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Tom Zais leads BURNCO’s multinational presence and is responsible for the strategic direction, vision, growth, and performance. As an experienced leader in the cement, aggregates and concrete industry, Tom is pursuing world-class performance levels in safety, commercial and operational excellence. He most recently served as Regional Vice President for an S&P 500 company where he was responsible for the multi-state Ready Mix division in the Southern U.S. Before that, Tom served as Vice President for a NYSE company, where he was responsible for the Ready Mix business. Tom also served in several capacities for an architectural and structural concrete products manufacturer. Tom holds an MBA from the University of Houston and a BSc in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Ken Krawiec is an accomplished corporate financial executive who supports entrepreneurs and their boards with deep experience in the industrial, construction, chemicals, oil and gas, staffing and consumer products industries. He brings more than 25 years of experience in both finance and strategy roles where he has led operational finance strategic improvement initiatives focused on earnings, processes and working capital management. Ken holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from University of Waterloo and attended both the Queen’s University and URS Leadership development program. Ken is a Certified Public Accountant, holds his Corporate Finance (CF) designation, and is a member of Financial Executives International.
Neil O'Connor leads BURNCO's Canadian Operations providing the strategic direction and vision necessary to successfully drive the growth and performance of our Ready Mix Concrete, Aggregates and Asphalt Divisions. Prior to joining BURNCO, Neil served with multinationals as an executive leader for more than 20 years in the construction, industrial gas and chemicals industries overseeing a number of independent divisions. His volunteer work includes several not-for-profit boards
Jasmine Qadri oversees large-scale digital transformations and specializes in organizational turnaround required to mitigate risk. Her experience includes designing, developing, and implementing PMOs that drive mission critical, multi-million-dollar programs. Prior to joining BURNCO, she spent 20+ years in rail, oil and gas, and utilities industries. During her tenure at a North American transportation and logistics company, she oversaw a program that assisted transport of more than $250B in goods annually across a 20,000 km rail network. Jasmine holds an MBA in Project Management and Graduate degree from the University of Athabasca and is an established PMP and PgMP certified practitioner. Her volunteer work includes organizations such as the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association as a Board Director and she is also a member and keynote speaker for the Network of Empowered Women.
Kara Gillespie has had a varied career in both legal and HR roles. She worked in private legal practice and as in-house counsel for over 20 years, specializing in employment, labour, human rights, and privacy law, representing both union and management side clients. She made the transition to HR to align more with her values of preventing workplace conflict, rather than dealing with the legal aftermath. She has worked in the private sector in oil & gas, bulk transportation, construction, as well as in public health care. Kara is also a trained mediator, skilled at resolving workplace conflict through effective communication, which starts by truly listening to people. She is passionate about ensuring that people find meaning in their work and know that what they do matters
Dave Both acts as General Counsel and is responsible for all legal, compliance and risk matters related to BURNCO's business. Dave brings a proven pragmatic and results focused track-record from his time as a partner at one of Canada's largest law firms and executive legal and commercial roles at a global engineering firm. Dave has degrees from the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta.
As BURNCO’s fourth-generation owner, Scott Burns has dedicated over 35 years to the company and transitioned to Executive Chairman in his 60th year. Following in his predecessor’s footsteps, during his tenure as CEO Scott increased the firm's size by 10 times. Growing BURNCO's geographic footprint has been a key strategic focus, providing strength and diversity to our Alberta-based organization. Since 1912, family values have been an important compass for BURNCO, and Scott with his wife Tracy Wright, instill that in their children and the multinational legacy under his stewardship. Scott holds an MBA from Arizona State University and a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Alberta.
Mike Bird has been an advisor of BURNCO for 33 years, serving as a tax and trusted Business Advisor for the company and shareholders. Mike joined the Board and sits on the HR & Compensation Committee since its inception in 2014. Mike serves BURNCO as senior partner and the lead client service partner for a global accounting firm. Mike provides his proficiency to private and family-owned enterprises where he leads with his tax expertise.
Robert (Bob) Hagerman has been a director of BURNCO since 2015 and presently is Chair of the Audit, Finance and Risk committee. He is also a partner with an international, sector-focused law firm. With over 40 years of experience, Bob practises in the areas of corporate, tax, estates and trust law with a particular emphasis on income tax, corporate and estate planning for privately owned businesses and high net worth individuals. Bob delivers practical, cost-effective legal advice on a wide range of tax issues for Canadian, US and international companies across several industries, including development, holding, wealth management, drilling, engineering and food distribution companies. In addition to serving as a director for BURNCO, Bob presently sits on a number of boards for private businesses and charitable foundations.
Robert Kulhawy has been supporting BURNCO since 1993 first as an advisor and later as a board member. He Chairs the Technology Committee and is a member of the HR & Compensation Committee. In addition to his duties at BURNCO, Robert currently serves as CEO of a telecom services firm and chair and board member to several organizations. He has served on national roundtables, committees, and advisory boards. Robert is a featured speaker on numerous global business topics.
David Baker serves as a Director and was first introduced to BURNCO while employed as Vice President of Sales for a competing cement company. David began his career in the cement industry in 1971 and was District Sales Manager when he transitioned to a competitor in 1989. During his 42 years in the Portland cement industry, he served on various industry boards including the American Concrete Paving Association, Northwest Cement Shippers Association and the American Concrete Pipe Association. His education includes a BA in Mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa and an MBA from Winona State University.
As a Board member of BURNCO Canada and assisting the BURNCO US Board, Bill Tilleman’s experience over the last 30 years as Chairman, Board member or counsel of several boards and agencies is vital. Additional experience includes the Energy and Utilities Board where Bill was also CEO and chief energy regulator in Alberta. Bill’s legal practice in the US and Canada as well his tenure as a federally appointed judge (retired) in Canada is invaluable.
