Bryon McConnell

Full Bio

Bryon McConnell currently manages nuclear research and development projects at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) site at the storied Chalk River Labs in Ontario, supporting scientists and engineers of international renown. His portfolio has included both commercial projects conducted for Canadian and international third-party commercial customers, and in-house capability-development projects. His projects range from the many-and-the-small, to over $100 million. He is a member of the senior staff, and serves as a popular mentor both inside and outside CNL. His project teams have received two Awards of Excellence for their successes.

Prior to joining the nuclear industry Bryon was a manager, project manager, contracting and contract management officer, and environmental coordinator at the Canadian federal Crown corporation Defence Construction Canada at Canadian Forces Base Kingston. Among his accomplishments were managing the second-busiest site in Canada, growing the business by 50% in one year, and receiving the Regional Director’s Award.

Bryon’s career began in the Canadian Coast Guard, working on both oil spills and Coast Guard’s internal environmental issues, including being part of the team that developed the first Sustainable Development Strategy for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, for which the team received the Deputy Minister’s Commendation.

Bryon earned Bachelor and Master degrees in Engineering Chemistry from Queen’s University, having chosen that discipline specifically to become an environmental practitioner. He became a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario in 2001, and a certified Project Management Professional in 2005. He is also a Member of the Chemical Institute of Canada.

Bryon is also the President of Bryon McConnell Project Management Inc. From his home in Kingston, Ontario he mentors, teaches, facilitates, and guides in project management, general management, public speaking, and how to be successful in the modern workforce, drawing upon the accumulated lessons of his 30-year career. Under his Rules for Project Management initiative he leads a series of in-person and online sessions, sharing his insights which are also currently being written into book form. He is a periodic presenter to various chapters of the Project Management Institute, including the Kingston Branch in collaboration with fellow Smith Lecturer Shaun Cahill.

Bryon began teaching adults while still a teenager, starting with First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. An active member of Toastmasters International since 2011, Bryon continually hones his stage presence: reviews consistently paint him as an engaging and entertaining educator.

Academic Degrees

MSc ChE (1995)
BSc ChE (1993)
Queens University, Canada

Academic Experience

Smith School of Business | Queen's University
Lecturer (2025 - Present)