Michael Burke Joins Board of Directors at Universal Engineering Sciences as Executive Chairman

April 19, 2021

Orlando, FL, April 19, 2021 – Former AECOM Chairman and CEO Michael Burke has joined the Board of Directors for Universal Engineering Sciences® (UES), a national leading infrastructure company specializing in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, threshold inspections and environmental consulting. As Executive Chairman, Burke will use his deep industry experience and global business acumen to grow privately held UES from an approximately $300 million company to triple its size.

Burke proved instrumental in evolving AECOM, a global engineering firm, from a private company to a public firm. He led AECOM through more than four dozen acquisitions, transforming the company into one of the world’s largest design and construction firms. He directed the company’s initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which was one of the 10 largest NYSE listings for 2007, and one of the largest engineering industry IPOs of all time.

“UES is well-positioned to be the leading infrastructure company in the geotechnical engineering space,” said UES Executive Chairman Michael Burke. “I’m excited to join UES at this pivotal moment in its history and to seize the opportunity to address the nation’s current and anticipated infrastructure demands. UES has the ideal combination of business strategy, leadership, industry talent, strong reputation and client relationships to help shape infrastructure and development in communities nationwide for decades to come.”

With nearly six decades of experience and recognition as the premier infrastructure firm in the geotechnical engineering space, UES is well-positioned to serve the needs of communities across the country. The White House recently unveiled a $2 trillion infrastructure plan focused on revitalizing US transportation, infrastructure, water systems and more. Experts predict a significant need for infrastructure growth and repairs in the U.S. in the coming years, with an expected $255 billion needed to modernize miles of roadways and repair more than 10,000 bridges, the need for construction
engineering services continues to grow.

“Michael Burke is well-recognized in our industry for his operational excellence and ability to effectively grow an infrastructure company to its maximum potential,” said UES President James Walsh. “His dynamic leadership will accelerate our expansion and help us achieve the dominant position in geotechnical engineering and our complementary businesses.”

Since retiring from AECOM, Burke has served as Chair of the Infrastructure Committee of the Business Roundtable Board of Directors, leading the organization’s efforts to advocate for the modernization of U.S. infrastructure assets. He continues as Co-Chair of the Steering Committee, Infrastructure and Urban Development Industries, World Economic Forum. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Archer Daniels Midland Company, one of the world’s largest agricultural processors and food ingredient providers. In addition, Burke is an active member of the Los Angeles community and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Children’s Bureau, which helps at-risk children through state-of-the-art child abuse prevention and treatment services. He previously served on the Board of Directors for LA 2028, the committee responsible for bringing the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games to Los Angeles.

About Universal Engineering Sciences

Universal Engineering Sciences, headquartered in Orlando, is a rapidly growing infrastructure firm with nearly six decades of experience in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, threshold inspections and environmental consulting. UES is considered a pioneer of the industry and stands at the forefront of emerging technology, best practices, and influential legislature. Projects include both public and private clients, ranging from transportation and healthcare to commercial and education. UES engineers, geologists, certified inspectors, and scientists offer an unwavering commitment to excellence, approaching each project as an opportunity to cultivate enduring relationships with clients.

With more than 2,150 professionals across 48 branches nationwide, UES consults on projects of all sizes to help deliver needed infrastructure and build safe and successful communities. Recent mergers with GFA International, Inc., NOVA Geotechnical & Inspection Services, Contour Engineering, Wallace-Kuhl & Associates, Construction Testing & Engineering and SUMMIT Engineering, Laboratory & Testing, P.C. and GEOServices, LLC, have made UES one of the largest, most resource-rich organizations of its kind. For more information, please visit universalengineering.com or follow UES on Social Media.

Media Contact:

Lauren Falcone
Director of Corporate Communications
Universal Engineering Sciences
407-274-3375
lfalcone@universalengineering.com

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