TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Jeannie Killebrew

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When Jeannie Killebrew founded Killebrew | Killebrew, Inc. (KKI) in 2010, she set out to build more than a business—she was answering a professional calling to create something enduring. Armed with a vision, grit, and a sharp eye for opportunity, she transformed a modest startup into a nationally recognized fire protection engineering firm. Today, as president and owner, she leads KKI with a focus on technical excellence, strategic growth, and a deep commitment to safety and equity in some of the country’s most complex infrastructure projects.

 

Jeannie’s path to engineering leadership was shaped by a passion for problem-solving and a desire to make a tangible impact. Early in her career, she recognized a critical need for specialized fire protection services that balanced technical precision with innovative thinking. Driven to fill that gap, she launched KKI with a bold vision: to build a firm that prioritized safety, equity, and excellence across all levels of infrastructure development. Within just a few years, her leadership propelled the company into the national spotlight, allowing her to dedicate herself fully to its growth and mission.

 

Today, Jeannie leads KKI’s strategic vision, business development, and project delivery across multiple regions—including Denver, CO; Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Nashville, TN; and Miami, FL. KKI specializes in fire protection design, life safety strategy development, and code consulting. From fire alarm and suppression systems to compliance support for high-risk environments like aviation hubs and military facilities, the firm delivers integrated, code-compliant solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

 

A standout milestone in Jeannie’s career is her leadership of the fire protection program for the $2.3 billion Concourse Expansion at Denver International Airport. Managing one of the nation’s most complex aviation infrastructure projects, she ensured the program’s success through precise technical planning and proactive stakeholder coordination. Her contributions have earned widespread recognition, including the ENR Best Project in Airport/Transit Award in 2023 and the Denver Great Hall Program Partner Appreciation Award.

 

Jeannie holds esteemed industry credentials, including Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) and Project Management Professional (PMP). These speak to her expertise, but it’s her leadership and vision that truly set her apart. She believes that clarity, strategy, and connection are the foundation of any successful organization. “If you don’t have a vision, you can’t lead,” she says—a belief she’s put into action across every phase of KKI’s growth. “My goal isn’t just to lead projects—it’s to elevate people, shape systems, and open doors,” she adds.

 

Beyond her role at KKI, Jeannie is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in engineering. Recently elected president of the Denver chapter of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC), she champions equal access to opportunities and funding for women and minorities in aerospace and construction. She also serves as a mentor to other women in the field, fostering the next generation of engineers and leaders.

 

With a clear mission, a passion for people, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Jeannie Killebrew continues to position KKI at the forefront of fire protection engineering—building safer, smarter, and more inclusive communities nationwide.

 

Jeannie Killebrew
President and Owner
Killebrew | Killebrew, Inc.
Website: https://www.kkieng.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannie-killebrew-cfps-pmp-281bb4242/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/killebrew