Burns & McDonnell Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Burns & McDonnell has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, technology integration, information systems, and operational management.

Committed to excellence in engineering and design, Burns & McDonnell delivers comprehensive infrastructure solutions across aviation, defense, and utility sectors to drive global progress.

Leadership Roles at Burns & McDonnell

  • Chief Executive Officer - Leslie Duke
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mark Taylor
  • Chief Operating Officer - Joseph Diab
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Paul Fischer
  • Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group - Robert Reymond
  • President - Joel Deboer
  • President & General Manager, Global Facilities - Michael Fenske
  • Chief Technology Officer - Chuck Brown
  • Chief Information Officer - James Swanski
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Parul Gopal
  • Leslie Duke - Chief Executive Officer

    Leslie Duke, the Chief Executive Officer at Burns & McDonnell, directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. Duke manages the alignment of engineering, architecture, and construction services across diverse global markets. By prioritizing sustainable growth and client-focused innovation, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the firm maintains a competitive edge in the utility and defense sectors. Leslie Duke fosters a culture of technical excellence while overseeing the integration of complex environmental consulting projects. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine long-term objectives and expand the company's footprint in North American and international markets. Through rigorous oversight of corporate performance, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational efficiency and maintains the firm's reputation for delivering high-stakes infrastructure projects. Ultimately, Duke secures the financial and professional future of the organization.
    Leslie Duke

    Mark Taylor - Chief Financial Officer

    Mark Taylor, the Chief Financial Officer at Burns & McDonnell, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the firm. Taylor oversees financial reporting, risk management, and investment planning to support large-scale engineering and construction initiatives. By analyzing market trends in the aviation and utility sectors, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital resources align with long-term growth objectives. Mark Taylor coordinates with executive leadership to optimize project profitability and maintain robust balance sheets. This role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and ensuring fiscal transparency across all regional operations. Through disciplined financial stewardship, the Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's ability to undertake massive infrastructure projects. Ultimately, Taylor provides the economic foundation necessary for the company to deliver high-quality design and consulting services to clients worldwide.

    Joseph Diab - Chief Operating Officer

    Joseph Diab, the Chief Operating Officer at Burns & McDonnell, directs the internal scaling and operational workflows of the firm. Diab manages the day-to-day execution of engineering and construction projects, ensuring that resource allocation meets the demands of the aviation and defense markets. By optimizing internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer improves project delivery timelines and enhances overall service quality. Joseph Diab collaborates with department heads to streamline cross-functional communication and project management standards. This leadership role involves monitoring operational performance metrics to identify areas for efficiency gains. Through the implementation of standardized operational procedures, the Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's ability to handle large-scale infrastructure challenges. Ultimately, Diab ensures that the company's internal operations remain agile and capable of meeting the evolving needs of clients across the country.
    Joseph Diab

    Paul Fischer - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Paul Fischer, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Burns & McDonnell, oversees the execution of corporate strategy and operational excellence. Fischer directs the firm's expansion efforts and manages the performance of key business units within the utility and environmental sectors. By aligning operational output with the company's mission, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that engineering and consulting services meet rigorous quality standards. Paul Fischer works closely with the executive team to drive growth and maintain the firm's market leadership. This role involves managing high-level client relationships and ensuring that project delivery remains consistent with the company's reputation for excellence. Through the oversight of operational performance, the President & Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's long-term success. Ultimately, Fischer drives the strategic initiatives that define the company's impact on critical infrastructure development.
    Paul Fischer

    Robert Reymond - Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group

    Robert Reymond, the Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group at Burns & McDonnell, directs the operational strategy for the firm's energy and utility projects. Reymond manages the engineering and construction teams focused on power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure. By overseeing the execution of complex energy projects, the Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group ensures that the firm meets the growing demand for reliable utility services. Robert Reymond coordinates with technical leads to implement innovative energy solutions that address environmental and regulatory requirements. This leadership role involves managing project risks and ensuring that energy initiatives are delivered on time and within budget. Through the strategic management of the energy portfolio, the Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group supports the firm's commitment to sustainable infrastructure. Ultimately, Reymond drives the operational success of the company's energy-focused business units.

    Joel Deboer - President

    Joel Deboer, the President at Burns & McDonnell, directs the firm's business development and market expansion strategies. Deboer manages the pursuit of new opportunities in the aviation, defense, and environmental sectors to drive revenue growth. By fostering strong client relationships, the President ensures that the firm remains the partner of choice for complex infrastructure projects. Joel Deboer collaborates with regional leaders to identify emerging market trends and tailor service offerings to meet specific client needs. This leadership role involves overseeing the strategic direction of business units and ensuring that the firm's capabilities align with market demands. Through the pursuit of new business and the maintenance of existing accounts, the President supports the firm's long-term growth objectives. Ultimately, Deboer drives the commercial success and market presence of the company across diverse industries.
    Joel Deboer

    Michael Fenske - President & General Manager, Global Facilities

    Michael Fenske, the President & General Manager, Global Facilities at Burns & McDonnell, directs the design and construction of large-scale facility projects worldwide. Fenske manages the teams responsible for delivering complex infrastructure for the aviation and defense markets. By overseeing the global facilities portfolio, the President & General Manager, Global Facilities ensures that the firm provides innovative and sustainable building solutions. Michael Fenske coordinates with engineering and architecture departments to deliver projects that meet the highest standards of quality and safety. This leadership role involves managing international operations and ensuring that the firm's global facilities business remains competitive. Through the strategic oversight of facility projects, the President & General Manager, Global Facilities supports the firm's commitment to excellence in design and construction. Ultimately, Fenske drives the success of the company's global facilities business unit.

    Chuck Brown - Chief Technology Officer

    Chuck Brown, the Chief Technology Officer at Burns & McDonnell, architects the digital transformation and technical innovation strategies for the firm. Brown directs the development of advanced engineering software and design tools that enhance project delivery across the aviation and environmental markets. By integrating cutting-edge technology into construction workflows, the Chief Technology Officer improves precision and efficiency for complex infrastructure builds. Chuck Brown collaborates with engineering teams to implement automated design solutions and data-driven modeling. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging technologies to maintain the firm's position at the forefront of the industry. Through the deployment of scalable technical frameworks, the Chief Technology Officer supports the firm's commitment to innovation. Ultimately, Brown drives the adoption of modern digital practices that define the company's competitive advantage in the global engineering landscape.

    James Swanski - Chief Information Officer

    James Swanski, the Chief Information Officer at Burns & McDonnell, manages the enterprise-wide information systems and cybersecurity infrastructure. Swanski directs the secure flow of data across all engineering and consulting departments to ensure seamless project execution. By overseeing the firm's digital architecture, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive client information and proprietary design data. James Swanski coordinates with IT teams to implement robust network solutions that support global operations in the defense and utility sectors. This role involves maintaining high-availability systems that allow engineers and architects to collaborate effectively on complex projects. Through the strategic management of information technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures operational continuity and data integrity. Ultimately, Swanski provides the essential digital infrastructure required for the firm to deliver reliable and secure engineering services to a diverse client base.

    Parul Gopal - Chief Administrative Officer

    Parul Gopal, the Chief Administrative Officer at Burns & McDonnell, manages the administrative functions and organizational support systems for the firm. Gopal directs human resources, facilities management, and corporate governance initiatives to ensure a productive work environment. By overseeing the administrative infrastructure, the Chief Administrative Officer supports the firm's ability to attract and retain top engineering and design talent. Parul Gopal coordinates with executive leadership to implement policies that align with the company's culture and long-term goals. This role involves managing corporate compliance and ensuring that administrative processes support the firm's operational needs. Through the strategic management of administrative resources, the Chief Administrative Officer enhances organizational efficiency and employee engagement. Ultimately, Gopal provides the foundational support necessary for the company to maintain its status as a premier engineering and consulting firm.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Burns & McDonnell Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Burns & McDonnell?
    Burns & McDonnell is led by Leslie Duke (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mark Taylor (Chief Financial Officer) and Joseph Diab (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Burns & McDonnell’s executive team?
    The executive team of Burns & McDonnell includes leaders such as Leslie Duke (Chief Executive Officer), Mark Taylor (Chief Financial Officer), Joseph Diab (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Burns & McDonnell have?
    Burns & McDonnell has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Burns & McDonnell’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Burns & McDonnell includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group.