KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Burns & McDonnell recently hosted the installation of Kerrie Greenfelder, PE, engineering director in the firm’s Water Group, as president of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). As the leader of the global organization representing nearly 50,000 engineers and technologists, Greenfelder will help advance SWE's mission to empower women to achieve their full potential as engineers, leaders and innovators while shaping the future of the engineering profession.

“I’m honored to begin this chapter of service with SWE, an organization that has helped shape my career and the careers of so many engineers and women around the world,” Greenfelder says. “I've experienced firsthand the value of mentorship, collaboration and a strong professional community.”

At Burns & McDonnell, Greenfelder has led complex water and wastewater initiatives that support reliable, resilient infrastructure for communities across the United States. Her work has spanned planning, design-build delivery, quality leadership and engineer-of-record responsibilities across projects that help communities strengthen treatment capacity, modernize aging systems and plan for long-term growth.

Projects associated with Greenfelder’s work include the Cedar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion in Olathe, Kansas; the Water and Sanitary Sewer Master Plan and Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Evaluation in Wichita, Kansas; Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements in Emporia, Kansas; and the Water Treatment Plant Expansion in Monroe, Louisiana. Together, those efforts reflect the range of her experience across wastewater treatment, water treatment, system planning and infrastructure improvement.

“Kerrie’s installation as SWE president reflects both her exceptional leadership and her long-standing commitment to advancing women in engineering,” says Karen Horting, executive director and CEO of SWE. “She understands the power of community, mentorship and technical leadership, and she brings a thoughtful global perspective and contagious energy to this role. We are excited for the leadership she will bring as SWE continues to empower engineers and technologists around the world.”

A Life Member of SWE, Greenfelder has contributed to the organization at both local and global levels for nearly 30 years. She has received multiple SWE honors and in 2024 was named an SWE Fellow. She served five years on SWE’s board of directors, with work spanning advocacy, diversity, student programs, policies and inclusion. In addition to SWE, Greenfelder is an active leader with the National Society of Professional Engineers, where she is a past president of the Kansas Society, as well as the Design Build Institute of America and Water Environment Federation.

At Burns & McDonnell, Greenfelder’s leadership reflects the firm’s long-standing commitment to technical excellence, professional growth and creating opportunities for future STEM leaders. The company’s professionals actively engage with SWE student sections and support outreach that introduces more students to engineering careers and the impact they can make.

“Kerrie brings a rare combination of technical depth, industry perspective and people-first leadership to every challenge she takes on,” says Ron Williams, vice president of the Water Group at Burns & McDonnell. “She has earned deep respect across our water practice and throughout the profession because of the way she leads complex work, invests in others and elevates the teams around them. This is a meaningful recognition of Kerrie’s impact and a proud moment for our company.”

About Burns & McDonnell

Working from more than 75 offices around the world, Burns & McDonnell designs and builds critical infrastructure. Our family of companies — driven by engineers, construction professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists — delivers projects grounded in safety and a desire to make a difference as we make our clients successful. Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn more.

About SWE

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE), founded in 1950, is the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. The not-for-profit educational and service organization is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women. To ensure SWE members reach their full potential as engineers and leaders, the Society offers unique opportunities to network, provides professional development, shapes public policy and provides recognition for the life-changing contributions and achievements of women engineers. As a champion of diversity, SWE empowers women to succeed and advance in their personal and professional lives. SWE membership and events are open to all. For more information about the Society, please visit www.swe.org.