The appointment comes as major construction programs across power, data infrastructure and other critical sectors increase project complexity and demand for experienced construction leadership. Burns & McDonnell has appointed Matt Ralston as general manager of construction, placing him in charge of construction operations after more than two decades with the organization.
Ralston previously served as senior vice president of construction operations. During that period, Burns & McDonnell reached No. 6 in Engineering News-Record’s Top Design-Build Firms ranking. The organization reported $4.53 billion in construction revenue for 2025.
Ralston joined Burns & McDonnell in 2000 after graduating from Iowa State University. His early career included project management responsibilities across multiple industries before moving into leadership positions involving field operations and procurement.
He became a vice president in 2013 and subsequently took on broader construction responsibilities. His experience includes projects associated with power generation, refining, aviation facilities and electrical utilities.
Burns & McDonnell’s construction portfolio also extends into oil and gas, food and beverage, mission critical facilities and public infrastructure. The company operates through more than 75 offices globally and provides engineering, construction and related professional services.
The leadership change comes as Burns & McDonnell continues expanding its construction activities across domestic and international markets. The organization has added construction capabilities in new markets while expanding established sectors and providing both union and nonunion self-perform options.
The company’s project delivery activities span design-build and engineering, procurement and construction work, giving construction leadership responsibilities across a range of project types and delivery models.
The broader market environment includes continued development of large-scale data infrastructure, power generation and critical infrastructure projects. These programs can require substantial coordination among owners, designers, contractors, suppliers and skilled trades, increasing the importance of construction management and procurement capabilities.
For construction owners and developers, the appointment places an experienced construction executive at the head of operations within a contractor active across several capital-intensive sectors.
Ralston’s background across field operations, procurement and project management provides experience spanning both project execution and construction supply-chain functions. Burns & McDonnell’s exposure to power, utilities, mission critical facilities, aviation and infrastructure also positions the construction organization across sectors with significant project delivery requirements.
Source: Burns & McDonnell.
