Burns & McDonnell Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Burns & McDonnell has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, information systems, technology development, operational management, energy sector expansion, administrative governance, global facilities, and corporate leadership.

Committed to engineering excellence, Burns & McDonnell delivers comprehensive design, construction, and consulting solutions that empower critical infrastructure across aviation, defense, and utility markets worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Burns & McDonnell

  • Chief Executive Officer - Leslie Duke
  • 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 Information Officer - James Swanski
  • Chief Technology Officer - Chuck Brown
  • 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 integration of engineering, architecture, and construction services to meet complex client demands in the aviation and defense sectors. By aligning corporate resources with long-term growth objectives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the firm maintains a competitive edge in the global market. Duke fosters a culture of innovation that drives sustainable infrastructure development across North American and international projects. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine business models and enhance service delivery. Through rigorous oversight of market expansion initiatives, Leslie Duke secures the firm's position as a leader in the environmental and utility consulting landscape. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the high standards of quality that define the organization.
    Leslie Duke

    Alissa Schuessler - Chief Financial Officer

    Alissa Schuessler, the Chief Financial Officer at Burns & McDonnell, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire enterprise. Schuessler oversees financial reporting, risk management, and investment planning to support the firm's diverse engineering and construction projects. By optimizing capital structures, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the availability of resources for large-scale environmental and utility initiatives. Alissa Schuessler coordinates with executive leadership to evaluate the financial viability of new market entries and service expansions. This role requires precise monitoring of economic trends to mitigate risks associated with global infrastructure development. Through disciplined financial governance, the Chief Financial Officer drives operational efficiency and supports the long-term profitability of the firm. Schuessler maintains transparency in all fiscal operations, providing the necessary stability for the company to pursue ambitious engineering goals.
    Alissa Schuessler

    Joseph Diab - Chief Operating Officer

    Joseph Diab, the Chief Operating Officer at Burns & McDonnell, manages the internal operational processes that facilitate the delivery of engineering and construction services. Diab oversees the standardization of project management methodologies to ensure consistency and quality across all business units. By optimizing internal workflows, the Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency in the execution of environmental and consulting projects. Joseph Diab coordinates with department heads to align operational capacity with client demand in the aviation and defense markets. This leadership role involves monitoring performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement and resource allocation. Through the implementation of rigorous operational standards, the Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's ability to scale effectively. Diab ensures that all internal functions operate in harmony to meet the complex requirements of the firm's diverse client base.
    Joseph Diab

    Paul Fischer - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Paul Fischer, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Burns & McDonnell, directs the day-to-day business operations and strategic execution of the firm. Fischer manages the alignment of service delivery with the company's long-term goals in the utility and infrastructure sectors. By overseeing the performance of various business units, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that project teams meet rigorous quality and safety standards. Paul Fischer coordinates with other executive leaders to drive growth and expand the firm's market presence. This role involves fostering strong client relationships and ensuring that the company delivers value through its engineering and construction expertise. Through the effective management of operational resources, the President & Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's commitment to excellence. Fischer maintains a focus on operational agility, enabling the company to respond to changing market conditions.
    Paul Fischer

    Robert Reymond - Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group

    Robert Reymond, the Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group at Burns & McDonnell, manages the operational strategy for the firm's energy-focused engineering and construction projects. Reymond oversees the execution of complex utility and power infrastructure initiatives, ensuring that all projects meet technical and safety requirements. By directing the resources of the Energy Group, the Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group drives the successful delivery of critical power solutions. Robert Reymond coordinates with project managers to optimize workflows and enhance productivity in the energy sector. This leadership role involves managing client expectations and ensuring that the firm's energy projects contribute to sustainable development. Through the strategic oversight of energy operations, the Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group supports the firm's market leadership in the utility industry. Reymond ensures that all energy-related initiatives align with the company's broader engineering and consulting capabilities.

    Michael Fenske - President & General Manager, Global Facilities

    Michael Fenske, the President & General Manager, Global Facilities at Burns & McDonnell, directs the strategy and operations for the firm's global facilities division. Fenske manages the design and construction of large-scale facilities for clients in the aviation, defense, and commercial sectors. By overseeing the global facilities team, the President & General Manager, Global Facilities drives the delivery of innovative and sustainable building solutions. Michael Fenske coordinates with project teams to ensure that all facility designs meet the specific needs of the firm's diverse client base. This leadership role involves expanding the firm's footprint in international markets through strategic project acquisition and execution. Through the effective management of the global facilities portfolio, the President & General Manager, Global Facilities supports the firm's reputation for engineering excellence. Fenske ensures that all facility projects align with the company's commitment to quality and innovation.

    Joel Deboer - President

    Joel Deboer, the President at Burns & McDonnell, directs the firm's overall business strategy and market development initiatives. Deboer manages the alignment of the company's engineering and consulting services with the evolving needs of the aviation, defense, and utility markets. By overseeing the firm's strategic direction, the President ensures that the organization remains competitive and responsive to client requirements. Joel Deboer coordinates with other executive leaders to drive growth and enhance the firm's service offerings. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation and excellence that permeates all levels of the organization. Through the strategic management of the firm's business units, the President supports the company's mission to deliver high-quality infrastructure solutions. Deboer maintains a focus on long-term sustainability and market impact, ensuring that the firm continues to lead in the engineering and construction industry.
    Joel Deboer

    James Swanski - Chief Information Officer

    James Swanski, the Chief Information Officer at Burns & McDonnell, architects the digital infrastructure required to support complex engineering and design workflows. Swanski manages the firm's information technology systems, ensuring secure and efficient data management across all global operations. By implementing advanced software solutions, the Chief Information Officer enables seamless collaboration between architecture, construction, and consulting teams. James Swanski oversees the integration of digital tools that enhance project delivery and client communication in the aviation and defense markets. This leadership role involves protecting the firm's intellectual property through robust cybersecurity protocols and infrastructure resilience. Through the deployment of scalable technology platforms, the Chief Information Officer drives productivity and supports the firm's commitment to technical excellence. Swanski ensures that all digital assets align with the broader strategic objectives of the organization.

    Chuck Brown - Chief Technology Officer

    Chuck Brown, the Chief Technology Officer at Burns & McDonnell, drives the development and adoption of cutting-edge engineering technologies. Brown manages the research and implementation of innovative design tools that improve project outcomes in the utility and environmental sectors. By identifying emerging technical trends, the Chief Technology Officer ensures the firm remains at the forefront of industry advancements. Chuck Brown oversees the integration of specialized software and hardware solutions that streamline construction processes and enhance design precision. This role involves close coordination with engineering teams to solve complex infrastructure challenges through technological innovation. Through the strategic application of new tools, the Chief Technology Officer supports the firm's mission to deliver high-quality, sustainable solutions. Brown maintains a focus on technical agility, ensuring that the company adapts to the evolving needs of the global engineering market.

    Parul Gopal - Chief Administrative Officer

    Parul Gopal, the Chief Administrative Officer at Burns & McDonnell, manages the corporate administrative functions that support the firm's workforce and organizational structure. Gopal oversees human resources, facilities management, and internal corporate policies to ensure a productive work environment. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief Administrative Officer enables the engineering and construction teams to focus on project delivery. Parul Gopal coordinates with executive leadership to implement policies that foster professional development and employee engagement. This role involves managing the firm's corporate infrastructure to support its growth in the aviation, defense, and environmental markets. Through the effective administration of corporate resources, the Chief Administrative Officer drives organizational efficiency and supports the firm's culture of excellence. Gopal ensures that all administrative functions align with the company's strategic goals and operational needs.

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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 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 Leslie Duke (Chief Executive Officer), 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, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Energy Group.