Burns & McDonnell Promotes Industry Leader to Serve Upper Midwest Aviation and Federal Clients

Feb. 10, 2022
Burns & McDonnell
Mark Rivers
Mark Rivers

Burns & McDonnell is strengthening its services in in the Upper Midwest in areas including aviation support and construction by promoting Mark Rivers to regional manager for the firm’s Aviation & Federal Group in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.

He will be taking over for the retiring Rob Darnell. Rivers leads a team of more than 50 professionals at the 100% employee-owned firm offering a full range of engineering, construction and building commissioning services.

Rivers joined Burns & McDonnell in 2011. His technical background is deeply rooted in aviation infrastructure, military facilities and fire protection engineering. His experience includes 17 years managing a variety of projects at the federal, state and local levels — most recently leading project teams to design facilities and infrastructure for the U.S. Department of Defense.

“The work we do is important, as every project we execute for our military partners supports the mission of our dedicated service members,” Rivers says. “I’m excited for the opportunity to continue to work alongside our team members on a diverse range of projects across the region.”

Rivers is the lead project manager for two projects supporting the Ellsworth Air Force Base B-21 Beddown. He has also managed projects for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin Air National Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Omaha District.

“While Rob’s presence at our office will be greatly missed, we are fortunate to have Mark pick up where Rob left off to help guide our team members through the next chapter,” says Gene Sieve, vice president of the Minneapolis-St. Paul regional office. “As an industry veteran who I’ve seen execute project after project successfully, Mark’s experience, knowledge and leadership will help us grow while still meeting our clients’ expanding needs.”

Professionals at the Minneapolis-St. Paul regional office have executed over 1,200 projects, with nearly 500 of those specific to the aviation industry and federal government.