KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Burns & McDonnell announced the addition of two seasoned leaders to its Water Group, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to delivering innovative and integrated solutions for clients.

Ron Williams has been named vice president of water operations, and Brady Hays joins as Kansas City regional manager of the Water Group. Both bring decades of leadership and industry experience. Together, they will help enhance client delivery, determine areas for growth and new capabilities and strengthen collaboration across teams and markets.

Ron Williams, Vice President, Water Operations

Williams will focus on establishing a shared vision for growth, aligning regional strengths with national strategy and identifying new opportunities to solve client challenges in the evolving water markets. With more than 30 years leading water and infrastructure teams, Williams brings deep knowledge in water, alternative delivery and water operations services, and a strong track record of building trust with teams while delivering large, complex projects.

Williams has overseen multidisciplinary teams spanning water, transportation, aviation, buildings, program and construction management and water operations. His experience includes technical execution, business development, profit-and-loss responsibility and overall leadership of major infrastructure initiatives. Throughout his career, Williams has led high-performing teams across North America, bringing both a regional perspective and a national outlook to every role.

“Known for his collaborative leadership style and mentorship, Ron has a proven track record of advancing client success,” says Scott Newland, senior vice president and infrastructure market leader for Burns & McDonnell. “With his deep roots in water, demonstrated experience in alternative delivery and operations, and commitment to team development, Ron will be a significant contributor in our aspiration at Burns & McDonnell to  solve clients’ most significant challenges and deliver larger, more complex opportunities.”

Brady Hays, Kansas City Regional Manager, Water Group

As the leader of the Water Group in Kansas City, Hays is focusing on team and market development, strengthening local execution, deepening client engagement and supporting growth. He brings more than 25 years of leadership across global markets in water, energy and industrial infrastructure.

His experience spans desalination, reuse, renewables and energy transition projects on five continents, and includes leadership of large-scale, multidisciplinary teams. A civil engineer by training, with advanced degrees in engineering and business, Hays also has a strong commitment to leadership development and community engagement.

“Brady is known for his integrative approach, client-centric mindset and ability to align culture and strategy to deliver sustainable success,” Newland says. “We are continually invested in the strength of our Kansas City Water Group and our ability to deliver for clients across the globe, and we know Brady joining our firm will further strengthen our team, enhance client relationships and expand opportunities for growth.

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.