Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

HPM Announces New Director of Planning Services

  • By Matt Jones
  • 12/20/22

Program management firm HPM, based in Birmingham, Ala., recently announced that it has named Scott Leopold as its new Director of Planning Services. A press release reports that Leopold has more than 17 years’ experience with facilities planning and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services and has worked on a wide variety of K–12 projects. In his previous role at Cooperative Strategies, he worked with school districts to spearhead facilities master planning projects and implement GIS programs, working on projects in 100 school districts, according to the press release.

In his new role at HPM, he will expand the firm’s partnerships with K–12 school districts across the U.S. Southeast, working in partnership with HPM Vice President of Planning Services Tracy Richter. He will also use his GIS experience to improve the ways in which HPM presents data to clients and create new strategies based on advanced technology to make the process easier and more collaborative for the district. The firm will use online mapping applications and dashboards to let clients visualize the kind of data that was previously difficult to convey.

“My passion lies in understanding the wants and needs of communities that often have strong emotional attachment to their school systems, and turning that into data that can be used to improve education facilities,” said Leopold. “As conditions continue to change across our industry and the need for adaptability increases, it is time to move into the next generation of interactive data presentation to make the planning process smoother for these communities. HPM has established a track record of excellence within facility planning, and I look forward to continuing this pattern of success and strengthening client relationships alongside Tracy.”

The planning services team offers guidance and oversight on district capital and operational building programs, helping clients grasp the full scope of the life cycle of services from planning to implementations. Leopold will lead client initiatives and meet with new K–12 districts looking to start planning future bond programs, according to the news release.

“In any facilities planning project, our end goal is always to have an informed community that supports its school system and is excited to implement improvements to make those schools function at the highest possible level,” said Richter. “I believe Scott’s drive to make the entire process as inclusive and community-driven as possible will only take HPM’s planning services capabilities to the next level. His knowledge combined with our experience in successful K–12 planning will continue to drive cost and time savings for our clients.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Bradley Company Highlights Hygiene Tips for Global Handwashing Day

    In honor of Global Handwashing Day on October 15, commercial washrooms and emergency safety solutions provider Bradley Company recently released the results of its 2026 Healthy Handwashing Survey. The findings indicate simple, practical steps that facilities managers can take to encourage good hygiene on campus.

  • Wenger Names New Vice President of Sales for Performing Arts, Controls

    Wenger Corporation, which provides products and solutions for music and theater education, performing arts and athletic storage, recently announced the hiring of a new Vice President of Sales for Performing Arts and Controls.

  • California District Opens New Robotics Center

    The Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) in Cupertino, Calif., recently held a Grand Opening ceremony for a new, district-wide Robotics Center, according to a news release. The 14,500-square-foot facility was designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA); Landmark Constructors served as the builder and Blach Construction as general construction manager.

  • Construction Begins on 100+ Acre K–12 Campus Designed for Lakota Culture

    The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) and the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School District in Eagle Butte, S.D., recently broke ground on a new K–12 campus that will cover more than 100 acres and serve students and families across 1,600 square miles, according to a news release.