Gresham Smith is proud to announce four leadership promotions within its Healthcare practice, effective July 1, 2026. These elevations reflect the firm’s continued investment in proven leaders and strengthen how the practice supports clients, advances project delivery, and grows in key markets.
The following leaders have stepped into news roles:
- Jude Wessels, Senior Vice President of Client Development, based in Tampa, Florida.
- Nate Budd, Business Development Leader, based in Tampa, Florida.
- Liz Chodosh, Healthcare Studio Leader, based in Jacksonville, Florida.
- Carrie Kovacs, Healthcare Studio Leader, based in Tampa, Florida.
Additionally, previous Studio Leaders Rick Bouchereau, AIA, LEED AP, and Christina Wilson, AIA, EDAC, have moved into Vice President positions. In these new roles, they will focus on leading business development efforts and enhancing the client experience to foster long-term partnerships.
“By elevating leaders across client development, business development and studio leadership, we are strengthening how we support our clients, from relationship-building through project delivery,” said Healthcare Executive Vice President Penny Houchens, IIDA, LEED AP, NCIDQ, Lean. “These promotions position us to grow with intention, deepen key client partnerships and deliver consistent results, while continuing to invest in our people and the collaborative culture that sets Gresham Smith apart.”
About Jude Wessels
With Gresham Smith since 2018, Jude Wessels, EDAC, has helped build strong client relationships and shape growth strategies across the Healthcare practice. As Senior Vice President of Client Development, he will focus on expanding the practice and leading business development initiatives for strategic consulting services. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California.
About Nate Budd
Based in Tampa, Nate Budd serves as Business Development Leader and partners with market leadership to strengthen market presence while supporting strategic pursuits across the Healthcare practice. Budd earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tampa.
About Liz Chodosh
Liz Chodosh serves as the Jacksonville Healthcare Studio Leader, overseeing studio operations and project delivery while supporting a connected culture for her team. She collaborates with market and studio leadership and support partners to advance professional development and uphold quality and design excellence across projects. Chodosh earned a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida.
About Carrie Kovacs
Carrie Kovacs, IIDA, LEED AP, joined Gresham Smith in 2001 and has contributed to the Healthcare practice for more than two decades through a focus on team leadership and consistent project delivery. As Tampa Healthcare Studio Leader, she oversees operations and project delivery, partnering with leadership and support teams to mentor talent, support professional growth and maintain design excellence. Kovacs earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
