Haskell, a global architectural, engineering, construction and consulting firm, has appointed James O’Leary to the position of chief executive officer, giving him full executive leadership responsibilities for the $1 billion firm.

O’Leary was appointed to the position of president of Haskell last September, and will now hold both positions, succeeding Steve Halverson, who held both positions for the last 19 years. Halverson will continue to serve as chairman.

“It is my personal pleasure to announce that Jim O’Leary, effective immediately, has been named chief executive officer at Haskell,” says Halverson. “He is the right person, at the right time. I trust Jim completely.”

Since O’Leary joined Haskell in 1989, he has held several key positions including field engineer, project manager, senior project manager, director, vice president, senior vice president, and executive vice president/chief operating officer.

During his 29-year stint with Haskell, O’Leary has worked on more than 150 projects with Frito-Lay. He has also supported projects with Nestlé, Gatorade, Kraft, ConAgra, Procter & Gamble, Nike, General Dynamics, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Goodrich, Starbucks and US Navy and Coast Guard.

 O’Leary, a certified general contractor, graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida and also has a Master’s Degree in Building Construction from the same university.

“I’m truly humbled and honored to continue the legacy set by Steve Halverson, and Preston Haskell before him, as the new CEO of Haskell,” says O’Leary. “Our strategy for the future will support and strengthen who we are, as well as serve the evolving needs of our customers.”

Halverson was the second CEO since Preston Haskell founded the company in 1965. Haskell served as president until appointing Halverson in August of 1999.