Melinda Parrish Brumfield

As a leader, Melinda Parrish Brumfield believes that it’s important to understand your own strengths and weaknesses and then build a capable, cohesive team that can support your efforts and goals.

“Leadership is more than a title; it’s a responsibility,” said Brumfield. “A trusted advisor once told me to always keep one hand out in front of you and the other behind you, so you keep yourself open to growth and learning while also bringing others forward.”

Her goal as the Chief Strategy Officer for Bennett & Pless and BPL Enclosure Engineering is to continue providing opportunities for people to thrive.

Bennett & Pless is a highly regarded specialty structural engineering firm founded in 1964 in Atlanta. Over the past 55 years, the firm has developed a reputation for being an industry leader in the niche markets the company has chosen to practice rather than evolving into a traditional generalist structural engineering firm. Bennett & Pless sister company, BPL Enclosure Engineering, provides enclosure and ETFE engineering throughout the U.S. and Western Europe.

In 2020, Brumfield assumed the role of Principal and Chief Strategy Officer with a responsibility to develop and implement the firm’s overall marketing strategy, build a network of alliance partners and grow new markets via strategic hiring and acquisitions. As the first female to achieve this role in the firm’s 50+ year history, Bennett & Pless has thrived under her visionary leadership.

As an Atlanta native, Brumfield is well known in the architecture, engineering, construction and real estate industries. Her previous work experience includes leadership and business development positions at prominent engineering and architectural firms in addition to serving as a title insurance expert.

“As a result, Melinda is a highly-respected professional in the Atlanta AEC industry with a reputation that precedes her in new markets throughout the southeast,” said her colleagues. “A true leader in real estate and land planning, Melinda continues to place the utmost importance on the relationships she has developed and fostered throughout her 20+ year career.”

Brumfield is known as a connector in the market and attributes her proven growth strategies to the cornerstone of her career, affording professional success and immeasurable personal fulfillment.

“My goal is to continue providing opportunities for people to thrive – whether that’s making mutually-beneficial connections, helping to create a healthy office culture or simply lending a friendly ear,” said Brumfield.