OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Black & Veatch has appointed Stephen Smith to its board of directors. Smith, a leader and recognized advocate for employee-owned organizations, will also serve on the board’s Compensation & Development Committee.

Smith brings more than two decades of experience leading and advancing employee-owned organizations and currently serves as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Amsted Industries. He is also on the executive committee and the board of trustees for the Manufacturers Alliance and previously was chairman of Employee-Owned S Corporations of America (ESCA).

“Steve’s global business experience and passion for employee ownership will bring complementary perspective to our board, as we evolve our global business model and deepen our company’s employee ownership culture,” Black & Veatch chairman and CEO Mario Azar said. “I am grateful to have Steve on our board, as we guide our employee-owners towards fulfilling our company’s purpose of Building a World of Difference.”

“Black & Veatch’s reputation as a highly respected employee-owned company is driven by its outstanding purpose and values,” said Smith. “The company, through its employee-owners, addresses infrastructure needs globally with a portfolio of solutions that helps solve some of the world’s most complex challenges. I look forward to being part of Black & Veatch as it continues to build on its success.”

Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Wheaton College and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Chicago Law School. He also attended the University of Michigan Executive Education program.