McClure Engineering Company (MEC) announced today the promotion of Matthew Kist, P.E., to vice president of development services.

Kist will transition from his current team leader position, where he’s heavily involved in the management of development projects, acting as a client liaison and overseeing the day-to-day operational activities of his project design team, to his new role effective Jan. 1, 2018.

Kist will work closely with Tom Smith, principal and current vice president of development services, to ensure a smooth transition for existing and new clients. Smith has been with the firm’s development services department for 48 years and joined the board of directors in 1999, where he will continue to serve clients and shareholders.

Smith noted that he is excited to have Kist assume this mantle of leadership and looks forward to sharing with him the skills and talents he’s learned and developed throughout his career. “Matt brings fresh ideas and new methodologies to the department and to SKW,” Smith said. “His time here as team leader of development services has been beneficial to the entire firm, and I look forward to the good work he’ll produce in the coming years.”

Kist noted that he’s eager to work alongside Smith and explained the importance of active mentorships in any organization. “From the person right out of school to the person who’s been around the building for three, four or five decades, it’s important that mentorship is available and visible,” Kist said. “Aside from the passing on of expertise, it also provides guidance; anyone can look up and say, that’s where I can go. It provides a career path as we continue to grow our group.”

Kist continued: “Tom is a walking encyclopedia regarding site development around the Kansas City metro area, and he knows who the key players are. Working with him will be important for my own, and the department’s, continued success.”

Kist has a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Originally from Columbia, Mo., he lives in Parkville, Mo. He enjoys outdoor activities, including golfing, hunting, fishing, and spending time on his family’s hobby farm near Columbia.