Meet Our New CEO, Holly Fisher

ShapiroCM is proud to announce Holly Fisher as our new Chief Executive Officer. From Holly's experience and driving principles, to her family life and frisbee mastery, get to know the woman leading ShapiroCM into its next era.

As you enter this next chapter, what are you most looking forward to?

We are embarking upon our 25^th year in business in 2027, and I’m looking forward to charting a course for what the future of this company will look like for its next 25 years. It’s important to me that I incorporate Jay’s legacy and the firm’s core services while remaining agile in response to a changing industry. I’m also intent on maintaining the core cultural concepts that have been so important to us as a small family business; I feel a deep sense of responsibility to preserve the values that make us who we are as a company.

Why is being a small business important in this industry?

Since our inception, we’ve prided ourselves on building relationships while building structures – and we will continue to do so. When it comes down to it, every single thing we do is about the people, whether it be our clients, our employees, or anyone in between. Being a small firm allows us to preserve the quality of people, and therefore our quality of work and services.

How has your previous work experience prepared you to take on this role?

Unlike our founder Jay, I don’t have a traditional AEC background. So, when I joined the company in 2015, it wasn’t always a forgone conclusion that I would take on the role of CEO. However, my background in management consulting, client service, and generalized professional services have prepared me to focus on delivering client value – albeit just in a different space.

What does it mean to you being a woman CEO in a male-dominated industry?

This industry is evolving, and I’m really proud to be part of changing the stereotype.

You’re pretty good at frisbee, huh?

I have always loved sports in general. Growing up I played soccer, and in college/my early 20s, I picked up frisbee. Frisbee brought me all around the world: the World Championships in Prague; the US National Championships; and even the Canary Islands, where we played half the games on the grass and half the games on the beach. These days I would call myself a recreational athlete who is a huge fan of the US Women’s National Soccer Team.  

What lessons from frisbee do you take with you as CEO of ShapiroCM?

I learned three very important lessons on that field: first, it’s all about the people around you. Which lends itself to the second lesson: great leadership fosters success. And finally, it’s imperative to assess and condense all variables into solvable problems.

Rapid Fire Round

Favorite thing about growing up in New Jersey?

In one hour in any direction, you could be at the beach, in midtown Manhattan, or in the mountains. Such a gift!

How did you meet your husband?

Playing frisbee in New York City.

Any kids?

Yes! Three children: ages eight, five and one.

How about pets?

Also yes! A nine-year-old black lab mix named Perry.