Black & Veatch Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Black & Veatch has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, and marketing.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Black & Veatch delivers comprehensive engineering, consulting, and construction solutions globally, shaping infrastructure and driving sustainable development across diverse markets.

Leadership Roles at Black & Veatch

  • Vice President & Chief Executive Officer Chief of Staff - Steven Uhlmansiek
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer - Kathleen Johnson
  • Chief Financial Officer - Karen Daniel
  • Chief Operating Officer - Bruce Allender
  • Chief of Staff - Gerald Furland
  • Chief of Staff, Power Providers - Alissa Smith
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Senior VP - Ashley Davidson
  • Enterprise Evolution Chief of Staff - Brett Spence
  • Chief of Staff - Power Providers - Vinod Sreedhara
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Senior VP - Ashley Davidson
  • Steven Uhlmansiek - Vice President & Chief Executive Officer Chief of Staff

    Steven Uhlmansiek, the Vice President & Chief Executive Officer Chief of Staff at Black & Veatch, provides strategic support and operational coordination directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This high-level position involves managing critical executive priorities, overseeing special projects, and ensuring seamless communication between the CEO's office and various business units. Uhlmansiek's responsibilities include driving key initiatives, facilitating strategic planning sessions, and ensuring the effective implementation of corporate directives. By optimizing the CEO's time and focus, Steven Uhlmansiek enhances leadership effectiveness and accelerates the achievement of organizational goals. The Vice President & Chief Executive Officer Chief of Staff plays a pivotal role in translating executive vision into actionable operational plans.

    Kathleen Johnson - Vice President, Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer

    Kathleen Johnson, the Vice President, Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer at Black & Veatch, provides essential strategic and operational support directly to the CEO. This pivotal role involves managing high-priority projects, coordinating executive communications, and ensuring the efficient functioning of the CEO's office. Johnson's responsibilities include facilitating strategic planning processes, preparing critical analyses for executive review, and driving key organizational initiatives forward. By optimizing the CEO's bandwidth and focus, Kathleen Johnson significantly contributes to effective leadership and the achievement of corporate objectives. The Vice President, Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer acts as a key liaison, ensuring alignment across all levels of the organization.

    Karen Daniel - Chief Financial Officer

    Karen Daniel, the Chief Financial Officer at Black & Veatch, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Overseeing treasury, accounting, and financial reporting, Daniel ensures robust financial health and compliance across the global enterprise. This leadership role involves managing capital allocation, optimizing investment strategies, and driving profitability through disciplined financial management. By analyzing market trends and economic indicators, Karen Daniel guides the company's financial trajectory, securing long-term stability and supporting ambitious growth initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to risk management, ensuring the company's assets are protected and financial strategies align with overarching business objectives.

    Bruce Allender - Chief Operating Officer

    Bruce Allender, the Chief Operating Officer at Black & Veatch, executes the company's operational strategies across its global engineering, consulting, and construction services. Overseeing project delivery, resource allocation, and operational efficiency, Allender ensures seamless execution of complex infrastructure projects. This critical role involves optimizing workflows, implementing best practices in project management, and driving continuous improvement across all operational divisions. By fostering collaboration between engineering, procurement, and construction teams, Bruce Allender enhances project outcomes and client satisfaction. The Chief Operating Officer's focus remains on delivering high-quality services while maintaining stringent safety standards and maximizing operational performance.

    Gerald Furland - Chief of Staff

    Gerald Furland, the Chief of Staff at Black & Veatch, supports executive leadership in driving strategic initiatives and operational alignment. Coordinating cross-functional projects and facilitating communication across departments, Furland ensures efficient execution of the company's vision. This role involves managing key priorities, preparing executive briefings, and optimizing the effectiveness of leadership meetings. By acting as a central point of coordination, Gerald Furland streamlines decision-making processes and enhances organizational agility. The Chief of Staff's efforts contribute directly to the successful implementation of corporate strategies and the achievement of business objectives.

    Alissa Smith - Chief of Staff, Power Providers

    Alissa Smith, the Chief of Staff, Power Providers at Black & Veatch, directs strategic operations and project execution within the Power Providers sector. Overseeing key initiatives and ensuring alignment with divisional goals, Smith enhances operational efficiency and client service delivery. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams, managing critical project timelines, and supporting the strategic direction of the Power Providers business unit. By fostering collaboration and driving process improvements, Alissa Smith contributes significantly to the sector's success. The Chief of Staff, Power Providers ensures that operational strategies effectively support the company's mission in delivering essential energy infrastructure solutions.

    Ashley Davidson - Chief Marketing Officer & Senior VP

    Ashley Davidson, the Chief Marketing Officer & Senior VP at Black & Veatch, leads all global marketing strategies and brand development initiatives. Overseeing market research, digital marketing, communications, and public relations, Davidson drives brand awareness and market positioning for the company's diverse service offerings. This executive role involves shaping the company's narrative, engaging key stakeholders, and identifying new market opportunities. By developing and executing integrated marketing campaigns, Ashley Davidson supports business development efforts and strengthens client relationships across the construction, engineering, and consulting sectors. The Chief Marketing Officer & Senior VP ensures the company's value proposition resonates effectively in competitive global markets.
    Ashley Davidson

    Brett Spence - Enterprise Evolution Chief of Staff

    Brett Spence, the Enterprise Evolution Chief of Staff at Black & Veatch, spearheads strategic initiatives focused on organizational transformation and future readiness. Coordinating efforts across various departments, Spence ensures the effective implementation of change management programs and drives innovation throughout the enterprise. This role involves analyzing business processes, identifying areas for improvement, and facilitating the adoption of new technologies and methodologies. By fostering a culture of continuous evolution, Brett Spence supports Black & Veatch's adaptation to dynamic market conditions and emerging industry trends. The Enterprise Evolution Chief of Staff plays a crucial part in positioning the company for sustained long-term success and competitive advantage.

    Vinod Sreedhara - Chief of Staff - Power Providers

    Vinod Sreedhara, the Chief of Staff - Power Providers at Black & Veatch, enhances operational effectiveness and strategic execution within the Power Providers division. Coordinating critical projects and supporting leadership directives, Sreedhara ensures seamless integration of services and optimal resource deployment. This position involves driving key performance indicators, facilitating interdepartmental collaboration, and supporting the strategic growth objectives of the Power Providers business. By streamlining operations and fostering efficient communication channels, Vinod Sreedhara contributes to the division's ability to deliver complex energy infrastructure solutions. The Chief of Staff - Power Providers is instrumental in advancing the company's mission within the vital power sector.

    Ashley Davidson - Chief Marketing Officer & Senior VP

    Ashley Davidson, the Chief Marketing Officer & Senior VP at Black & Veatch, directs global marketing initiatives and enhances the company's brand presence across all sectors. Overseeing strategic communications, digital engagement, and market intelligence, Davidson ensures consistent messaging and effective outreach to clients and partners worldwide. This leadership position involves shaping the company's market perception, driving lead generation, and supporting business development objectives through targeted campaigns. By analyzing market dynamics and client needs, Ashley Davidson guides the development of impactful marketing strategies that reinforce Black & Veatch's position as a leader in engineering, consulting, and construction. The Chief Marketing Officer & Senior VP champions the company's innovative solutions and commitment to sustainable development.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Black & Veatch Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Black & Veatch?
    Black & Veatch is led by Steven Uhlmansiek (Vice President & Chief Executive Officer Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Kathleen Johnson (Vice President, Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer) and Karen Daniel (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Black & Veatch’s executive team?
    The executive team of Black & Veatch includes leaders such as Steven Uhlmansiek (Vice President & Chief Executive Officer Chief of Staff), Kathleen Johnson (Vice President, Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer), Karen Daniel (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Black & Veatch have?
    Black & Veatch has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Black & Veatch’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Black & Veatch includes roles such as Vice President & Chief Executive Officer Chief of Staff, Vice President, Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff.