LAN Associates’ Board of Directors has appointed Steven Ramiza as the firm’s first Chief Operating Officer. Ramiza, who is an engineer by trade, has been with the full-service architectural and engineering firm for over 20 years. He has served as the Vice President in charge of managing the Environmental Services, EHS Regulatory Compliance, Civil Engineering, and Land Use Departments since 2008. In his new role he will retain those responsibilities and continue to be a vital voice and resource for business development and corporate matters.
In recent years Ramiza has taken charge of office operations such as negotiating leases, coordinating building issues, managing the network infrastructure, tracking software licensing and equipment contracts, and more. Steve was also instrumental in continuing LAN’s success during the COVID-19 shutdowns, which saw the majority of LAN employees work from home.
“Steve ensures LAN is prepared by keeping us up to date with all latest technology and workplace software,” said LAN CEO Ron Panicucci. “When COIVD-19 hit, and we had to move to a work from home model, the value of his efforts was more apparent than ever. Not only was the transition smooth, but while everyone was working from home, Steve oversaw vital upgrades to the company server network and the deployment of our new softphone system. Both projects went off without a hitch and furthered LAN’s ability to adjust to a post pandemic workplace dynamic.“
During his career at LAN Steve has spearheaded many of the company’s biggest and most complex engineering projects. He has served as the principle in change of LAN’s term contracts with the NJSDA and NJDEP Parks & Forestry as well as the company’s work with Unilever, Netcong DOT, and the Federal Reserve Bank.
“I have been with LAN Associates long enough to understand that this company grows and prospers due to great leadership,” said Ramiza when asked about his promotion. “I feel honored that the Board of Directors sought to cement my place in that leadership by naming me as the company’s first Chief Operating Officer. LAN gave me the resources and freedom to allow me to develop over the last twenty-plus years and I look forward to continuing to work side by side with such a talented team of professionals.“