CMTA proudly congratulates Jeff Evers, Carolyn Gumbel, Ben Hobbs, Lauren La Bella, and Chad Riggs for winning this year’s 40 Under 40 Award, given by Consulting Specifying Engineer magazine! Each year, CSE recognizes 40 outstanding building industry professionals under 40 years of age who have demonstrated excellence in their professional and personal endeavors. Learn more about CMTA’s 2025 award winners below:
Jeff Evers
Jeff joined the industry in 2007, where his technical knowledge and dedication led to rapid career progression, culminating in his current role at CMTA. His exceptional ability to listen to and effectively address client concerns has been a defining factor in his success, enhancing not only his professional relationships but also the outcomes of the projects he leads. His expertise in electrical engineering and client-focused approach is evident in projects like the Campus Wide Electrical Grid Replacement at Sinclair Community College, where he delivered innovative, cost-effective solutions while maintaining rigorous standards and timelines.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jeff is deeply committed to his community, volunteering with Feed the Kids Columbus and contributing to Habitat for Humanity projects. Balancing these efforts with a strong commitment to family life, Jeff exemplifies leadership, integrity, and dedication to both his career and his community.
Carolyn Gumbel
Carolyn’s mechanical engineering career began in 2007 as an intern in CMTA’s Louisville office. After joining the firm full-time in 2010, she quickly became a Principal and Project Manager. Her expertise spans higher education, healthcare, and K-12 markets, with a notable focus on Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), Kentucky’s largest school district. Since her first project with JPCS, Carolyn has led over 20 district projects, including HVAC renovations for 12 high schools, where she implemented innovative centralized mechanical systems to improve efficiency and functionality. A personal highlight in her career was managing the renovation of her own high school. She remains passionate about improving learning environments in economically disadvantaged areas of the district.
Beyond education, Carolyn has contributed to high-performance systems such as groundbreaking geothermal HVAC systems in healthcare and historic properties. Her efforts have not only modernized aging facilities but also reduced carbon footprints and secured substantial clean energy tax credits. Driven by equity, sustainability, and precision, Carolyn continues to create lasting benefits for her community and the built environments she reshapes.
Ben Hobbs
Ben joined CMTA in 2011, quickly earning leadership roles through his technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. Over his 16-year career, Ben has developed a robust skillset in everything from business development to energy modeling and design to construction administration and commissioning. As a natural collaborator, Ben fosters lasting relationships with owners, architects, and contractors, aligning engineering solutions with client goals to drive meaningful outcomes.
Notable projects include partnerships with public school systems like DC Public Schools, Baltimore City Schools, and Owensboro Public Schools. His ability to align educational, fiscal, and community objectives has earned the trust of clients looking to improve learning environments while achieving energy and sustainability goals. Ben’s portfolio includes over 50 net-zero energy (NZE) and NZE-ready buildings, ranging from school additions to large urban developments. His approachable, hands-on leadership embodies CMTA’s core values while consistently delivering impactful results. Managing a demanding career with an active family life, Ben demonstrates an exceptional ability to prioritize both personal and professional responsibilities.
Lauren La Bella
Over the past 17 years, Lauren La Bella has built an impressive portfolio as an electrical engineer and a dedicated community leader. Early in her career, she gained valuable international experience through her work on a major airport project in Doha, Qatar. Since then, she has successfully managed high-profile initiatives such as sports stadium renovations and new construction projects, earning a reputation for excellence. Now a prominent leader in mixed-use design at CMTA, she is widely respected for her ability to navigate complex project constraints and foster strong professional relationships.
Beyond her engineering accomplishments, Lauren also serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Golden Fire Department in Golden, Colorado, where she graduated as the top academic recruit during the COVID-19 pandemic. She thrives in high-pressure situations and actively engages in public outreach, reinforcing her commitment to her community. Balancing her career with meaningful community service, Lauren exemplifies resilience, leadership, and a dedication to making a difference.
Chad Riggs
Chad’s career is founded on hard work, resourcefulness, and a passion for innovative sustainability. With 14 years of mechanical engineering experience, he has led large-scale energy efficiency projects across the education sector, applying his expertise to deliver exceptional outcomes. Chad approaches the design process with the client’s best interest in mind, ensuring systems are cost-effective and easy to maintain. His leadership on a $30M geothermal energy project for Warren County Public Schools resulted in Kentucky’s most energy-efficient school district and the state’s first zero-energy school funded by a Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract (GESC). Building on this success, Chad and his team have delivered over $139M in projects for Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) in Virginia, including the district’s first geothermal renovation, which earned the prestigious recognition as a first place ASHRAE International Technology Award winner.
Now a Partner and Team Leader at CMTA Energy Solutions, Chad has fostered the growth of engineering teams in Louisville, KY, Fairfax, VA, and Baltimore, MD. He is dedicated to mentorship, professional development, and delivering client-focused solutions that prioritize innovative design, sustainability, and cost efficiency. Beyond his professional achievements, Chad values time with his wife and three young children, balancing a thriving career with his dedication to family and community involvement.