Olsson exec in Springfield promoted to companywide COO

A Springfield-based executive of multistate engineering firm Olsson Inc. has been promoted to a top leadership role.

Lincoln, Nebraska-based Olsson promoted Ron Mersch to chief operating officer, according to a news release. Mersch, a nearly 12-year employee of the firm, became COO this month.

“Ron has a deep understanding of Olsson’s business,” Olsson CEO Brad Strittmatter said in the release. “He also consistently demonstrates a passion for our people, our clients and our communities.”

As COO, Mersch oversees the firm's markets, disciplines and geographies, and he's focusing on improving the company's efficiency, structure and technical expertise, according to the release. The role was created as part of an expansion of Olsson’s executive team.

At Olsson, Mersch has experience serving as the company's regional leader for Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas, as well as office head in Springfield and Joplin. He's additionally credited with developing Olsson's office in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

In Springfield, Olsson operates downtown at 550 St. Louis St.