Burns & McDonnell Selects Veteran Tech Leader Irvin Bishop Jr. as CDTO to Propel Firm’s Digital Transformation – Burns & McDonnell

Report on the Appointment of Chief Digital Technology Officer at Burns & McDonnell

Executive Summary

Burns & McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned engineering and construction firm, has appointed Irvin Bishop Jr. as its new Chief Digital Technology Officer (CDTO). This strategic appointment is poised to accelerate the firm’s digital transformation, with a significant focus on aligning its technological advancements and business strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning innovation, infrastructure, economic growth, and education.

Strategic Role and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

As CDTO, Mr. Bishop will lead the development and execution of the firm’s digital and technology strategies. His oversight of the Enterprise Transformation, Information Technology, Innovation, and Project Delivery offices integrates key functions to drive progress toward several SDGs.

Key Responsibilities and SDG Impact:

• Driving Digital Transformation: Guiding the convergence of technology, data, and business strategy to enhance the delivery of critical infrastructure, directly supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
• Delivering Client Solutions: Innovating to create transformative solutions for clients, which contributes to building resilient infrastructure and fostering sustainable communities, in line with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• Empowering Employee-Owners: Leveraging technology to improve efficiency and create meaningful impact, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all, as outlined in SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Leslie M. Duke, Chair and CEO of Burns & McDonnell, stated, “With Irvin’s leadership and our firm’s creativity, skills and commitment, I am excited to see us continue to mobilize our digital capabilities and foster innovation to create meaningful impact for our clients and employee-owners.” This vision underscores the firm’s commitment to leveraging innovation as a partnership for achieving global goals (SDG 17).

Appointee Profile: A Focus on Technology for Social Progress

Mr. Bishop brings over 35 years of experience in leading technology and digital transformation initiatives. His career has been marked by a commitment to leveraging technology not only for business results but also for social advancement, reflecting a deep-seated alignment with the principles of the SDGs.

Contributions to Sustainable Development:

1. Advocacy for Quality Education (SDG 4): Mr. Bishop serves as a national trustee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the organization that first inspired his passion for technology. His active involvement in STEM mentoring initiatives further promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
2. Commitment to Sustainable Communities (SDG 11): His past activity with Habitat for Humanity demonstrates a commitment to creating inclusive, safe, and resilient human settlements.
3. Philosophy on Innovation (SDG 9): Mr. Bishop’s view that “Technology is no longer a cost of business — it is an accelerator of business,” highlights his focus on using digital tools to drive innovation and efficiency, which is central to building resilient infrastructure and fostering sustainable industrialization.

Corporate Commitment to Sustainable Futures

Burns & McDonnell’s operational model and mission are inherently linked to sustainable development. As a 100% employee-owned firm, it embodies the principles of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting shared prosperity. The firm’s work in designing and building critical infrastructure is foundational to achieving numerous global goals. The appointment of a CDTO with a strong background in both technological innovation and community development reinforces the company’s dedication to making its clients successful while making a tangible difference in the world.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article highlights issues and initiatives that connect to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: This is the most prominent SDG, as the article focuses on Burns & McDonnell, a firm that “designs and builds critical infrastructure.” The hiring of a Chief Digital Technology Officer (CDTO) to lead “digital and technology business strategies, driving innovation” directly relates to this goal.
   • SDG 4: Quality Education: This SDG is addressed through the personal background and community involvement of the new CDTO, Irvin Bishop Jr. His passion for technology was sparked at a Boys & Girls Club, and he continues to give back through his role as a national trustee for the organization and his involvement in “STEM mentoring.” These activities support inclusive and equitable quality education.
   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article mentions that Burns & McDonnell is a “100% employee-owned” firm. This business model promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth by providing employees with a stake in the company’s success, which aligns with the principles of decent work. The focus on technological upgrading also contributes to higher levels of economic productivity.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

   • Under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure):
     • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. This is the core business of Burns & McDonnell, which “designs and builds critical infrastructure.”
     • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors… and encourage innovation. The appointment of a CDTO to “accelerate the firm’s digital transformation” and “leverage emerging technologies to improve innovation and efficiency” directly supports this target.
   • Under SDG 4 (Quality Education):
     • Target 4.4: Substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship. Mr. Bishop’s involvement in “STEM mentoring” is a direct contribution to this target by helping youth develop technical skills.
   • Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
     • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation. The CDTO’s role is to “leverage digital tools and insights to deliver exceptional results,” which aligns with achieving productivity through technological upgrading and innovation.
     • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all. The “100% employee-owned” model is a corporate structure that promotes decent work by sharing the company’s success with its employees.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article does not provide quantitative data but implies several qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

   • For SDG 9 Targets:
     • The successful design and construction of “critical infrastructure” projects serves as an indicator for Target 9.1.
     • The appointment of a Chief Digital Technology Officer is an indicator of a company’s investment in and commitment to upgrading technological capabilities (Target 9.5).
     • The development and execution of “digital and technology business strategies” and the “convergence of technology, data and business strategy” are indicators of progress towards innovation (Target 9.5).
   • For SDG 4 Targets:
     • The active participation of corporate leaders in “STEM mentoring” initiatives is an indicator for Target 4.4.
     • Support for and leadership within organizations like the “Boys & Girls Clubs of America” that provide educational and developmental opportunities for youth is another indicator for Target 4.4.
   • For SDG 8 Targets:
     • The implementation of a “100% employee-owned” business model is a structural indicator of a commitment to decent work and shared prosperity (Target 8.5).
     • The use of “digital tools and insights” to enhance performance and efficiency is an indicator of progress towards achieving higher levels of economic productivity (Target 8.2).

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators (as identified or implied in the article)
   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure	9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors and encourage innovation.	– Successful completion of “critical infrastructure” projects. – Appointment of a Chief Digital Technology Officer. – Execution of “digital and technology business strategies” to “foster innovation.”
   SDG 4: Quality Education	4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills.	– Involvement in “STEM mentoring” initiatives. – Leadership and support for organizations like the “Boys & Girls Clubs of America.”
   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through technological upgrading and innovation. 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.	– Leveraging “digital tools and insights” to enhance performance and efficiency. – Existence of a “100% employee-owned” business model.

Source: burnsmcd.com