Fehr Graham announces leadership changes

Fehr Graham, a leading Midwest engineering and environmental firm, is proud to announce that Mick Gronewold, PE, is stepping into a leadership role as the Midwest Platform CEO with Trilon Group. Kyle Saunders, Fehr Graham's Chief Strategy Officer, will succeed Gronewold as Fehr Graham President. The promotions are effective Jan. 1.

In his new role, Gronewold will lead Trilon's Midwest Platform firms of Fehr Graham, Gonzalez Companies and The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. Together, the three firms have 48 offices across the Midwest with more than 1,000 employees. Together, the three firms are among the 10 largest infrastructure consulting firms in the Midwest.

Trilon will look to Gronewold, who is succeeding the retiring Dean Niese, PE, to apply his strategic vision and leadership to continue the success of the Midwest Platform and Fehr Graham.

Fehr Graham merged with Trilon Group in May 2023, aligning with a partner that shares its Core Values and culture. Trilon supports Fehr Graham by investing in talent, technology, and targeted mergers and acquisitions to accelerate growth and advance employees' careers.

Mick Renshaw, Founder and CEO of Trilon Group, praised Gronewold's dedication to excellence and his deep understanding of running an engineering business, noting that these qualities make him the ideal leader to guide the Midwest Platform firms. His vision aligns perfectly with Trilon's mission of building community-focused infrastructure solutions.

Mick's leadership has set a standard of excellence that resonates throughout our operations. His commitment to sustainability and innovation continues to inspire our teams and drive our projects forward."

Mick Renshaw, Founder and CEO of Trilon Group

Saunders, who joined Fehr Graham in April, brings a decade of experience in municipal leadership and water infrastructure. He has a proven track record of developing highly effective teams and building collaboration across functional organizations. Saunders has already spearheaded several of the firm's more recent growth initiatives and developed continuous improvement strategies based on his analysis of the firm's operation and key performance indicators. 

Kyle's remarkable ability to connect with clients and staff, lead through influence and navigate complex problems while maintaining a positive and forward-thinking approach to business and infrastructure position him perfectly to lead Fehr Graham into its next chapter."

Mick Gronewold, President

Gronewold joined Fehr Graham in 1993 and has steered the firm's growth and performance while executing high-profile design and permitting projects for municipal and private clients. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from the Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology. He is part of numerous professional associations, including the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, the Illinois Association of Highway Engineers and the American Public Works Association. Gronewold and his wife, Kate, live in Forreston, Illinois, and have three adult children.

Saunders began his career at the City of Rockford, where he started as a Senior Engineering Technician and ascended to Director of Public Works. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Business Administration and Management from Rockford University. He also earned a master's degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Colorado Boulder. He is a member of the Illinois Section American Water Works Association and chairs its Water Utility Council. He lives in Rockford with his wife, Kelly.