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Nicholas Walker, Vice President of Project Development and Strategy of IMPACT Strategies, is the recipient of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 2026 Construction Leadership Institute (CLI) Alumni Leadership Award.

The CLI Alumni Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the St. Louis area building community.

At IMPACT Strategies, Walker plays a pivotal role in advancing strategic initiatives and guiding projects from client’s vision to reality. He has a unique foundation in architecture, construction, and real estate development. Walker brings a comprehensive, multifaceted perspective to every engagement — allowing him to align business objectives, design intent, and construction execution into a cohesive strategy for client success.

Educated as an architect, Walker began his career in architectural practice and became a licensed architect early in his career. His experience in design provided a deep understanding of how thoughtful planning and collaboration shape the built environment. He later expanded his expertise into construction and development, devoting more than 15 years to shaping and delivering senior living communities. During that time, he led multidisciplinary teams, navigated complex regulatory environments, and delivered projects that balanced financial performance with meaningful impact for operators and senior living residents.

For nearly a decade at IMPACT Strategies, Walker has served as a trusted advisor to clients, offering strategic leadership throughout the project— from early visioning and feasibility through design, collaboration with preconstruction, and construction teams for execution. His diverse experience enables him to anticipate challenges, align stakeholder priorities, and facilitate confident, informed decision-making. Walker is engaged in supporting both clients and collaborating with the team at IMPACT Strategies to deliver projects with excellence and confidence.

Walker earned his Master of Business Administration from the John Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kentucky College of Design. He completed the Construction Leadership Institute at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2007, further strengthening his leadership skills in the construction industry.

CLI is an executive education program jointly developed by SIUE’s School of Business and the School of Engineering’s Department of Construction. It brings together professionals from many sectors of the building industry.

Since CLI’s creation, more than 650 emerging leaders and executives have benefitted from the nine-week program that strengthens leadership, strategic thinking, communications and key management skills.

For more information on the Construction Leadership Institute, visit siue.edu/cli or call 618-650-2668.

PHOTO: Nick Walker, winner, 2026 Construction Leadership Institute (CLI) Alumni Leadership Award