McKissack & McKissack, one of the nation’s leading Black- and woman-owned architecture, engineering, and construction management (AEC) companies, announced today that Carmelo Torrisi, an AEC industry leader, has been appointed as the new president. Torrisi will focus on guiding McKissack & McKissack’s continued growth strategy across multiple markets and regions.
Torrisi joins McKissack & McKissack with over three decades of experience leading teams and business units across various sectors. Torrisi worked in several leadership roles at AtkinsRéalis, formerly Faithful+Gould. Most recently, he was Vice President of Business Development & Strategy, leading the North American Sales team. As the Director of Operations for North America, he provided management and oversight for over a $175M portfolio, which included more than 600 employees, to meet and exceed financial, operational, and performance goals. Torrisi also served as the Utility Sector Lead, working closely with companies such as Exelon, Arizona Public Service, and Duke Energy. Under Torrisi’s leadership and project management, his team completed projects such as the Milwaukee Federal Building Renovation and the installation of a solar plant in Roswell, New Mexico. Additionally, Torrisi has held leadership positions at S&C Electric Company, AECOM, Jacobs, and Fluor, where his experience spanned design, engineering, construction, quality, business development, and project management.
“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Carmelo as the new President of the McKissack & McKissack family! We are at an exciting juncture, expanding with new projects and clients across multiple sectors; and we are building an engine to support further growth. Carmelo’s experience leading business development, operations, and project management is an invaluable asset to our team. His leadership will be instrumental as we reach the next level in our business and continue our goal of enhancing the lives of people through AEC,” said Deryl McKissack, McKissack & McKissack’s Founder and CEO.
“I am truly honored and excited to join McKissack & McKissack as the new President. Being part of such a historic company with an incredible story and heritage is inspiring. In just 30 years, the firm has truly made a lasting mark on this country, from designing landmark projects to revitalizing our schools and city infrastructures. McKissack is enhancing the lives of people through its design and build work, and I am thrilled to help build on this amazing legacy. Under Deryl’s leadership, the company has grown exponentially and manages over $15 billion in construction. I see my role as continuing that upward trend, using my experience and network to achieve our company’s goals and enhance our reputation,” said Torrisi.
As McKissack & McKissack’s new President, Torrisi will bring his extensive experience and dynamic leadership to the company’s operations and growth initiatives. His leadership will cover both ongoing and new projects with plans to extend the company’s reach in the Southwest and other regions across the country.
“Carmelo brings a lifetime of construction management experience, valuable resources, and an extensive network, making him a true leader and impressive mentor to many. His background and skills make him the perfect combination for project delivery excellence and client satisfaction while also growing the company and team to support that growth. Together, we are poised to achieve new heights of success and make a lasting impact in the AEC industry,” said McKissack.
“I’m excited to contribute to McKissack & McKissack’s electric growth and dynamic company reputation. Their strong foundation in PMCM expertise, spanning multiple sectors, is a valuable asset for expanding new business. The AEC industry is growing at a tremendous pace, and McKissack & McKissack is poised to seize these great opportunities. I am thrilled to be a part of this next phase of the company,” said Torissi.
McKissack & McKissack boasts the nation’s largest urban K-12 school PMCM practice and has significant experience in aviation, infrastructure, energy, and healthcare. Torrisi will build on this expertise by increasing the firm’s regional and national presence and targeting even more projects with high community impact, including transportation, power and water facilities, schools, and more.
McKissack & McKissack is currently spearheading projects across the country from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Los Angeles and from Washington, DC to Chicago and beyond, and working with major companies including Amtrak, United Airlines, Target, ComEd, and more to provide large-scale architecture and interior, infrastructure, program and construction management, community engagement, and build-design services. The past year has seen the firm win awards from the Design-Build Institute of America and the American Institute of Architects, among others.
Beyond his professional achievements, Torissi’s collaborative approach and dedication to fostering a positive work culture are in alignment with McKissack & McKissack’s company culture of project excellence. His ability to inspire and empower teams will strengthen the organization, already known for its strong team of diverse experts in the AEC industry. “I didn’t just join McKissack & McKissack for this impressive portfolio; what truly sets this company apart is the team’s diverse backgrounds and perspectives as individuals. The team represents a multitude of races, creeds, and cultures, enriching project outcomes with a wealth of ideas and experiences,” said Torrisi.
An Army Reserve veteran, Torrisi served eight years as 1st Lieutenant in the 308th Civil Affairs Battalion. He holds an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Washington University. Torrisi also holds several industry certifications, including a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) certification.
Torrisi lives in Chicago with his wife and four daughters, where he has deep professional and personal roots. Community involvement is core to Torrisi, and he has volunteered his time with a Cook County Department of Public Health Emergency Readiness initiative and with Habitat for Humanity Chicago for over ten years, leading multiple campaigns and volunteer activations. Torrisi currently serves as Chairman of the Construction Committee.
As the new President of McKissack & McKissack, Torrisi will sit in the Chicago office and will lead more than 150 employees across the DC, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and Dallas offices.
