Burns & McDonnell has named Chris Spann as the new national director of aviation. In this role, Spann will lead and provide strategic vision for the company’s aviation group.
Spann steps into this position with more than 35 years in the aviation industry. He is deeply experienced in the consulting world, having served in a multitude of roles from design engineer to national practice lead. His expansive list of projects range in size from general aviation paving projects to billion-dollar terminal redevelopment programs at major U.S. airports.
Spann first worked at Burns & McDonnell from 1989-1996, returning to the team in 2017. During his time away, he served as regional aviation practice director, national aviation practice director and national aviation design director for multiple other large aviation consulting firms.
“We are excited to have Chris lead our aviation team,” says Joel DeBoer, senior vice president and leader of the Aviation & Federal Group at Burns & McDonnell. “He brings a wealth of experience working on major airline and airport projects from his over 35-year career. I know his leadership will take us to new heights.”
Spann’s most recent experience includes serving as program manager for the $1.05 billion greenfield terminal at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The 1 million-square-foot, 35-gate terminal opened in fall of 2019 and will be complete in 2021. He also served as the lead airside designer for the $4 billion Terminal B redevelopment initiative at LaGuardia Airport and was involved in three greenfield airports projects in St. George, Utah; Panama City, Florida; and Warsaw, Missouri.
“As we navigate the current pandemic and look toward the future of the aviation industry, I see great potential,” Spann says. “We know our clients need good consultants now more than ever. In these trying times, good consultants can continue guiding clients to success. I’m excited to lead the aviation practice at Burns & McDonnell into a future that taps into this great potential and exceed our clients’ needs.”
