Systems West Engineers Names Amber Kelel Vice President

Systems West Engineers has named Amber Kelel Vice President, effective immediately. Kelel is the first woman to hold the Vice President role in the firm’s history. The appointment reflects her growing leadership within the company and her longstanding role in shaping Systems West’s strategy, culture, and growth.

The promotion recognizes a role Kelel already plays. For years, she has worked alongside firm leadership as a trusted partner, helping the team step back from the daily demands of the business to focus on where the firm wants to go, which relationships it should build, and how it can grow thoughtfully. As Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Kelel will guide the firm’s strategic direction, identifying where Systems West can grow and how it can best serve its clients and communities in the years ahead.

“One of the things I appreciate most about Amber is that she helps me see possibilities from a different perspective,” said Adam Mangrich, CEO and President of Systems West Engineers. “She cares about our people, understands the importance of relationships, and keeps us thinking about where SWE can go next. I’m excited to have her as a partner in leading the company, and proud to celebrate her becoming our first female Vice President.”

Kelel joined Systems West in 2017 to lead marketing and recruitment. She became an Associate in 2020, and in 2022 became an Associate Principal and joined the firm’s Board of Directors. She led the firm’s rebrand and website relaunch, built its internal training and career development programs, and reshaped its recruiting approach. These efforts significantly increased the number of women engineers and designers at the firm and brought renewed intention to aligning hiring with the firm’s strategy. Mangrich noted that Kelel earned the role through her leadership and contributions and hopes others at Systems West see her path and can picture their own potential to grow and lead at the firm.

“What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to continue to create what’s next in collaboration with our talented team,” Kelel said. “We have a strong foundation, built by the thoughtful and ambitious minds who came before us, and a tremendous opportunity to keep evolving, challenging ourselves, and creating something even better for the next generation.”

“While this position is a personal milestone, I recognize it carries meaning well beyond me. There is a collective sense of pride and progress when women see other women step into positions of leadership, especially in an industry where that hasn’t always been the norm. I feel both the privilege and responsibility of that, and I hope this moment is one more example of what’s possible.”

– Amber Kelel, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Systems West Engineers

Kelel brings the same care to her community. She has served on the boards of directors of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Willamalane Park Foundation. She cochaired the Lane Transit District Community Steering Council and has mentored emerging professionals through SMPS Oregon. She also graduated from the Leadership Eugene Springfield program in 2019.

Her leadership and contributions have earned recognition across Oregon. The Daily Journal of Commerce named her a 2023 Woman of Vision, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce honored her as its 2023 Emerging Leader, and the Eugene Chamber recognized her among its 2024 20 Under 40 Rising Stars. In 2025, she was named to the Oregon 250, recognizing 250 of the state’s most influential and accomplished professionals driving innovation, creating jobs, strengthening communities, and shaping Oregon’s future.

About Systems West Engineers
Systems West Engineers provides mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design, commissioning, energy services, and existing building services. The firm has offices in Springfield, Bend, and West Linn, Oregon. Founded in 1988, Systems West pursues a single mission: To elevate its team, its clients, its community, and the global environment in everything it does.