KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Matt Ralston has been named general manager of construction for Burns & McDonnell, the nearly 130-year-old design-build/EPC contractor. Prior to being named general manager, Ralston was senior vice president of construction operations. During Ralston’s tenure in that role, Burns & McDonnell rose to No. 6 on Engineering News-Record’s Top Design-Build Firms. In 2025, Burns & McDonnell had $4.53 billion in construction revenue.

“A surge in megaprojects for data, power generation and critical infrastructure is challenging us to think differently about how we deliver our projects and how we find and retain talent — it is an exciting time,” says Leslie M. Duke, chair and CEO of Burns & McDonnell. “Matt is well suited to lead us through one of the most dynamic moments in modern construction history. With experience spanning construction projects in the power generation, refining, aviation facilities and electrical utility industries, and his time in the field, he knows the work we do and what it takes to deliver safe, successful projects.”

Ralston joined Burns & McDonnell in 2000 upon graduating from Iowa State University. As a project manager, he executed projects in multiple industries. He rose to a succession of leadership positions in field operations and procurement before being promoted to vice president in 2013.

Top construction markets for Burns & McDonnell include power generation, power transmission and distribution, oil and gas, food and beverage, mission critical facilities, aviation, and public infrastructure.

Under Ralston’s leadership, Burns & McDonnell has expanded its national and international footprint in construction by branching into new markets, growing existing ones, and offering union and non-union self-perform solutions for customers.

“The pace of change is accelerating in the construction industry,” Ralston says. “And so are the challenges. I feel honored and humbled to be in a position to face those challenges head on and empower our amazing team to continue to deliver construction solutions to our clients and the industry as a whole.”

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.