Doug Hood to Retire as President of CSD Group

I want to share an important leadership transition—one shaped by prayer, gratitude, and confidence in God’s continued guidance.
 
For several years, I have been prayerfully considering the best time to retire from CSD and handover the leadership baton of stewarding the legacy of this amazing team and company. After more than three decades leading and serving alongside the CSD team, I have decided to step back from daily leadership responsibilities and enter a new season focused on mentoring, encouraging leaders, and pursuing new opportunities. I am therefore announcing my upcoming retirement effective Friday, April 24.
 
Ignite121 President, Arlan Friesen, stated, “Doug has been instrumental in shaping the heart and direction of the company, building a culture rooted in relationships, creativity, and meaningful impact. As he steps away from daily operations, Doug will continue as President Emeritus, to support the organization in an advisory and mentoring capacity, encouraging the next generation of leaders and remaining connected to the mission and people that have been central to his work. Thank you, Doug, for your enduring commitment to the success of CSD!”
 
I have been working closely with our board regarding this transition. We decided that effective March 24, 2026, Jacob Schmell will step into the role of Interim General Manager, assuming full responsibility for day-to-day leadership and direction of the company. By design, Jacob has already been helping to lead the CSD teams; I anticipate this being a smooth transition for all of us.
 
We are grateful for Jacob’s readiness and willingness to lead and for the gifts God has placed in him for this next season. The Ignite121 leadership has already come alongside Jacob to support this transition with strategic consultation by senior executives within the Ambassador Enterprises ecosystem who have deep experience in design-build contracting. 
 
I carry deep gratitude for the many men and women who helped build CSD over the past 30+ years. Together we created an impact far greater than any one person could accomplish alone. Above all, I thank the Lord—our faithful Provider—who guided our path, opened doors, and sustained us through every season. These years represent countless memories, relationships, and moments I will always treasure. As this next chapter begins, I move forward with great confidence in the team and in the future of CSD. The foundation is strong, the people are exceptional, and the opportunities ahead are extraordinary.
 
Gratefully, Doug Hood