Landscape Structures Inc. announced the promotion of Karlye Emerson to president and CEO. She succeeds Pat Faust who has retired. An integral part of the leadership team since 2001, Emerson has played a critical role in the company’s corporate growth, talent development, and operational excellence.
“I’m honored to lead Landscape Structures into its next chapter,” said Emerson. “We believe play is life-changing, and I’m proud to continue our mission of enhancing children’s lives through inspiring play experiences. Together with our dedicated employee owners, we’ll keep pushing the boundaries of innovative play equipment.”
Emerson began her career at Landscape Structures in a leadership position in Human Resources, shaping HR strategies across recruitment, training, compensation, and employee engagement. She served as vice president of corporate strategy and human capital from 2011 to 2021 where she championed company culture and organizational development. Emerson led cross-departmental strategy initiatives, facilitated succession planning at all levels, and drove the company’s information technology roadmap to support long-term business goals. She is a steward of the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, ensuring sound financial strategies and cash flow management to fulfill obligations to employee shareholders. She was promoted to executive vice president in 2021 where she partnered closely with Faust to develop and execute corporate strategies, ensuring alignment with business objectives while overseeing key functions, including Human Resources, IT, Continuous Improvement, ISO Management and Safety.
Emerson earned a bachelor’s degree in science with a minor in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, postgraduate degree in counseling psychology from St. Cloud State University, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of St. Thomas.
“Karlye brings the vision, passion and purpose to lead Landscape Structures into an inspiring future,” said Faust who now serves as chairman of the board. “Over the past two decades of working together, I have watched her excel at every role she takes on. She is very well suited to carry on the legacy of our co-founders Steve and Barb King.”
Steve King, co-founder of Landscape Structures and a lifelong advocate of play, will continue to support the company’s mission as a board member. He will remain engaged in the company’s long-term vision while empowering the next generation of leadership to carry forward the legacy he and Barb began more than 50 years ago.