Brian M. Burns, Jr.
New Orleans,USA
Summary
Highly accomplished professional with a dedicated 17+ year career providing valuable site development planning, program and budget management, cost estimating, auditing, and compliance expertise to urban communities and military bases. Skilled in planning and overseeing all facets of projects, from initial project scope through bid management, contract negotiations, construction, quality and risk assessment, change management, problem resolution, and close-out. Pursuing Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. Communicative partner to clients, government officials, contractors, and subcontractors. Proven expertise in gaining consensus and cooperation across multi-discipline and cross-cultural teams to mitigate risks, improve quality of life, protect the environment, and fuel economic development. Results-driven leader recognized for consistently delivering construction projects on time, within budget, and with high satisfaction. Experienced in managing portfolio of projects with positive impacts to public health, safety, water quality, and the economy.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
EHS Director
V2X
Erbil, Iraq
01.2023 - 01.2026
- Senior environmental, safety, and health leader overseeing multi-site ESH operations across the V2X footprint (Iraq, Syria, and Kuwait) under the LOGCAP V contract. Directed all safety, environmental, industrial hygiene, and compliance programs supporting base operations, construction, life-support services, and contingency missions in high-risk environments. Lead a 35-member ESH team and provided oversight for more than 3,000 employees across the Base Life Support mission. Partnered with the government, military, and contractor stakeholders to drive a culture of accountability, hazard awareness, and continuous improvement.
- Key Contributions & Results:
- Cut the Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) from 0.74 to 0.18, achieving performance far below industry norms.
- Created the Safety Spotlight program to recognize employees who model safe behaviors and share personal stories about why they work safely, strengthening engagement and peer accountability.
- Developed the Safety Champs Award, honoring departments with the lowest incident rates and highest behavior-based observation participation, boosting reporting quality and competition.
- Completed six Environmental Baseline Surveys (EBS) supporting major transitions, including the closure of Al Asad Airbase, two DFAC closures, and the opening of Camp Paradise, the Syria Task Order, and the Kuwait – Iraq Redistribution Point.
- Directed environmental compliance programs covering waste, hazardous material, spill response, and air/water quality across dispersed sites.
- Led incident investigations, root-cause analyses, and corrective action development for all recordable and high-potential events, ensuring lessons learned were shared across theater.
- Strengthened contractor and subcontractor oversight through audits, inspections and performance reviews aligned with OSHA, DoD, and Army Corps of Engineers EM 385-1-1 requirements.
- Delivered safety leadership training, toolbox talks, and targeted coaching to supervisors and workforce personnel, increasing competency and reducing at-risk behaviors.
- Collaborated with military command elements to align ESH operations with mission requirements, contingency planning, and rapid deployment activities.
EHS Engineer
VECTRUS
Al Asad, Iraq
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Perform risk analysis, develop programs that exceeded basic regulatory compliance, identified needed resources (such as personal protective equipment), identify required training for employees in various operations, performed and documented training — documents and submitted monthly performance reports.
- Key Contributions & Results:
- Provided assistance and coaching to related EHS affairs by monitoring periodic performance reports for trends and conditions to alert management of EHS related problems.
- Assisted the site EHS Manager in coordinating and controlling activities with respect to the Vectrus EHS plan by ensuring all employees are provided information, instruction and training on how to follow safe methods of work.
- Provided leadership, mentorship, and technical direction to Vectrus in support of their efforts to implement an effective health, safety, environmental and loss prevention program.
Regional Facilities Manager
CHEROKEE FEDERAL
New Orleans, LA
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed the MARFORRES Facilities PM and FX contracts in the Atlantic and Midwest Region – 45 sites/military installations. Prepared any and all acquisition documentation, including Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), cost/benefit analysis and analysis of alternatives, acquisition plans, development of solicitation packages, and preparation of supporting acquisition documentation. Responsibilities also include: project management of ATFP (Anti-Terrorism & Force Protection) projects. Conducted site visits with the I&I staff prior to developing the scope of work for each ATFP project that includes site lighting, cameras, adjacent land evaluation, tree trimming, assessment of underground utilities, building signage, front entrance barriers, parking lot design, frag film, IDS systems, panic and pedestal gates. Monitored P-152 MILCON Project, Little Creek, VA – NOSC relocation project.
- Key Contributions & Results:
- Provided coverage for 23 additional military sites in the Midwest Region for five months after another Regional Facilities Coordinator resigned. Worked with the I&I staff at these locations to resolve ongoing facility needs. Also, managed two upcoming ATFP projects, VMF renovation, wash rack renovation, perimeter fence-line remediation project, one base closure in Chicago.
- Worked with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the start of a radar radome repair at the MACS-24 Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC) compound aboard NAS Oceana Dam Neck Annex, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Managed and organized project documents: Determination & Findings, Project Scope of Work, and the Contract Agreement between Marine Forces Reserve, Marine Air Control Squadron 24 (MACS-24), Marine Air Control Group 48 (MACG-48), and 4th Marine Air Wing. Determinations & Findings (D&Fs) are for assisted acquisitions made through a non-DoD agency. Non-DoD agencies are any Federal agency outside of DoD, to include their Franchise Funds – GSA, Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Treasury, etc.
Supervisor – Field Safety / Senior Field Safety Professional
DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL
Afghanistan
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Originally recruited to improve safety, reduce incidents, and mitigate hazards for 8,000 personnel within 2 military bases with combined 180+ square miles. Following success, given additional responsibility to strengthen safety program for another military base. Promoted and given accountability for managing and enhancing safety programs for 4 bases.
- Conduct up to 60 site and environmental monthly audits to ensure compliance with OSHA/ANSI requirements, EHS standards, and corporate standard operating procedures (SOPs). Respond to emergencies, lead incident investigations, identify root causes, determine areas of improvement, and implement corrective actions. Conduct safety training and orientation, assist management in conducting contractor and employee safety evaluations, perform daily pre-shift meetings with all trade crews, and prepare notifications and reports for management and compliance.
- Key Contributions & Results:
- Created and implemented Let’s All Keep Everyone Safe (LAKES) Heat Stress Prevention Program for 2 bases that was subsequently adopted by additional bases for reducing heat related incidents from 10 to 1. Developed the training and communications program, produced 35 documents to increase awareness and protect workers from heat related exposures and illnesses, and implemented recognition program for workers and departments.
- Conceptualized and launched the 1st Hazardous Hunt Program to drive the achievement of a zero-incident facility and culture, which was adopted theater-wide. Planned and organized hunts for departments that led to the identification of 40 hazards, including 4 severe hazards.
- Developed and implemented the Licensing Program for 600+ workers with driver licenses from multiple countries that resulted in zero incidents within 4 months. Defined the strategy to vet everyone against established guidelines, created online and physical driving obstacle course, and revised the procedures.
- Guided the bases in complying with CDC guidelines in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic. Created the training and awareness programs, collaborated with managers to define the plan to meet social distancing and facial mask guidelines, and implemented the quarantine and remediation programs.
- Introduced the Native Wildlife Awareness & Remediation Program that reduced incidents. Developed communication strategy, educated workers on the dangers and safety precautions, and organized weekly reporting of identified hazardous and actions.
Green Infrastructure Project Manager – Real Estate & Development
NEW ORLEANS REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NORA)
New Orleans, LA
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Promoted to advance the agency’s green infrastructure initiatives by redeveloping vacant properties to reduce flooding, improve beautification of neighborhoods, and strengthen economic developments.
- Planned and directed the construction, maintenance, and repair of green infrastructure projects. Developed project scope, budgets, plans, and schedules. Created RFPs, Purchase Orders (POs), and Change Orders (COs). Managed and reviewed consultant contracts, Request for Proposals (RFPs), Purchase Orders (POs), and Change Orders (COs). Managed and reviewed floodplain maps, and assisted with developing status narratives for floodplain studies. Led project teams and contractors. Evaluated contract compliance, develop reports, and summaries for management.
- Key Contributions & Results:
- Built the relationship and managed vendor in constructing bioretention cells for up to 49 lots that capture and infiltrate thousands of gallons of rainwater. Contributed in designing the drainage systems and native landscaping.
- Expanded the Grow Home Program by 300 properties that enabled income-eligible participants to receive credits towards the purchase of NORA property by implementing landscaping and fencing improvements.
- Revamped the Grow Green Program that grew to 60 Green Infrastructure properties by enabling lower-income participants to lease and subsequently purchase NORA property for community gardens, urban farming, and pocket parks.
- Managed the FEMA-funded Broadmoor Hazard Mitigation Project that will transform 16 lots throughout Central City into rain gardens with permeable surfaces.
- Directed the FEMA-funded Oak Park Mitigation Project that will build a permeable basketball court with a large reservoir on 7 lots to reduce flooding.
- Involved in the planning for the construction of new Affordable Green Housing Units that leveraged reservoirs to water plants and reduce flooding.
Field Safety Professional – Regional Construction Team
DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL
Afghanistan
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Retained to maximize overall safety of workers during the deconstruction of 6 bases in Afghanistan.
- Provided the subject matter expertise to maximize compliance with safety guidelines, and mitigate risks and injuries to 350 workers at each site for 2+ month long projects to take down facilities/buildings and demolish hard surfaces.
- Key Contributions & Results:
- Managed Green Infrastructure projects valued at $13M focused on leveraging vegetation and natural processes to slow, store, and drain water after heavy rainfalls to reduce flooding, slow subsidence, and improve water quality. Planned and coordinated the transformation of vacant lots into community parks and bioretention cells leveraging water mitigation systems, which collected and retained water from streets during rain events with native landscaping.
- Turned around the effective management of the Lot Next Door (LDN) Program that enabled property owners with the opportunity to purchase adjacent NORA property at fair market value. Conducted a comprehensive assessment of purchased properties that were not compliant with program’s requirements. Developed tool to track compliance issues, contacted property owners, and built relationships with non-profit organization to assist property owners in implementing necessary improvements to restore decrepit parcels into side yards and vegetable gardens.
- Secured and managed efforts of demolition contractor in tearing down 35 properties that were a hazard following a fire with zero incidents.
Field Safety Professional
KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT, INC. (KBR)
Al Asad, Iraq
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Managed Health, Safety Environmental (HSE) Program for military base comprised of 15,000 workers.
- Key Contributions & Results:
- Modified the Site Safety & Health Plan to incorporate new procedures and address problem areas.
- Provided safety information and guidance to front-line supervisors on proper HSE procedures, existing and potential hazards, and employee coaching strategies.
- Conducted HSE inspections and event-driven investigations. Produced reports, contributed in resolving unique incidents, and assisted in delivering safety training.
Quality Assurance Specialist
BECK DISASTER RECOVERY
New Orleans, LA
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Assessed building, land, or site condition, and determine value of properties throughout New Orleans impacting by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita for the bidding of demolition and remediation projects with the federal government.
Quality Assurance Specialist
THREE-FOLD CONSULTANTS
New Orleans, LA
01.2007 - 01.2007
- Managed and ensured the compliance of contracted crews with OSHA standards for projects with the City of New Orleans to remove hazardous trees, hangers, and stumps throughout 2 parishes following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Quality Assurance Specialist
THREE-FOLD CONSULTANTS
New Orleans, LA
01.2007 - 01.2007
- Supervised Philips and Jordan vendor in removing debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in adherence to established OSHA standards. Inspected trucks and debris to mitigate the delivery of hazardous waste to the city’s waste management sites.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business
DILLARD UNIVERSITY
New Orleans, LA01.2009
Skills
- MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Visio, Teams)
Certification
- Certified USACE QA Rep
- OSHA Occupational Safety & Health Training
- Certified HEARTSAVER AID CPR AED Training
- SF86 Government Clearance
- Government Compliance Training
- Davis-Bacon Act Government Construction Regulations
- Completed HAZWOPER Training (TITLE 29 CFR 1910.120 (q) (6) (i) & 20 CFR 1910.120 (l) (6) (iii)
- Liberty Bank Justice Revius Ortique Leadership Training
- Pursuing Project Management Professional (PMP)
Timeline
EHS Director
V2X
01.2023 - 01.2026
EHS Engineer
VECTRUS
01.2022 - 01.2023
Regional Facilities Manager
CHEROKEE FEDERAL
01.2021 - 01.2022
Supervisor – Field Safety / Senior Field Safety Professional
DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL
01.2018 - 01.2021
Green Infrastructure Project Manager – Real Estate & Development
NEW ORLEANS REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NORA)
01.2015 - 01.2018
Field Safety Professional – Regional Construction Team
DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL
01.2012 - 01.2014
Field Safety Professional
KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT, INC. (KBR)
01.2009 - 01.2011
Quality Assurance Specialist
BECK DISASTER RECOVERY
01.2008 - 01.2011
Quality Assurance Specialist
THREE-FOLD CONSULTANTS
01.2007 - 01.2007
Quality Assurance Specialist
THREE-FOLD CONSULTANTS
01.2007 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Science - Business
DILLARD UNIVERSITY