Blake Hickok named CEO, Jeremy Wescoat joins as CFO, Jeff Nichols named VP

DENVER – Oct. 1, 2025 — EEI, a national leader in facility systems consulting, announced today a strategic leadership transition as Jeff Nichols steps down from his role as CEO/President. Having now successfully led the firm’s reorganization, rapid expansion and the identification his successor, Nichols will assume a more focused role as Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Growth. He will continue to apply his visionary hands-on leadership to further expanding the firm’s client base and building performance services.

Blake Hickok, formerly EEI’s Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed CEO/President. Jeremy Wescoat, a seasoned executive with nearly three decades of experience, will succeed Hickok as Chief Financial Officer. Both Hickok and Wescoat are based in EEI’s Denver, Colorado office. Nichols will continue to serve from the firm’s Seattle, Washington office.

“Stepping down as CEO is both humbling and energizing,” said Nichols. “Reflecting on what we’ve built together is incredibly meaningful, and I have full confidence in Blake’s leadership to take EEI into its next era. His strategic vision and commitment to our clients and employees make him the right person to lead us forward.”

With more than 40 years of industry experience, Nichols has shaped EEI into a trusted partner for commercial, institutional, and mission-critical facilities nationwide. A registered Professional Engineer and certified commissioning expert, he has led the firm’s technical excellence in MEP QA/QC, system optimization and post-occupancy performance enhancement. His commitment to data-driven facility management and the integration of emerging AI technologies has positioned EEI at the forefront of operational innovation.

In his new role as Vice President, Nichols will lead EEI’s national growth strategy—overseeing client acquisition and retention, integrating business development and marketing efforts, mergers and acquisition exploration and expanding the firm’s presence across targeted vertical markets. He will guide strategic pursuits, mentor emerging seller-doers and support regional directors and service managers in achieving business development goals.

“Jeff’s transition reflects EEI’s commitment to an evolving leadership team while staying true to the values and technical rigor that have defined our success,” said Hickok. “His continued influence will be instrumental as we grow and expand our reach and impact for clients. I’m committed to advancing EEI’s national presence while ensuring our team remains supported by a strong employee ownership culture.”

Hickok brings a long history of leadership at EEI, having previously served as both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. In these roles, he led initiatives that strengthened performance, profitability, and operational resilience. His broad management expertise include corporate visioning, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and ESOP implementation and stewardship—making him a key architect of EEI’s national impact. Known for his emotional intelligence and systems-thinking approach, Hickok has developed scalable processes and controls that support current operations and position the firm for continued expansion.

Wescoat joins EEI as Chief Financial Officer, bringing nearly 30 years of experience across finance, accounting, operations, and administration in the professional services, consulting and global communications industries. He has successfully scaled organizations, executed complex acquisitions, and aligned cross-functional teams to achieve long-term success and operational excellence.

About EEI Building Performance:

Founded in 1984, EEI Building Performance is a 100% employee-owned firm that drives high-performance building systems through world-class talent, forward-thinking innovation, and transformative technology-creating environments where people, organizations and our planet thrive. EEI is a founding member of the Building Commissioning Association and an early pioneer in the LEED Pilot Program. We make buildings work better for the people who use them, the organizations that depend on them and the planet we all share. For more information, visit eeibuildingperformance.com.