Distinguished Engineer Citations

Leslie Duke

Distinguished Engineer

2018

Degree

B.S. Civil Engineering - 1994

Citation at time of nomination in 2018

Leslie Duke - As leader of Burns & McDonnell's Houston office, Leslie Duke, PE, has played an integral role in launching the firm's engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) business. Her efforts have led to the development and successful execution of over 100 multimillion-dollar projects. During the past 18 years, Leslie has helped to expand Burns & McDonnell's customer base from one client to more than 100 clients in the industrial, refining, chemical, manufacturing, and utility markets. She has also played a leading role in the development of multiple large-scale alliance relationships, resulting in approximately $244 million in repeat, non-competitive project work for Burns & McDonnell nationally. In addition, she has developed a leadership training program for the firm's high-potential staff that focuses on maximizing performance via accelerated career training.
Leslie joined Burns & McDonnell in 1999 and served as a regional manager in the Transmission and Distribution group from 2002 through 2009, as well as the operations manager in Houston from 2005 to 2009. In 2010, Leslie moved to Dallas to open Burns & McDonnell's 10th regional office and helped diversify the firm's services in the region and expand the company in north Texas. The Dallas and Fort Worth offices specialize in on-site energy design, facilities design, transportation design, environmental services and permitting, and design-build construction services. In July 2012, Leslie returned to Houston as general manager and was named the first female president in the company's history in 2016. The Houston office focuses on the design of high-voltage power, refining, chemical, terminal, and pipeline facilities. Additional services include environmental permitting and remediation and construction. Leslie is honored to lead our firm's largest and fastest growing office, and looks forward to a promising future in the region.
Throughout her career, Leslie has received numerous personal awards. Texas Tech University recently honored Leslie as a 2018 Distinguished Engineer. Additionally, Leslie was named to the 2016 "Who's Who in Energy" by the Houston Business Journal. The United Way of Greater Houston also recognizes her as a "Top Female Leader" for her strong commitment to United Way and the community.
Family is important to Leslie and she credits her father's leadership and strength through adversity as her most significant influence. She and her husband, Travis, have two children, Justin and Kendall; and Leslie spends most of her free time supporting their activities, traveling, and remaining active in her church.