LEO A DALY from CenturyLink Government, where she led strategic sourcing and small business programs.

“LEO A DALY has a long history of delivering design excellence to the U.S. federal government. This is honorable work for us.  My mission is to grow our relevancy through committed stewardship to our agency clients as we continue expanding our already broad design portfolio of projects and expertise,” Huffstetler said.

LEO A DALY is widely recognized for its excellence in planning and designing large, complex building projects for the U.S. government throughout the world. The firm is ranked second in Veterans Administration, fourth in Military and 25th in Federal Government work by Building Design + Construction; and 10th in Government by Building Design.

Significant recent federal projects from the firm include Scott AFB Visiting Quarters, Fort Sam Houston Hyperbaric Facility Addition, Peterson AFB Dental Clinic Replacement, and the VA Mental Health Clinic in Sioux Falls, SD.  The firm is currently engaged in projects for federal agencies including the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, General Services Administration, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior, Department of Energy, and the National Guard Bureau.