TORONTO, Canada — Joanna Osawe, a leader in the renewable and energy sector, joins the Transmission & Distribution Group at Burns & McDonnell. Serving as senior business development manager, Osawe will use her 15+ years of management experience leading renewable and energy sector companies in Canada and the United States to help clients with their net zero and sustainability efforts while increasing productivity.

Osawe is the founder, president and CEO of Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE), which focuses on the advancement and recognition of women and underrepresented groups working in the energy sector. It forges partnerships with government agencies and a spectrum of energy industry associations as well as networking groups for professionals and academic providers. Osawe is also on the Federal Sustainable Development Advisory Council, which reports to Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault. On the council, she represents the environmental and nongovernmental organizations as she assists in reviewing and commenting on drafts of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy and advises Guilbeault on other matters regarding sustainable development. Osawe was also appointed to the board of directors of Ontario Energy Network (OEN), which provides networking activities and inter-jurisdictional information for all energy industry segments.

“I am incredibly excited to be joining the Burns & McDonnell family,” Osawe says. “The safety, diversity and inclusion aspect of the firm is something that I value dearly. There is so much change happening within the renewable and sustainable sector and being able to apply my passion, experience and connections to Burns & McDonnell will surely make a global impact.”

In her role, Osawe works to build strong and proactive relationships with current and new Burns & McDonnell clients by developing a strategic understanding of each client’s organizational priorities, goals, problems and opportunities. Utilizing her interpersonal skills and previous experience, Osawe has already identified new business opportunities that will benefit Burns & McDonnell as well as prospective clients within the transmission and distribution industry.

“Joanna’s vast knowledge and experience in managing and leading companies in the renewable and energy field is exactly what we are looking for to serve our clients in Canada,” says Darcy Wagner, managing director of Burns & McDonnell Canada. “We know her broad network in the renewable field will be incredibly valuable as we continue to grow on an international scale.”

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell brings together an unmatched team of more than 13,500 consultants, engineers, architects, construction and craft professionals, and more to design and build critical infrastructure. Our solutions-driven, integrated team offers full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from 70 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.