Fairview, Illinois-based IMPACT Strategies, Inc. celebrated Nicholas Walker, Vice President of Project Development & Strategy, on being named the 2026 Distinguished Construction Leadership Institute (CLI) Alumni Leadership Award recipient by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The CLI Alumni Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding graduate who demonstrates exceptional leadership and service to the St. Louis building community — a distinction that reflects Nick’s lasting impact on the industry. Nick completed the Construction Leadership Institute at SIUE in 2007, an executive program that brings together leaders from across the building industry to strengthen leadership, strategic thinking, and collaboration.
At IMPACT, Nick plays a pivotal role in guiding projects from a client’s initial vision through successful execution. With a unique background spanning architecture, construction, and real estate development, he brings a strategic, collaborative approach that aligns business goals, design intent, and construction delivery to drive client success. “Nick has provided tremendous leadership in promoting our services and enhancing our culture,” said Mark Hinrichs, President of IMPACT.
In addition, IMPACT Strategies is pleased to honor Zack Barnes and Lucas Theising, Senior Project Engineers, who recently completed the SIUE Construction Leadership Institute. The Institute was developed by the SIUE School of Business and Engineering with guidance from local construction industry executives. This program is designed to provide valuable knowledge and skills that can be used to tackle the modern-day challenges of the construction industry. Barnes and Theising were recommended and sponsored by IMPACT to participate in this nine-week course as a part of their continuing education. Barnes has a degree in Construction Project Management from Kaskaskia College; Theising has a degree in Technical Resource Management and Construction Management from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. Zack and Lucas joined IMPACT in 2022.
