At the industry level, our diversity of business helps us see things across industries. For example, our Transmission & Distribution Group is working on projects that involve building out the electric distribution system in preparation for the wave of EVs that will soon be part of the transportation fleet. Our T&D professionals are working closely with utility clients on battery storage and other trends that have implications for surface transportation. So, we find ourselves working across our entire business to bring owners a lot more value. At Burns & McDonnell, we are 10-dimensional, not just two-dimensional or three-dimensional. C+S: Would you share a little about your personal life? Family, hob- bies, etc. MD: I enjoy spending my free time with family – my wife, Darla, and four children: Amy, Josh, Ellie, and Matthew. We enjoy going to games, hiking, skiing, fishing, and being on or around the water together. I also spend a lot time on baseball fields and basketball and volleyball courts with the kids’ sports.
C+S: Before joining Burns & McDonnell, you were at HNTB for over 16 years. It was your first job out of college. How did your career there prepare you for Burns & McDonnell? MD: HNTB is a great firm, and I learned a lot during my time there. I gained a good technical background as a young engineer and op- portunities for project management on various projects emerged pretty quickly. Young engineers right out of school need to work to build a solid technical knowledge, and I was able to do that there. I was also able to work in several areas of the country, which broadened my perspective in transportation. Along the way, you decide if you want to continue on a technical track or management. I decided on management, then got my MBA, and it was really a timely degree with what I was doing at HNTB. C+S: You were recently named general manager of the Transportation Group at Burns & McDonnell. You have been with the firm for nearly 12 years, which means this was a classic example of being promoted from within. What kinds of opportunities exist at a firm like Burns & McDonnell, which is known as a great place to work? MD: There are truly boundless opportunities at Burns & McDonnell. Our employee ownership culture is real and drives us in many ways. It’s the special sauce that motivates us to make our clients success- ful. We are entrepreneurial, diverse and can do planning, design, and construction. That’s unique in our industry. It’s a special place, and we know it and protect it.
RICHARD MASSEY is managing editor of Zweig Group publications. He can be reached at rmassey@zweiggroup.com.
ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina A Robust System of Steel Wave Attenuators Makes for Smooth Waters in New York Harbor. By Editorial Staff
New York City’s first new marina in over 50 years had its soft opening in May, with the design team working out the final touches over the following weeks. With over 100 berths for vessels up to 200 feet, a Sailing Club and School, and community programs, the facility offers the calmest waters in NewYork Harbor thanks to advanced technology and design. Located just south of the Brooklyn Bridge, across the East River from Wall Street and South Street Seaport, the marina offers incredible views
Crews work on ONE15 Brooklyn Marina’s wave attenuation system in the spring of 2019. Photo: ONE15 Brooklyn Marina
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