Burns & McDonnell Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Burns & McDonnell has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, technology, operations, administration, and global facilities.

Driven by a legacy of innovation, Burns & McDonnell is dedicated to delivering comprehensive engineering, architecture, construction, environmental, and consulting services across aviation, defense, environmental, and utility markets, shaping infrastructure worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Burns & McDonnell

  • Chief Executive Officer (India) - Breck McGary
  • Chief Financial Officer - Alissa Schuessler
  • Chief Operating Officer - Joseph Diab
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Paul Fischer
  • Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group - Robert Reymond
  • President & General Manager, Global Facilities - Michael Fenske
  • President - Joel DeBoer
  • Chief Technology Officer - Chuck Brown
  • Chief Information Officer - James Swanski
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Parul Gopal
  • Breck McGary - Chief Executive Officer (India)

    Breck McGary, the Chief Executive Officer (India) at Burns & McDonnell, directs the company's strategic expansion and operational leadership within the Indian market. Overseeing all business activities, McGary drives the delivery of engineering, architecture, and construction services tailored to regional needs. This executive role involves building strong client relationships and fostering local talent to enhance the firm's presence in India's growing infrastructure sector. By ensuring alignment with global standards and local requirements, Breck McGary directly contributes to the success of projects across various industries. The Chief Executive Officer (India)'s focus includes navigating regulatory landscapes and identifying new business opportunities. McGary's leadership is pivotal for Burns & McDonnell's commitment to the Indian market.
    Breck McGary

    Alissa Schuessler - Chief Financial Officer

    Alissa Schuessler, the Chief Financial Officer at Burns & McDonnell, directs all financial strategy and operations. Overseeing fiscal planning, investment management, and financial reporting, Schuessler ensures robust economic health across the firm's diverse service lines. This leadership role involves optimizing capital allocation to support growth initiatives in engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting. By managing risk and driving financial efficiency, Alissa Schuessler directly impacts the company's long-term sustainability and market competitiveness. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to treasury functions and investor relations, solidifying the firm's financial foundation. Schuessler's strategic financial guidance underpins the firm's ability to undertake large-scale projects across the aviation, defense, environmental, and utility sectors.
    Alissa Schuessler

    Joseph Diab - Chief Operating Officer

    Joseph Diab, the Chief Operating Officer at Burns & McDonnell, directs the firm's day-to-day operational activities and ensures efficient project execution across all service lines. Overseeing the integration of engineering, architecture, and construction processes, Diab drives operational excellence and optimizes resource allocation. This leadership role involves implementing best practices to enhance project delivery timelines and quality standards, particularly within the utility and environmental markets. By streamlining workflows and fostering cross-functional collaboration, Joseph Diab directly contributes to client satisfaction and project profitability. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic focus includes managing operational risks and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Diab's leadership ensures the firm's operational capacity effectively supports its global project portfolio.
    Joseph Diab

    Paul Fischer - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Paul Fischer, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Burns & McDonnell, leads the overall strategic direction and operational execution of the firm. Overseeing all business units, Fischer drives growth initiatives and ensures the delivery of integrated engineering, architecture, and construction solutions. This executive role involves fostering a culture of innovation and client focus across the organization, particularly within the aviation and defense sectors. By aligning corporate strategy with operational capabilities, Paul Fischer directly enhances the firm's market position and competitive advantage. The President & Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities encompass financial oversight, business development, and ensuring operational excellence across a global project landscape. Fischer's leadership guides the firm's expansion and commitment to client success.
    Paul Fischer

    Robert Reymond - Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group

    Robert Reymond, the Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group at Burns & McDonnell, spearheads operational strategies within the firm's vital energy sector. Overseeing project execution, resource management, and operational efficiency for energy-related engineering, construction, and consulting services, Reymond ensures the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects. This leadership position involves driving innovation in renewable energy, traditional power generation, and transmission and distribution systems. By optimizing operational performance and managing project risks, Robert Reymond directly supports the energy group's growth and profitability. The Chief Operating Officer's focus includes enhancing safety protocols and implementing advanced technologies to meet evolving industry demands. Reymond's expertise guides the energy group's strategic initiatives.

    Michael Fenske - President & General Manager, Global Facilities

    Michael Fenske, the President & General Manager, Global Facilities at Burns & McDonnell, leads the strategic development and execution of facility-related projects worldwide. Overseeing design, engineering, and construction services for diverse client facilities, Fenske drives innovation and operational excellence in this specialized sector. This leadership role involves managing complex project portfolios, ensuring adherence to stringent quality and safety standards, and fostering strong client partnerships. By optimizing project delivery and resource management, Michael Fenske directly contributes to the successful completion of critical infrastructure for global clients. The President & General Manager's focus includes expanding the firm's capabilities in areas such as advanced manufacturing and data centers. Fenske's expertise guides the global facilities division.

    Joel DeBoer - President

    Joel DeBoer, the President at Burns & McDonnell, drives the company's overarching strategic vision and operational performance. Overseeing all business units, DeBoer ensures the integrated delivery of engineering, architecture, and construction services, fostering a culture of innovation and client-centricity. This executive position involves guiding the firm's growth initiatives and maintaining its reputation for excellence across diverse markets, including utilities and defense. By aligning corporate objectives with operational execution, Joel DeBoer directly enhances the firm's market leadership and competitive edge. The President's responsibilities encompass financial oversight, business development strategy, and ensuring the highest standards of project delivery. DeBoer's leadership is instrumental in navigating complex industry challenges and opportunities.
    Joel DeBoer

    Chuck Brown - Chief Technology Officer

    Chuck Brown, the Chief Technology Officer at Burns & McDonnell, architects the firm's technological vision and digital transformation. Overseeing the integration of cutting-edge technologies across engineering, architecture, and construction services, Brown drives innovation in areas like data analytics, AI, and digital twins. This leadership position involves evaluating and implementing new software and hardware solutions to enhance project delivery and client value. By fostering a culture of technological advancement, Chuck Brown ensures Burns & McDonnell remains at the forefront of industry innovation. The Chief Technology Officer's strategic direction supports the firm's expansion into new markets and service offerings, particularly within the utility and defense sectors. Brown's focus on leveraging technology optimizes operational efficiency and client engagement.

    James Swanski - Chief Information Officer

    James Swanski, the Chief Information Officer at Burns & McDonnell, manages the company's entire IT infrastructure and information systems. Overseeing cybersecurity, network operations, and enterprise software deployment, Swanski ensures seamless and secure digital operations across all business units. This critical role involves developing and executing IT strategies that align with the firm's growth objectives in engineering, construction, and consulting. By safeguarding sensitive data and optimizing system performance, James Swanski directly supports project execution and client confidence. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include managing IT budgets, vendor relationships, and the implementation of digital tools that enhance collaboration and productivity. Swanski's leadership ensures the technological backbone of Burns & McDonnell is robust and future-ready.

    Parul Gopal - Chief Administrative Officer

    Parul Gopal, the Chief Administrative Officer at Burns & McDonnell, oversees the critical administrative functions that support the firm's global operations. Managing human resources, legal affairs, and corporate governance, Gopal ensures efficient and compliant business practices across all departments. This leadership role involves developing and implementing policies that foster a productive and inclusive work environment, crucial for retaining top talent in engineering and construction. By optimizing administrative processes and providing essential support services, Parul Gopal directly enhances the firm's overall operational effectiveness. The Chief Administrative Officer's responsibilities include overseeing facilities management and ensuring seamless coordination between various support functions. Gopal's strategic oversight is fundamental to the firm's sustained growth.

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

    Who leads Burns & McDonnell?
    Burns & McDonnell is led by Breck McGary (Chief Executive Officer (India)), along with executives such as Alissa Schuessler (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 Breck McGary (Chief Executive Officer (India)), Alissa Schuessler (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 (India), Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group.