HOUSTON, TX — Burns & McDonnell, an engineering, architecture, and construction firm, selects Jake Merriman to lead its Environmental Services Group for the South Central Region. Merriman, who also leads the firm’s Central Texas office in Austin, succeeds Mark Knaack who was appointed to a national role as General Manager of the firm’s Environmental Services Group.

“We are excited to have Jake lead our region’s Environmental Services Group,” said Allen Xi, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the South Central Region. “Jake has been an essential part of our growth in Central Texas. Backed by our solid team of design, permitting, and construction professionals, we’re fully equipped to help customers across the region respond to their growing environmental needs.”

Merriman joined Burns & McDonnell in 2011 and previously served as Managing Director of Transmission for the firm prior to relocating to Austin. He has more than 20 years of experience in engineering, construction, and project management.

“It’s an exciting time to lead our talented Environmental Services Group,” Merriman said. "Austin has a long history of environmental and renewable energy leadership, and I look forward to seeing that our clients’ projects have a positive effect on the local environment and communities.”