BREA, California — Burns & McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned engineering, architecture and construction company, has promoted Michael Lehrburger to regional manager of the firm’s Water Group in California.

In this role, Lehrburger will build and lead the team that provides safe, reliable and efficient water, wastewater and stormwater systems to communities on the West Coast. He also recently earned designation as a principal at Burns & McDonnell, one of the highest leadership honors an employee-owner can achieve at the company.

Employed at Burns & McDonnell for 14 years, Lehrburger — known as “Cheese” by colleagues and clients — is relocating from the firm’s Denver office, where he most recently directed water pipeline pursuits, projects and programs. With more than 20 years in the waterworks space, he has successfully led some of the largest and most important conveyance programs in the Rocky Mountain region, including in the states of Colorado and Wyoming.

Lehrburger serves as a civil engineer and has designed, managed and led a variety of waterworks projects and programs. Throughout his career, he has provided operational consultation and engineering design that maximizes water and wastewater infrastructure while minimizing associated risks.

“Cheese is a leader in the industry and a perfect mentor for the next generation of water professionals. We are lucky to have such an exceptional leader directing water initiatives and leading the state on a sustainable path to water reliability,” says Rashmi Menon, vice president and general manager at Burns & McDonnell in California. “Having such an inventive leader build our water practice in California is a strategic investment that will enable us to better serve our clients and make a lasting impact throughout our beautiful state.”

Burns & McDonnell has nearly 300 employee-owners in six office locations throughout California. The firm is looking for additional talented professionals to join the team.

“The Water Group in California is going to help Burns & McDonnell enter new markets and support new clients,” Lehrburger says. “This region has many water-related challenges when it comes to growth, drought, resilience and sustainability, and I’m honored to have this opportunity to partner with our employee-owners and clients to create sound solutions that will positively impact individuals living on the West Coast well into the future.”

Burns & McDonnell is ranked No. 6 in the top 100 design-build firms, according to Engineering News-Record. The firm also ranks among the top 20 firms in other categories, including No. 10 in water treatment and desalination plants, and No. 11 in wastewater treatment.

See what employment opportunities are available in California.

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 10,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, and more 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 60 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn how we are designed to build.