Michael S. Burke's Biography
Early Career and Education
Michael S. Burke began his professional journey after completing his Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the University of Scranton, followed by earning a Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law. His early career was marked by a significant tenure at KPMG, where he started in various roles from 1990, eventually becoming a Partner from 1995 to 2005. This period at KPMG laid the foundation for his expertise in finance, governance, and strategic planning1 2.
Transition into the Industry
Burke's transition into the industry he is renowned for today began with his move to AECOM in 2005. Initially joining as a key leader, he played a pivotal role in the company's evolution from a private entity to a public company, notably contributing to AECOM's 2007 initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. His leadership was instrumental in AECOM's growth and expansion, serving in various capacities including Chief Financial Officer from 2006 to 2011, President from 2011 to 2014, and ultimately as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from March 2014 to August 20201 3 4.
Career Development and Leadership Roles
Under Burke's leadership, AECOM became a Fortune 150 company, boasting a $17.4 billion revenue and employing 85,000 staff across more than 150 countries. The company achieved the #1 ranking as an engineering design firm by revenue in Engineering News-Record magazine's annual industry rankings and was recognized by Fortune magazine as a World's Most Admired Company. Burke's tenure at AECOM was marked by significant acquisitions, including the $6 billion purchase of URS Corp. in 2014, further solidifying AECOM's market leadership in infrastructure services1 3 4.
Board Memberships and Volunteering
Beyond his executive roles, Burke has been active in board positions across various sectors. Since 2017, he has served on the Board of Directors for ADM (Archer Daniels Midland), contributing as Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee. He also holds board positions at Westwood Professional Services, CarbonCure Technologies, SitelogIQ, and Nexii Building Solutions, among others, showcasing his commitment to sustainability and innovation in construction and technology1.
Additionally, Burke's dedication to community service is evident from his long-standing involvement with the Children's Bureau of Southern California, where he served on the Board of Directors and as Vice-Chairman for over two decades until June 2022. This role highlights his commitment to improving the lives of children and families in Southern California1.
Conclusion
Michael S. Burke's career is a testament to his leadership in transforming AECOM into a global infrastructure giant and his strategic vision in guiding multiple companies towards sustainable growth. His contributions to the engineering and construction industry, combined with his commitment to corporate governance and community service, have left an indelible mark on the sectors he has been involved with.