Clark Nexsen Says Farewell to Retiring Employees

As 2023 comes to a close, we would like to acknowledge Steve Bennett, PE; Gus Brooks; David Francis, AIA, LEED AP; and Chris Stone, PE, F.NSPE, F.ASCE, LEED AP, who are all retiring from Clark Nexsen at the end of the year. With over 180 years of combined experience between them, each person has been crucial to the success of Clark Nexsen.  

“There are not enough words to describe the contributions Steve, Gus, David, and Chris have made to Clark Nexsen over the years,” said Terri Hall, PE, President. “Each of them has made a tremendous impact and their leadership has set a positive example for so many people across the firm. They will be missed and on behalf of Clark Nexsen, I wish them a happy retirement and good luck in their future endeavors.”

Steve Bennett, PE 

A Senior Project Manager and Associate Principal based in our Virginia Beach office, Steve has over 50 years of experience in the Federal Market Sector, including 14 with Clark Nexsen. His expertise in design, construction, and financial management of public sector projects, including managing Navy, Air Force, and Army projects, has proven invaluable to the firm. Before joining Clark Nexsen, Steve had a distinguished career with NAVFAC, where he served in various roles, including Branch Head for the Overseas Project Management Branch and Program Manager for NAVFAC NATO. He then accepted a position with the NATO Agency in Brussels, Belgium, where he served as Financial Manager responsible for a large Air Command and Control Program. Steve is a structural engineer and a member of the National Society for Professional Engineers (NSPE), the Virginia Society for Professional Engineers (VSPE), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).  

Gus Brooks 

An industry veteran with 49 years of experience, Gus has worked as a designer, project engineer, and project manager on a variety of industrial design and construction projects. A Senior Project Manager in our Macon office, his background includes a focus on industrial minerals, pulp and paper, biofuels, and facility improvements. During Gus’ 18 years at Clark Nexsen, he has leveraged his previous experiences and technical knowledge to build strong client relationships, helping the firm transform them into long-term partnerships.  

David Francis, AIA, LEED AP 

David is a Senior Architect and Associate Principal in our Raleigh office. David’s impressive 37 years of experience span various project types, including higher education, science and technology, municipal, healthcare, and sports facilities. In his 27 years with Clark Nexsen, he has played a crucial role in several notable architectural projects, showcasing his expertise in complex technical challenges, building code compliance, and cost-saving strategies. Some of the prominent projects he has been involved in include the Meymandi Concert Hall for the North Carolina Symphony, The Studio Theater at Barton College, Seabrook Auditorium at Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville Festival Park Performance Pavilion, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. David’s unique gift for working with multidisciplinary teams, overseeing technical design, and collaborating with clients has made him an indispensable resource. His friendly manner, depth of knowledge, and expertise have contributed significantly to the field of architecture and the success of Clark Nexsen. 

Chris Stone, PE, F.NSPE, F.ASCE, LEED AP 

With over 43 years of industry experience – 30 with Clark Nexsen – Chris has consistently exemplified professionalism, leadership, and teamwork for the firm. Chris was the first structural engineer at Clark Nexsen, which led to the development of the firm’s structural and bridge engineering groups. He would then leave the structural head role and lead the Charlotte office before returning to Virginia to serve as Clark Nexsen’s President and CEO. Integrally involved in advancing the firm’s reputation and supporting growth through business development, Chris has been focused on resilient design and infrastructure and its impact on cities, which he has pursued in his role as Senior Principal and Vice President of Resiliency. Chris has held numerous leadership roles in professional and community organizations, including serving as the 2011-2012 national president for the National Society of Professional Engineers, president of the Virginia Beach Central Business District Association, and being reappointed in 2018 to serve another four-year term on the Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA) Board by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam.