Stephanie Johnston
HELIX Environmental Planning announces Stephanie Johnston has been named as the company’s next Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective January 1, 2027, as part of a long-planned leadership transition following the upcoming retirement of current CFO Kristin Olszak. Kristin, who has served HELIX for more than 33 years, will remain actively engaged through the end of 2026 to support a seamless transition for employees, clients, and business partners.
Kristin’s retirement marks the culmination of an exceptional career that has spanned nearly the entirety of HELIX’s history. Having joined the company during its second year of operation, Kristin has played an instrumental role in HELIX’s growth, financial stewardship, employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), and long-term strategic success. Her leadership has helped guide the company through decades of expansion while strengthening the employee-owned culture that remains central to HELIX today.
Kristin Olszak
“Kristin’s impact on HELIX has been extraordinary,” said CEO Shelby Howard. “For more than three decades, she has served as a trusted advisor, strategic leader, Board director, and champion of our employee-owned culture. Her integrity, leadership, and stewardship have helped shape HELIX into the company we are today. We are deeply grateful for many contributions and the lasting legacy she leaves for future generations of employee-owners.”
As part of its succession planning efforts, HELIX selected Stephanie, currently serving as HELIX’s Controller, to become the company’s next CFO. Stephanie was chosen following a comprehensive evaluation process that highlighted her financial expertise, leadership capabilities, integrity, commitment to employee ownership, and strong alignment with HELIX’s values and long-term vision. In her role as Controller, she has worked closely with company leadership to support the firm’s financial performance, strengthen operational processes, and help position HELIX for continued success.
“Stephanie has consistently demonstrated exceptional financial leadership, sound judgment, initiative, and dedication to HELIX,” said Howard. “What stands out most is her integrity, thoughtful approach to leadership, and commitment to long-term value creation for our employee owners, clients, and communities. We are confident she is the right leader to build upon our strong financial foundation and help steward HELIX’s long-term success.”
To support Stephanie’s expanded responsibilities and strategic finance focus areas, HELIX has initiated a search for a new Controller. HELIX’s next Controller will lead our accounting and financial management team and will help maintain the company’s strong financial operations.
Upon assuming the CFO role in 2027, Stephanie will join the company’s Leadership Team and work closely with the Board of Directors to support organizational governance and long-term planning.
“It’s been an honor to help build and grow this firm alongside so many talented, dedicated people like Stephanie,” said Kristin Olszak. “By developing leaders from within while strategically investing in key positions, we are aligning HELIX for continued success and creating a seamless experience for staff and clients, rooted in our values as an employee-owned company. I have tremendous confidence in her and in the future of this company, and I look forward to supporting a smooth transition in the months ahead.”
About HELIX Environmental Planning
HELIX Environmental Planning is an employee-owned firm and a leader in environmental planning and natural resource sustainability. Established in 1991 and with offices in offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, and Placer counties and the Bay Area, HELIX provides a broad range of environmental consulting and design services throughout California and the western United States. HELIX has extensive experience helping public and private clients comply with environmental laws and regulations, manage natural and cultural resources, and design and construct sustainable projects. HELIX’s in-house services include CEQA/NEPA compliance, biological studies, cultural resource management, paleontological studies, architectural history, environmental compliance and mitigation monitoring, regulatory permitting, habitat restoration, landscape architecture, and air quality/greenhouse gas and noise studies.