We are pleased to welcome Aaron VanderKaay to the firm as our new Vice President & General Counsel, further strengthening our legal and compliance functions. He succeeds Barry Lubow, who recently retired after a long and successful career with DLZ.

In this role, Aaron will serve as DLZ’s chief legal officer, overseeing legal, compliance, governance, and enterprise risk management functions. He will report directly to Ram Rajadhyaksha, President, and will serve as a key adviser to the executive leadership team and board of directors. In addition, Aaron will focus on streamlining the Legal Department’s operations to maintain efficient contract execution, while supporting the firm’s ongoing expansion through strategic mergers and acquisitions.

Aaron brings 25 years of corporate legal experience, including significant work in regulated industries. His background in the chemical industry, where precision, risk management, and regulatory compliance are critical, positions him to seamlessly add value across the organization. He has a strong track record in navigating complex legal frameworks, negotiating high-stakes contracts, and advancing business development strategies.

He joins DLZ from Westlake Corporation, where he served as lead counsel to four global business divisions spanning product lines from epoxy chemicals to building products. In that role he advised executive leadership and project teams on complex commercial agreements, claims and disputes, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance matters.

DLZ welcomes Amy Malone as its next HR Director, bringing more than 25 years of human resources leadership across national and international roles in the automotive, retail, restaurant, and higher education sectors.

A Miami University (OH) alumna, Amy holds the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM SCP) credential and an AI + HI certification. She has experience integrating continuous improvement methodologies within customer focused service environments.

As a strong advocate for collaborative partnership, Amy prioritizes building relationships that advance organizational goals while supporting the evolving needs of employees. Her approach centers on strategic alignment, operational efficiency, and a people focused culture that enables teams to thrive. While new to the A/E/C industry, she looks forward to learning all areas and roles of our business, supporting DLZ’s connect build thrive culture, and partnering across the organization.

DLZ is pleased to announce the appointment of Vicki Briggs-Rasor as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Vicki will oversee and manage the company’s accounting and financial operations, ensuring strong fiscal stewardship and alignment with DLZ’s long term strategic goals. Vicki plays a key role on DLZ’s corporate accounting leadership team, where she helps create, refine, and implement policies and procedures that strengthen internal controls, improve operational efficiency, and support financial transparency across the company.

Over the last 10 years, Vicki has led all accounting and financial functions across the organization. Her leadership includes oversight of the monthly close process, client billings and reimbursements, accounts receivable collection, accounts payable operations, financial forecasting, and the development of the company’s annual budget.

“I am honored to step into the role of Chief Financial Officer at DLZ,” said Vicki Briggs-Rasor. “Having worked closely with our teams across the company, I’m continually inspired by their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. I look forward to supporting DLZ’s continued growth and ensuring that our financial strategies align with our long term vision and values.”

“Vicki has been a critical contributor to DLZ’s financial health and stability,” said Ram Rajadhyaksha, President of DLZ Corporation. “Her expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence make her the ideal leader to guide our financial strategy and operations as we continue to grow.”

A New Chapter in a Multigenerational American Success Story

DLZ Corporation proudly announces that Ram Rajadhyaksha has been named President of DLZ Corporation, marking the next chapter in a remarkable multigenerational family business story rooted in vision, resilience, and the American Dream.

Ram previously served as Executive Vice President and brings 18 years of executive leadership experience. During his tenure, he has guided strategic growth initiatives, expanded the firm’s national footprint, and spearheaded mergers and acquisitions that strengthened DLZ’s capabilities across emerging markets.

His appointment represents both continuity and forward momentum for the nationally recognized architecture and engineering firm.

“I am honored to lead DLZ into its next chapter,” said Ram Rajadhyaksha, President of DLZ Corporation. “Our legacy is built on innovation, integrity, and meaningful partnerships with the communities we serve. We will continue investing in our people, advancing sustainable infrastructure solutions, and expanding our impact across the region and beyond.”

Ram Rajadhyaksha Named President DLZ Corporation

Ram succeeds his father, Vikram “Raj” Rajadhyaksha, whose own journey embodies the American Dream. In 1979, Raj purchased DLZ with the proceeds of his Ohio State Employee Pension, taking a bold leap of faith to acquire a six-person firm. Through perseverance, entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, DLZ grew into a nationally respected, family- and minority-owned firm with more than 1,000 employees and offices in the USA, Costa Rica, and India.

Raj will continue to serve as Chairman and CEO, providing strategic oversight and remaining deeply engaged in shaping the company’s long-term vision.

Today, DLZ stands as one of the leading firms in the nation. Engineering News-Record ranks DLZ as the 143rd largest engineering firm in the United States. Building Design + Construction lists DLZ as the 48th largest A/E firm in its Giants 400 report. The firm is also ranked #15 on Zweig White’s Hot Firms list and is the 11th largest engineering firm in the Midwest.

Columbus, OH — September 15, 2025 — DLZ is proud to announce that Ram Rajadhyaksha, P.E., Executive Vice President, has been honored with the Business Leadership Award at the Ohio Asian Awards 2025. This prestigious recognition celebrates leaders whose professional achievements have elevated the visibility of Asian Americans in business.

With over 16 years of industry experience, Ram has led DLZ’s team of nearly 1,000 professionals in delivering innovative engineering solutions across the Midwest. Under his leadership, DLZ has completed seven strategic acquisitions, propelling the firm to become the 11th largest engineering company in the region.

Ram’s visionary direction has earned DLZ national recognition, including a #15 ranking on Zweig Group’s 2025 Hot Firm list and designation as a 2024 Fast 50 honoree by Columbus Business First. These accolades reflect the firm’s momentum and the culture of excellence Ram continues to foster.

Beyond business success, Ram is committed to making an impact to the vitality of the places we live and work. Notable efforts include:

• Supporting the $25 million Columbus Promise campaign, which provides tuition-free college education
• Funding a state-of-the-art Civil Materials Testing Laboratory at Ohio State’s College of Civil Engineering
• Ram also serves as Vice President on the Board of Trustees for the Columbus Museum of Art, demonstrating his dedication to civic engagement and cultural enrichment.

“Ram’s leadership is a powerful example of how business excellence and community commitment can go hand in hand,” said Tiffany Gibson, Marketing Manager at DLZ. “We are thrilled to see his contributions to the Asian community recognized on such a meaningful stage.”

Please join us in congratulating Ram on this well-deserved honor!

We’re proud to share that DLZ has once again been named a Fast 50 honoree by Columbus Business First! This marks our second consecutive year on the prestigious list, which recognizes the fastest-growing companies in Central Ohio.

Being included in the 2025 Fast 50 is a testament to our team’s dedication, innovation, and continued growth across the region. We are proud to be ranked #20 on the 2025 Fast 50 list.  This list honors the 50 fastest-growing private companies in Central Ohio. Thank you to our valued clients, our partners who continue to believe in us, and to the DLZ team for always pouring their creativity and dedication into every project. We are truly grateful to be recognized for another year.

We look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead!

DLZ is excited to announce that we’ve been named by Zweig Group as a 2025 Hot Firm, ranking at #15! Zweig Group is the leading research, publishing, and advisory services resource for leading firms in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry.

This list honors the 100 fastest-growing AEC firms in the United States and Canada. It showcases firms that represent the strength and power of the AEC industry.

We are honored by this recognition that speaks to DLZ’s stamp in the architecture and engineering industry and our outstanding growth as a firm.

Read the full news release.

DLZ is honored to join a diverse array of public and private organizations in support of a significant $25 million fundraising campaign for the next phase of the Columbus Promise—a commendable initiative providing tuition-free college education.

Launched in November 2021, the Columbus Promise aims to empower graduates of Columbus City Schools to pursue higher education while simultaneously addressing the community’s demand for a skilled workforce. This exemplary program offers all graduates the opportunity to attend Columbus State without incurring tuition costs for six semesters.

Since its inception, approximately one-third of the graduates have enrolled, resulting in an increase in the district’s college-going rate from 32% in 2020 to an impressive 50%. As a thriving architecture and engineering firm, DLZ understands the importance higher education and the growing need for early career development.

Learn more about the Columbus Promise.

DLZ is happy to announce that we were selected as a 2024 Fast 50 honoree by Columbus Business First. The highly anticipated Fast 50 Awards honor the remarkable success and growth of the top companies in Columbus. DLZ was one of 50 others named on Business First’s Fast 50 Awards roll call.

We are honored to receive such a prestigious recognition that acknowledges the outstanding achievements of the fastest growing firms in the Central Ohio.

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