Nelson-Rudie Names Kelly Noel as Vice President of Operations as the Firm Marks Its 50th Anniversary and Expands Its Footprint

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nelson-Rudie & Associates, Inc. (Nelson-Rudie), a 100% employee-owned consulting engineering firm, continues its growth momentum with the appointment of Kelly Noel as Vice President of Operations. The announcement follows the firm’s new headquarters opening in Minneapolis, expanded footprint with a Hudson, Wisconsin office, and plans for a Kansas City office in early 2026. These investments reflect the firm’s momentum and long-term growth strategy as it enters its 50th year.

“Kelly’s track record of scaling complex operations while strengthening the capabilities of high-performing teams is exactly what we need in this chapter,” said Matthew Elhadad, President & CEO of Nelson-Rudie. “Her experience leading enterprise initiatives and large capital programs will enhance how we operate, elevate how we deliver for clients, and position us to compete at the level this moment requires.”

As Vice President of Operations, Noel will oversee firmwide operations to strengthen alignment across disciplines, support practice leaders and project teams, and position the firm to pursue new opportunities in a disciplined, sustainable way. Most recently, Noel served in senior leadership roles at a major national retailer, where she oversaw national engineering and store operations across a portfolio of more than 1,900 locations and led large-scale capital and enterprise operational programs.

Noel has longstanding ties to the Midwest, including time spent living and working in Kansas City earlier in her career, before relocating to the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. Her familiarity with both markets aligns well with Nelson-Rudie’s expanding regional presence.

“Nelson-Rudie has built a strong reputation for technical excellence and a culture that values performance, people, and leadership,” Noel said. “I’m excited to be part of the firm as we both enter our next chapter, and to bring my experience to a team that’s clearly poised for continued growth.”

As Nelson-Rudie celebrates its 50th anniversary, the firm’s expanded presence and strengthened leadership team set the stage for new opportunities, innovation, and a lasting impact on the clients and communities it serves.

About Nelson-Rudie

Founded in 1976, Nelson-Rudie & Associates, Inc. (Nelson-Rudie) is a 100% employee-owned consulting engineering firm offering structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and refrigeration services to clients throughout the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the firm delivers nationwide service through its growing team of 80+ professionals and licensed engineers across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five Canadian provinces. At Nelson-Rudie, being 100% employee-owned means every success is shared among clients, employees, communities, and the industries it serves.