Brad Thomas

Brad is responsible for running all aspects of the business and setting strategy for growth – including national reach, diversification, mergers and acquisitions, recruiting top talent, and client leadership. During his 20 years as president and CEO, the firm has seen significant revenue growth, added presence in the southeastern United States, the opening of a Detroit, MI office, and increased workplace resilience through the pandemic.  

As part of the firm’s 60+ year journey, Brad attributes success to deep community engagement and a long history working on dynamic, complex, and impactful projects such as the DeVos Place Convention Center and Performance Hall, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Downtown Market Grand Rapids, and John Ball Bissell Tree House.  

Most recently, Brad’s engagement with Grand Action 2.0, the City of Grand Rapids, and the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) is helping to bring a multimillion-dollar Acrisure Amphitheater to life. This is the first project kicking off a large-scale redevelopment effort in Grand Rapids, MI, in which Brad is actively involved.  

He provides leadership to the firm’s clients through the strategy, project origination, and planning phases with significant experience organizing and leading multi-firm and multi-disciplinary teams. He is a creative problem solver and has extensive experience in contract interpretation, administration, and dispute resolution.

“The best design is about improving people’s lives, and the firm is grateful to be part of so many client journeys that have served people and communities well,” says Brad. “It is an honor and privilege to help advance our clients' vision for the future, shaping the places where we live, work, and play."

Brad currently serves on the board of directors and executive committee of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and has held past board positions at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, and others.

In addition to his leadership for Progressive and in the local community, Brad serves on the executive committee for ONE Global Design, a network of 21 corporate architecture and design firms in the United States, Canada, Mexico, India, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Collectively, this international alliance has more than 1,600 design professionals.

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