KANSAS CITY, Missouri — To inspire future growth and further strengthen service for critical infrastructure clients, Burns & McDonnell Chair and CEO Leslie Duke is expanding the firm’s executive leadership. Duke took the helm of the 100% employee-owned engineering, construction and architecture at the start of 2024.

“Our industries, regions and markets have evolved, and we need to as well to serve our clients and support our firm’s continued growth,” Duke says. “We work in many related markets and industries, and structuring our firm to leverage these commonalities will create essential synergies and efficiencies. The changes inspire more leadership opportunities and help us capitalize on organizational strength.”

New or expanded roles include:

John Olander will continue as chief operating officer, focusing on technology and innovation. Moving forward, Olander will oversee the Innovation Office, led by Chief Innovation Officer Matt Olson, and 1898 & Co., the firm’s global business, technology and security consultancy.

 

Bob Reymond is promoted to the new role of chief operating officer of energy, overseeing the firm’s Power Group and the Oil, Gas & Chemical (OGC) Group. Reymond, a Burns & McDonnell board member, moved into the new role after leading OGC since 2015. Mark Swanson is promoted to senior vice president and succeeds Reymond in leading OGC.


Paul Fischer is promoted to the new role of chief operating officer of growth. This elevated role will allow Fischer, a Burns & McDonnell board member, to continue to provide valuable guidance and vision for the firm during a time of phenomenal growth.

To continue the growth trajectory and provide a larger support structure in the firm’s U.S. regions, Duke is promoting three leaders who will oversee multiple regions and report to Fischer:

Zach Herrington will lead the Americas West Regions, consisting of the California, Mountain and Southwest regions.


Jerry Fan will lead the Americas North Regions, consisting of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, Upper Midwest and Midwest regions.


Allen Xi will lead the Americas South Region, consisting of the South-Central, North Texas, Southeast and Florida regions.

Fischer will also take on additional responsibilities of the firm’s business where localized growth is key. Duke is promoting two leaders to support Fischer in that effort:

Scott Newland will lead the firm’s infrastructure market, consisting of the Water, Transportation and Environmental Services Groups. Vice President Mike Folta will succeed Newland and serve as the general manager of the Great Lakes Region.


Jon Wright will lead the firm’s buildings market, including the Global Facilities and Aviation & Federal Groups.

Fischer also will oversee the Transmission & Distribution Group, led by Jamey Bertram.

Earlier this year, Duke announced three new C-Suite roles: Chris Baxter is chief risk officer, Matt Olson is chief innovation officer, and Joe Podrebarac is chief safety officer.

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of more than 14,500 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists, and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn how we are designed to build.