KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Alissa Schuessler, CFO and SVP for Burns & McDonnell, is the newest board member of the 100% employee-owned firm. Schuessler joins CEO and Chairman Ray Kowalik and the five other current board members (Paul Fischer, Steve Gross, Renita Mollman, John Olander and Bob Reymond) as the engineering, construction and architecture firm experiences rapid growth and job creation.

Last year, the firm grew by 650 employees, supported 17,000 projects and reached a record-breaking $4.6 billion in revenue. On top of that, Burns & McDonnell is predicting another 13% increase in overall growth this year.

“I can’t think of a person I trust more to help us navigate the future and pave the way for the continued financial success of our firm than Alissa,” says Kowalik. “Alissa is a passionate advocate for our employee stock ownership plan and has a strong entrepreneurial spirit. As a proven leader, her insight into our business, people and culture will be critical as we continue to grow our business and company.”

Schuessler’s promotion builds on her strong track record that began with her joining the firm in 2005 as a staff accountant, then rising through the ranks to her role as CFO. Under her leadership, the finance team navigated international expansion into five countries, helping strengthen the company’s credentials as a global firm. Schuessler has spearheaded the development of a best-in-class team and established financial controls to accommodate large-scale, complex projects.