First Name

Last Name

Would you like CE credit for today's webinar? Note: Refer to this landing page for the types of credit offered for this webinar. Not all options are available at any given time. Credit not available for session replays.

CE Credit Type generic cpe shrm

Employee Owned, People Powered, Fiduciary Governed; a Candid Conversation with HFA Leadership

Webinars March 17, 2026 9:30 am PT

Member only: Log in or join to register.

Continuing Education Credit Offered For Live Session Only: Generic, CPE, SHRM

This webinar features candid conversations with the leaders of HFA, a fully integrated, multi-disciplined architectural, engineering and construction firm, who recently transitioned their company to employee ownership through an ESOP. Participants will gain real-world insights into building governance structures, navigating fiduciary responsibilities, and avoiding common pitfalls. Expect practical lessons, honest reflections, and actionable guidance for boards and executives considering or managing an ESOP.

Learning Objectives:

1) Understand how to assemble and manage an effective ESOP advisory team and governance framework.
2) Identify common fiduciary challenges and best practices for prudent decision-making.
3) Apply lessons learned to strengthen board oversight and long-term enterprise value.

Member only: Log in or join to view.

Presenters

Ryan Ray

Ryan Ray is the Chief Operating Officer of HFA Enterprises, where he helps guide the organization’s operational strategy and day-to-day execution. As COO, Ryan focuses on ensuring that HFA’s systems, processes, and teams are aligned to support the firm’s purpose, culture code, and long-term goals as an employee-owned enterprise.

Ryan is deeply motivated by seeing people succeed, and organizations operate with clarity and accountability. His leadership centers on creating the conditions for teams to do their best work while supporting both clients and employees in meaningful, sustainable ways.

In addition to his role as COO, Ryan serves on the HFA Enterprise Board of Directors, contributing to governance oversight and fiduciary responsibility at the enterprise level.

Dave Wilgus

Dave Wilgus is the President and CEO of HFA Enterprises, an employee-owned architecture, engineering, and construction company rooted in collaboration, accountability, and shared success. With over 30 years in the A+E industry and 25 years at HFAE, Dave has played a pivotal role in mentoring teams and growing long-term client partnerships.

Since stepping into the CEO role in May 2019, Dave has led the firm with a people-powered vision. He spearheaded one of the most significant transformations for HFA: its transition to employee ownership in 2022. Under his leadership, the firm embraced a refreshed direction grounded in shared ownership, long-term impact, and the belief that when every team member has a stake, both the work and the culture thrive. His collaborative, values-driven approach continues to empower people to do their best work and build something lasting.

Howard L. Kaplan

Howard leads Kaplan Fiduciary Group, focusing on improving fiduciary performance by boards, management, and fiduciaries of ESOP companies. With more than 25 years in the ERISA fiduciary and trust banking industry, he developed industry-leading expertise in fiduciary services for ESOPs and qualified retirement plans. Before Kaplan Fiduciary Group, he served at leading ESOP trust companies. He frequently speaks on trustee/fiduciary subjects at industry association meetings. He is an active member of the NCEO, ESCA, and the ESOP Association.

Webinar Details

Webinar Slides

Webinar Replay

Get Event Updates in Your Inbox

Presenters

Ryan Ray

Dave Wilgus

Howard L. Kaplan

Thank you to our Sponsors