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Leadership

The leadership team at Smith & Burgess drives our commitment to excellence in process safety,
technical integrity, and client-focused service. With deep expertise in engineering, operations,
and technology, our leaders shape the strategic direction of the firm while fostering a culture of
accountability, collaboration, and innovation. Their expertise drives our success in delivering Process Safety  Management (PSM) solutions that protect people, assets, and performance.

Executive Leadership Team

Dustin Smith, P.E.

Co-Founder & Principal Consultant

Dustin Smith co-founded Smith & Burgess in 2007 and serves as CEO. With over 25 years of experience, he is an expert in relief system design, PSM compliance audits, flare optimization, and heat and material balance development. Dustin has led numerous process safety projects across refineries and petrochemical sites, ensuring alignment with OSHA standards and internal best practices. He is a licensed professional engineer in Texas, LOPA certified, and holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University.

John Burgess, P.E.

Co-Founder & Principal Consultant

John Burgess brings over 25 years of experience in relief systems design and PSM compliance. He's led domestic and international projects supporting major operators with PSM implementation and audit readiness. John is a long-standing member of the API Sub committee on Pressure Relief Systems and actively contributes to shaping safety standards. He holds both BS and MS degrees in Chemical Engineering and is a licensed P.E. in Texas and Louisiana.

Aniekan Attang, PMP

General Manager

Aniekan Attang leads the firm's engineering team with more than 13 years of experience in process safety and project management. He is known for his ability to drive complex projects, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and deliver results that exceed client expectations. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Chemical Engineering and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Parimal Desai

Director of Business Development

Parimal Desai oversees business growth strategy across key markets including oil, gas, petrochemical, chemicals, and biofuels. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Parimal has expanded the firm’s client base through strategic planning, relationship building, and market development.

Michelle Ramirez, SHRM-CP

Director of Internal Operations

Michelle Ramirez brings over 15 years of experience in human resources, talent management, and organizational development. She leads internal operations and HR strategy, overseeing workforce planning, process improvement, and employee engagement. As a SHRM-CP certified professional, Michelle ensures Smith & Burgess continues to attract, retain, and develop top-tier talent.

Manish Puri

Director of Technology

Manish Puri leads the firm's technology initiatives, including the continued development of SalusTM, Smith & Burgess' proprietary documentation platform for relief and flare systems. With more than 25 years of experience in software engineering and systems architecture, Manish drives innovations that support client success and digital transformation in process safety.

Stuart Maxwell

Stuart Maxwell

Director of Process Safety & Asset Integrity Management

Stuart Maxwell brings 20 years of experience in asset integrity, mechanical integrity, and process safety across the refining, chemical, midstream, and energy industries. His expertise includes Process Hazard Analyses, Mechanical Integrity assessments, and Risk-Based Inspection programs. He works with clients to address challenges across engineering and operations, bringing teams together to develop practical solutions that improve safety, reliability, and operational performance.