Leadership
At MSP, our leaders are in the position because of the knowledge they possess, not simply because of the length of employment or career pathing. These people are dedicated to their professions. But while they are in these positions because of their knowledge, they’ve also demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills. They’ve seen the business through good and bad times, always with an eye toward the future and the well being of those they lead.

Jose Castrejon , ASLA, LEED AP
President
Jose Castrejon, president, started with MSP in 1997. Jose is a landscape architect, planner, and facilitator with extensive experience in the design and management of projects ranging from site-specific design to comprehensive master planning. His expertise includes municipal projects, urban design, parks and recreation planning and design, athletic complex design, and sports field development. His project approach emphasizes client collaboration and communication.

Stephen Roat, PS
Chairman of the Board
Steve assumed the role of President in 2007 in the midst of one of the nation's most severe recessions. Utilizing experience gained over more than 40 years in the industry, he was responsible for stabilizing the effects of the downturn, establishing a conservative plan for corporate finances, and leading the company on the long climb back to fiscal stability. Strategic decisions on staffing, spending, and technology have once again positioned MSP as an industry leader. Steve retired in 2022 but continues to serve MSP as board of directors chair.

Jim Watson, PE
Executive Vice President
Jim is a civil engineer with 35 years of experience in the design of site improvements and utilities for commercial, industrial, residential, and public projects. James is involved in the project process from concept and feasibility through construction documents and site observation. He also has extensive experience with complex stormwater and utilities management projects and has designed a number of major roadway and sewer projects. Jim is an experienced engineering planner recognized as a leader in infrastructure and community development planning in Southwest Ohio.

Randal Merrill, AIA, LEED AP
Executive Vice President
Randy is highly experienced in planning, architecture and construction related fields. He has worked in the commercial real estate industry since 1983 and has been with MSP since 1990. His focus has been on providing creative design solutions while balancing the functionality, budgetary, and aesthetic components for the client. Part of what Randy does as principal-in-charge and project manager is to ensure accurate and timely communication so that the client’s expectations are met.

Richard Arnold, LEED AP
Executive Vice President
Rich has been practicing engineering and land development with MSP since 1979. His primary responsibility is to design and coordinate the production of construction documents for land development projects. Other project involvement includes processing construction documents through the appropriate governmental agencies and coordination with the construction layout crew.

Richard Nichols, PS
Executive Vice President
Rick Nichols, executive vice president, has been with MSP since 1985. He leads the efforts of our surveying department while maintaining project management responsibilities for many of the projects. He brings extensive expertise and experience to any project from public to private work. He has been fundamental in many major residential, commercial, capital improvement, and industrial projects. His ability to satisfy clients has helped him to establish relationships with many of the area’s leading contractors, lawyers, title agents, and developers as well as Local Public Agencies.