Ron Williams is driven by developing people, building trust and advancing solutions that support resilient water systems.

Williams serves as general manager of the Water Group, where he focuses on aligning regional strengths with national strategy and identifying opportunities to address evolving water market needs. With more than 30 years of experience, he has led multidisciplinary teams across water, transportation, aviation, buildings, program and construction management, and water operations. His career includes overseeing large, complex infrastructure initiatives across North America while fostering collaborative teams and long-term client relationships.

What inspired you to pursue your career?

I was interested in pursuing a profession where I could have a positive impact on society at large. My interest in math and science led me to have a conversation with a classmate who was interested in being a civil engineer. Prior to that conversation, I did not know what a civil engineer was. After my discussion, I decided that is what I wanted to do and I was going to focus on water as I was always fascinated with rivers, streams and clean water.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I would describe my leadership style as a servant leader. I view one of my primary responsibilities as developing people. Whether that is someone that is just starting their career or someone that has been on the job 20 years. I get satisfaction in collaborating with people, mentoring, and coaching and seeing that progression in development and performance. There have been many people throughout my career who have invested their time to help and support my growth and development. A career is not spent alone; it is spent with an array of people who come and go, people who support and challenge us along the way.

What’s the coolest part of your job?

The coolest part of my job is when I go out and meet clients and hear from them about the wonderful work that we have done for them. There is nothing better than to walk a jobsite with a client after a job is finished and hear their delight in how the project is executed. For me, that is always a moment of pride as I reflect on the work that our colleagues can accomplish working together.

What excites you most when you look at the future of our company?

I believe that the sky is the limit for Burns & McDonnell. The company’s secret sauce is its culture. The idea that we are all employee-owners and are all accountable to each other for the success of the enterprise is what differs us. Our world will continue to change and evolve, but we are positioned as an enterprise to be the facilitator of all the change, given the breadth of the work that we do and our global practices.

What inspires you each day?

What inspires me each day is the opportunity to learn something new and grow as a person. Whether that is something technical, business oriented or people oriented, if I am learning, I am growing.