FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026
Cory Chapman Joins Crawford Architects to Drive Next‑Generation Sports Facility Innovation as Chief Business Officer
Kansas City, MO – Crawford Architects is pleased to announce the appointment of Cory Chapman as Chief Business Officer.
Chapman brings 25 years of administrative leadership experience across all levels of college athletics to Crawford after serving in key roles at the University of St. Thomas, Penn State University, University of Minnesota, and Simpson College. From NCAA Division III to Division I reclassification, to Power 4 level experience, to small private and large public institutions, Chapman’s background brings firsthand insights of the full collegiate landscape. Chapman has vast experience and has collaborated closely with owners’ representatives, athletic directors, and head coaches to deliver solutions that respond and position universities for modern-day athletics. His subject matter expertise spans oversight of large-scale capital projects, comprehensive master planning efforts, and feasibility studies supporting universities to generate revenue, creating memorable fan experiences, while supporting recruitment and player development efforts.
Chapman brings a well-rounded and exceptionally informed perspective to Crawford Architects, positioning the firm for greater heights. Chapman’s range of experience, paired with his depth of administrative skills, provides a strong foundation for an experienced leader to serve the needs of our clients at all levels. In his role at Crawford Architects, Chapman will oversee business operations, cultivate strategic partnerships, and work with the firm’s leadership to drive growth initiatives aligned with our commitment to delivering world‑class sports and entertainment environments in a manner that helps to shape the next generation of facilities.
“I am incredibly grateful and excited to join Crawford Architects! Over the past decade, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Crawford Architects at Penn State University and St. Thomas, and have seen firsthand the professionalism, integrity, collaboration, and forward-thinking nature of this firm. Crawford’s genuine care for their clients and their communities has always stood out, and I’m proud to now be a part of that mission by focusing on expanding our partnerships, strengthening our business operations, and helping shape the next generation of sports and entertainment facilities.”
— Cory Chapman, Chief Business Officer
“We are excited to welcome Cory to our leadership team. His deep understanding of collegiate athletics and proven experience with business administration, capital projects, master planning, and feasibility studies will strengthen our firm’s ability to deliver innovative solutions for our clients. Cory’s insight into athletic facilities and operations will be invaluable as we continue to support our clients’ vision for facilities that meet the needs of today and tomorrow.”
— David Murphy, Founder / Sr. Principal
About Crawford Architects
Crawford Architects is an award-winning planning, architecture, and interior design firm headquartered in Kansas City with offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, Honolulu and Sydney, Australia. As a firm focused on sports facility design, Crawford Architects prides itself on a personalized and tailored approach by specializing in all aspects of planning and design related to athletic facilities that anchor campus and mixed-use developments. Founded in 2001, Crawford Architects has a deep portfolio of historic projects across the United States. Our work is guided by our mission to create distinguished architecture that is contextually well-placed, for fans, student-athletes and the community served. Learn more at crawfordarch.com.
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Crawford Architects
1604 Locust Street, Suite 100
Kansas City, MO 64108
Gerry Rodrigues
grodrigues@crawford-usa.com
Cory Chapman
cchapman@crawford-usa.com
