KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Kerrie Greenfelder, PE, has been selected as president-elect of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and will assume the role as SWE president in July 2026. Greenfelder serves as an engineering director at Burns & McDonnell, one of the nation’s oldest and largest engineering firms. SWE represents more than 50,000 engineers and technologists around the world, with a mission to empower women to reach their full potential as engineers and leaders.

 

Greenfelder, a chemical engineer, brings more than 25 years of experience as a dynamic leader focused on critical infrastructure development, having been a part of water and wastewater treatment projects across the United States. She has been active with SWE at both local and global levels through 25 years of membership and has led transformative programs for SWE designed to empower women to reach their full potential as engineers and leaders.    

“Throughout my entire career as a professional engineer, I have made it my mission to inspire and empower others,” Greenfelder says. “I love what I do as an engineer, I love sharing my passion with those contemplating a career in engineering, and I love watching those who have jumped into the profession change the world. For 75 years, SWE has inspired me and women everywhere to excel in the field of engineering. I can’t wait to carry forward that mission.” 

Historically, women have been underrepresented in science, technology and engineering careers. Through the efforts of people like Greenfelder and organizations like SWE and Burns & McDonnell, those stats are changing.  

“Kerrie’s selection is a recognition of her enthusiastic and remarkable leadership, but also demonstrates the continued need to elevate and support women in our profession,” says Leslie M. Duke, PE, chair and CEO of Burns & McDonnell. “In our company, women are not only entering the profession at a significantly faster rate, they are driving our business to reach new levels of success every day.” 

To inspire the next generation of STEM leaders, leaders at Burns & McDonnell, like Greenfelder, actively participate with SWE, including hosting nearly 200 engagements with SWE student sections on more than 65 campuses across the country.  

“Over the course of my career, the change in our workforce has been remarkable,” says Renita Mollman, chief administrative officer, Burns & McDonnell. “Last year, nearly 40% of our intern class was female. Thanks to the investment of leaders like Kerrie, we are seeing the impacts with an influx of new talent.” 

A Life Member in SWE, Greenfelder has won multiple SWE awards and in 2024 was named a SWE Fellow. She recently served two terms on the society’s board of directors, focusing on advocacy, diversity, student programs, policies and inclusion. In addition to SWE, she is a passionate and active leader with the National Society of Professional Engineers — where she is currently the past president of the Kansas Society — as well as the Design Build Institute of America and Water Environment Federation. 

About Burns & McDonnell

Working from more than 75 offices around the world, Burns & McDonnell designs and builds critical infrastructure. Our family of companies — driven by engineers, construction professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists — delivers projects grounded in safety and a desire to make a difference as we make our clients successful. Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn more.