LaBella Associates Appoints Keith Garbrick as Chief Operating Officer
LaBella Associates, an international architecture, engineering, environmental, and planning firm, today announces that Keith Garbrick, PE, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO). Keith succeeds Michael Winderl, PE, LEED AP, who will retire from the COO role this summer following an esteemed career spanning more than 40 years in engineering and leadership.
Keith joined LaBella through the acquisition of Pease in 2010 and has since played a key role in the firm’s growth across the Southeast. He currently serves on LaBella’s Board of Directors and is a member of the M&A committee. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Keith brings a strong regional perspective and a steady, team-focused leadership style that aligns with LaBella’s culture.
As COO, Keith is responsible for driving operational excellence, consistency, and scalability across the organization. In this role, he oversees key enterprise functions, including information technology; project delivery systems and controls; safety; fleet and compliance management; real estate and facilities; and M&A integration.
With experience spanning both design and construction, Keith brings a comprehensive understanding of project delivery from multiple perspectives, with a strong foundation in municipal infrastructure. His primary expertise is in water and wastewater projects, where he has led and supported complex initiatives for public-sector clients. His experience also includes work across mission-critical, criminal justice, education, commercial, and industrial sectors, serving both public and private clients.
Prior to his current role, Keith served as Senior Vice President and Southeast Regional Manager. He holds dual degrees in Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering and Management from North Carolina State University. He is an active member of Leadership North Carolina, the American Water Works Association, the Rural Water Association, the American Public Works Association, and the Water Environment Federation.
“Under Mike’s leadership, LaBella has strengthened its operational foundation and expanded its multi-disciplinary capabilities across key markets, positioning the firm for continued long-term growth,” said Jeff Roloson, President of LaBella Associates. “Keith’s exceptional leadership in business development, client relations, and operations makes him a natural successor with the skills and vision necessary to lead our next phase of growth.”
Mike joined LaBella in 2009 as an experienced structural engineer and manager. He led LaBella’s building engineering team—which includes structural, mechanical, electrical, energy, plumbing, and hydropower services—until he was named COO in 2020. He was elected to the LaBella Board of Directors in 2012 and has served continuously since.
“Mike’s contributions to LaBella have been significant and lasting,” Roloson added. “His leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to our people and clients have helped shape the firm we are today. We thank him for his many years of service and continued contributions to the firm.”
Learn more about our Leadership Team here.
About LaBella Associates
LaBella Associates is home to over 2,100 multi-disciplinary consultants who plan, design, engineer, and manage public and private projects that enrich our communities. Our expertise is recognized in infrastructure, buildings, environmental, and energy projects throughout the eastern United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain. Headquartered in Rochester, NY, LaBella is a certified Great Place to Work.