SWBR is pleased to announce four key leadership promotions. Lisa Fingar, CPSM, Corina Folts, CID, Michael Picard, and Sheri Seitz have been promoted to Senior Associates. Senior associates support all aspects of client service and project management.

Business Development Director Lisa Fingar, CPSM, has been an integral part of the leadership and growth of SWBR as part of the Upstate NY architectural community for over 25 years. As Business Development Director, she promotes the firm’s business development initiatives through market research, client experience programs, promotional events, trade shows and internal coaching and training. Fingar brings to the leadership team incredible business acumen, a keen ability to connect with people and mentorship to colleagues. She is a graduate of SUNY Geneseo with a Bachelor of Arts in English and resides in Chili.

“Lisa accepted the role of Business Development Director in 2021 and has risen to the challenge,” said SWBR Chief Marketing Officer Dave Beinetti, AIA. “She has elevated our business development efforts, supporting the firm’s continued growth and success.”

Certified Interior Designer Corina Folts has been with SWBR since 2014 and manages all project types with a focus on higher education, corporate, and market rate housing. She is a strategic thinker focused on client relationships, business development, quality, and staff mentorship. She has led the interior design of several successful and award-winning projects including the Golisano Autism Center, Evergreen Center in Buffalo, the Irondequoit Community Center, and Roberts Wesleyan College Golisano Community Engagement Center, which is scheduled to be complete later this year. Folts is the VP of Advocacy for IIDA New York chapter where she works to provide recognition for NCIDQ Certified Interior Designers. She is a past Rochester Business Journal’s Forty under 40 winner. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and lives in Macedon.

“Corina does more than create beautiful spaces, she is a strong leader,” said SWBR Interior Design Manager Diana Kalvitis-Pannone, CID. “She provides expert design solutions and is trusted by her clients to create healthy, safe, and functional interior spaces so they can grow and prosper in the community.”

Michael Picard, Chief Financial Officer, joined SWBR in 2018. He is responsible for implementing strategic financial plans into operational plans, providing guidance to the organization’s president and CEO, and managing an organization’s overall corporate governance. Picard holds three certifications from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, including Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) and Group Plans Associate (GBA). He earned a master’s in finance and management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as well as a bachelor’s in accounting from Central Connecticut State University and lives in West Bloomfield.

“Mike is a strategic CFO and business planner who has contributed significantly to the financial growth and success of the firm,” said SWBR President Tom Gears, AIA.

Sheri Seitz’s 38 years with SWBR make her a go-to resource for the firm and a mentor to her team. As Finance Manager, she oversees all department functions including financial reporting, annual accountant review, general year-end planning, and any special projects pertaining to finances and workload. She is also leading the firm’s transition to a new payroll system and CRM software. She lives in Ontario.

“Sheri’s dedication and commitment has helped drive the firm’s success. Despite being in a demanding, deadline-driven position, she is a trusted and reliable resource who is available at all times to help everyone at the firm.” said Gears.

About SWBR:

SWBR is a multidisciplinary, award-winning design firm headquartered in Rochester, New York.  As a highly respected national firm providing leadership, expertise, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, the firm specializes in sustainability, education, housing, and workplace design. With offices in Rochester, Syracuse and Troy, NY SWBR aims to positively impact lives through meaningful design. To learn more visit swbr.com or SWBR’s social media sites on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.