Bala Consulting Engineers CEO Kimberly Burkert: Breaking the Glass Ceiling and Leading in Style

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Kimberly Burkert

BOSTON–Kimberly Burkert is the CEO and President of Bala Consulting Engineers, Inc. and is part of an exclusive group of female CEOs in an industry where less than 10% of engineering firms have female CEOs.

As Bala’s first female CFO and now CEO, Ms. Burkert has been a driving force behind Bala’s 400% growth over the past 20 years. She was instrumental in the acquisition of five engineering firms over 10 years that catapulted Bala from a $10 million firm to more than $40 million in revenues and over 200 employees.

With these acquisitions Bala expanded their engineering services to include technology, security, audio/visual design, and sustainability practices. Bala has grown from one office in Philadelphia to offices in Boston, New York, Baltimore, and Washington DC.

What inspires her?

“My dad raised me to have a strong personal work ethic. To take on challenges and strive to succeed in any venture that I undertake,” says Ms. Burkert. “I have carried that with me throughout my career and it has served me well. I endeavor to nurture this in the next generation of leaders in our firm.”

On March 12, 2025, Ms. Burkert will be honored with the Outstanding Women of 2025 award at the annual Women of the Year awards gala at Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA.

To buy a ticket for the gala, please click here.

In Boston, Bala has recently provided engineering on the Foundation Medicine, Inc. project which was the largest life science construction project in Boston when it was constructed, and it has achieved LEED Platinum status.  Bala was also integral to Belmont High School’s Net Zero Ready development which has outperformed energy use predictions since it opened 2 years ago.

Foundation Medicine

Bala has been at the forefront of providing critical and technologically advanced engineering services for more than 40 years. Bala’s breadth of engineering, commissioning and consulting experience for corporate, data center, education, high-rise, healthcare, life science and multi-unit housing projects has resulted in improved returns on investment, better performing buildings and optimal user experiences. Headquartered in Philadelphia, with offices from Boston to Washington DC, Bala’s staff of over 200 engineers, designers and support personnel are licensed to practice in 44 states and have completed projects both nationally and internationally.

Here is a Q/A with Ms. Burkert:

Boston Real Estate Times: What do you enjoy most about your work?

Kimberly Burkert: I find it incredibly fulfilling working and interacting with our team at Bala to develop strategies for growth. We work together to problem-solve, inspire our employees and deliver high quality engineering solutions for our clients and teaming partners.

BRET: What is the one thing you attribute your success to?

KB: From the time I joined the workforce at age 14, I have always had a very strong work ethic. Regardless of position I have always given my full commitment of time and energy to succeeding in that role.

BRET: To which charitable, community and professional groups do you belong and why?

KB: I have been very active with the Forum of Executive Women. It is an organization that allows women in leadership to build camaraderie through networking and lifting each other up through creative problem solving.

BRET: In what way do you feel you have most positively influenced or served the local community, your company/organization or professional field?

KB: Under my guidance, Bala has developed an incredibly strong philanthropy program across all of our offices. I believe strongly in the positive impact we can bring and have even introduced a company-paid philanthropy day for all employees to encourage enterprise-wide volunteerism. I take great pleasure in personally joining in as our employees give back to the communities we serve.

BRET: What are your hobbies and interests?

KB: I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.

BRET: Your favorite books?

KB: Find Your Way – Carly Fiorina.

BRET: Your favorite quotes?

KB: “Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes.”

BRET: The one person you would like to meet and why?

KB: Martha Stewart. She is completely self-made and has shown inspirational resilience in the face of any challenge throughout her career.

BRET: Your core values you try to live by?

KB: Integrity and trust is at my core, and as a CEO you have a have a strong sense of empathy to support the needs our employees.

BRET: What inspires you?

KB: My dad raised me to have a strong personal work ethic. To take on challenges and strive to succeed in any venture that I undertake. I have carried that with me throughout my career and it has served me well. I endeavor to nurture this in the next generation of leaders in our firm.

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