NEW ORLEANS, LA — Bernhard announces that Melissa Samuel has been named the company’s Chief Legal Officer (CLO). Since joining Bernhard in 2018, Samuel has worked with the Executive Leadership Team on a myriad of legal and operational matters designed to advance key initiatives and position Bernhard for continued growth.

“Melissa has proven to be an incredible asset for our company and our culture,” said Chief Executive Officer Ed Tinsley. “She has demonstrated the kind of solutions-oriented mindset that is at the heart of our core values and makes her ideally suited for this role.”

In her expanded role as CLO, Samuel will oversee all aspects of the legal department, including transactions, compliance, corporate governance, major claims, labor relations, employment law, and corporate risk management.

Samuel has more than 25 years of legal experience, with more than 13 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry. Throughout her career, she has focused on strategic legal partnerships with operations to find optimal and sustained solutions. Prior to joining Bernhard, Samuel served as Senior Vice President for H&E Equipment Services overseeing HR, legal, and safety, and as Vice President and Associate General Counsel for The Shaw Group, Inc.

Headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana, Bernhard has more than 2,000 employees in more than 20 office locations across the country.