Barge Strengthens C-Suite, Names Firm’s First Ever Chief of Staff

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 6, 2023) – Barge Design Solutions, an engineering and architecture firm with diverse in-house multidisciplinary practice areas, today announced Carrie Stokes as its first-ever chief of staff (COS).  With more than 25 years of experience, Stokes is an industry veteran who joined Barge in 1996, rising through the firm to become a board member in 2015 and most recently serving as senior vice president and director of the firm’s largest division, its private client sector.

"Carrie has made an enduring mark on Barge over the last two-plus decades, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her expand that impact as a key member of our executive leadership team,” said Bob Higgins, CEO and president of Barge Design Solutions. “Carrie stands as a tremendous example of how our teammates can build long, successful careers and thrive at Barge. With someone of Carrie’s caliber in this new role, we will be able to enhance operational efficiencies and hone our strategic focus as we continue to grow.”

The creation of the COS role is a response to Barge's sustained success and growth, and the incredible moment the industry is experiencing. During this time, it was critical to adapt to the current market demands and ensure that the company’s internal structure matched this moment. Reporting directly to CEO Higgins, Stokes will oversee several strategic initiatives moving forward and will oversee and work closely with the company’s human resources, talent acquisition, and marketing communications teams.

"I am honored to take on this new role of chief of staff at Barge," said Stokes. "This position will allow me to not only contribute more significantly to the company's strategic initiatives, working closely with the executive team to implement our new growth strategies for the coming year and beyond, but to work with and engage with more of our incredibly talented team here at Barge."

Stokes began her career at Barge as a student intern and has been elevated to several leadership positions throughout her tenure with the firm. In her most recent role, she was responsible for strategic planning, operations, and leadership of Barge’s efforts in multiple markets, including healthcare, industrial and energy, land development, environmental services, and data centers. Stokes is a graduate of Vanderbilt University where she earned both her bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering and her master’s degree in environmental engineering.

Active in both her profession and her community, Stokes has served on both industry and nonprofit boards. She currently serves as the membership chair for AEC Power Women and leads Barge’s engagement with the nonprofit Advancing Women in Nashville (AWIN). Stokes is a recent alum of Leadership Nashville, served as Vice Chair on the Metro Nashville Stormwater Committee, and was previously a two-time board member for the Junior League of Nashville. 

Barge’s success is deeply ingrained in a culture that prioritizes internal employee growth and consistently attracts top-tier talent. This commitment to fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration has not only led to sustained organizational achievements but has also positioned Barge as a trusted partner for clients seeking unwavering support and creative solutions during critical moments.

For the latest updates on Barge Design Solutions and its ongoing developments, please visit: https://www.bargedesign.com/ ‍

About Barge

Barge, is an engineering and architecture firm with diverse, in-house multidisciplinary practice areas. The 500+ employee-owned company serves clients nationwide from multiple U.S. locations. Barge is ranked No. 169 on Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) 2023 Top 500 Design Firms list and is a certified Great Place to Work®. Learn more at bargedesign.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.