LAN Associates is headquartered in Midland Park
By Joshua Burd
LAN Associates has tapped a longtime engineer and executive with the firm as its first-ever chief operating officer.
The practice, which is based in Midland Park, said Steven Ramiza will take on an expanded role in business development and corporate matters after his recent promotion by its board of directors. He has spent more than 20 years with the architectural and engineering firm, most recently serving as the vice president in charge of managing the environmental services, civil engineering, land use and environmental, health and safety regulatory compliance departments since 2008.
In recent years Ramiza has taken charge of office operations such as negotiating leases, coordinating building issues, managing the network infrastructure and tracking software licensing and equipment contracts, along with helping keep LAN on track during the pandemic and the transition to remote work.
“Steve ensures LAN is prepared by keeping us up to date with all latest technology and workplace software,” LAN CEO Ron Panicucci said. “When COVID-19 hit, and we had to move to a work-from-home model, the value of his efforts was more apparent than ever. Not only was the transition smooth, but while everyone was working from home, Steve oversaw vital upgrades to the company server network and the deployment of our new softphone system.
“Both projects went off without a hitch and furthered LAN’s ability to adjust to a post-pandemic workplace dynamic.”
Ramiza, an engineer by trade, has spearheaded many of LAN’s biggest and most complex engineering projects, the firm said. He has served as the principal in charge of LAN’s term contracts with the New Jersey Schools Development Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection’s Parks & Forestry unit, among other clients.
“I have been with LAN Associates long enough to understand that this company grows and prospers due to great leadership,” Ramiza said. “I feel honored that the board of directors sought to cement my place in that leadership by naming me as the company’s first chief operating officer. LAN gave me the resources and freedom to allow me to develop over the last twenty-plus years and I look forward to continuing to work side by side with such a talented team of professionals.”
