Purna Kharel, the Founder/President and CEO of K&A Engineering Consulting PC, is the epitome of determination and ambition. His journey began in Chhinchu, Surkhet, Nepal, on October 10, 1975, where he was raised by his father, a small-town store owner, and mother, a housewife. With humble beginnings, Purna embarked on his education in a basic public school, facing a one-hour hike each way to pursue his studies.
Amidst the simple joys of playing with friends in local jungles and celebrating traditional Nepali festivals, Purna’s passion for education ignited, leading him to achieve significant milestones. He completed his studies at institutions like Sharada Secondary School and Jivan Jyoti Secondary School in Nepal before pursuing higher education at Amrit Science College, Thamel, and Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, where he completed his Bachelor’s in electrical engineering.
Equipped with invaluable experience and a robust educational background, Purna ventured into the professional world with a profound sense of purpose. His career began with AG Power Company in Nepal, where he served as Managing Director from October 2000 to December 2002. During this period, Purna showcased his acumen in electrical engineering by working as an EPC contractor for micro-hydro projects across Nepal. He also worked as a contract electrical engineer for Nepal Electricity Authority while in Nepal.
With dreams of making a difference and a vision to create his own business, Purna set his sights on the USA to further his education. Pursuing his master’s degree in electrical engineering, he traveled thousands of miles to Wichita State University. The experience of being in a new country and immersing himself in a diverse culture broadened his horizons, instilling in him a sense of adaptability and openness.
After moving to the USA, he embarked on a fulfilling career path in pursuit of further growth and opportunities. From serving as an electrical engineer for Black & Veatch and principal electrical engineer for Mallinckrodt Chemicals (2004-2008) to being a Sr. Project Manager for CH2M Hill (2013-2015) and Director of Substation and Transmission Engineering for AECOM (2015-2016), Purna’s journey exemplified his dedication to excellence and continuous learning.
In October 2016, Purna’s dream came to fruition when he founded K&A Engineering Consulting PC. Starting with just one client and one employee, Purna’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation set the course for K&A Engineering’s rapid growth to over 500 employees with over 11 offices in the USA, one office in Canada, and one in Nepal. Over the years, the company expanded its expertise to encompass electric power generation, substation, transmission, distribution, energy efficiency, and distributed energy resource projects. The firm’s portfolio boasts an impressive range of services, from planning and environmental analysis to engineering, design, construction, program management, and commissioning.
Rooted in a steadfast commitment to empowering others, K&A Engineering has solidified its presence in the Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution sectors. The company’s remarkable growth stems from a dedication to attracting top-tier talent and offering professional services not only across the U.S. but also internationally. Purna’s focus on fostering a people-centric workplace has enabled K&A Engineering to become a multi-discipline full-service Engineering & PMO company, garnering recognition as the Number 1 fastest-growing engineering Company in the USA according to INC Magazine.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Purna’s compassion extends to charitable endeavors through K&A Cares, where part of the company’s profits goes to support non-profit organizations in the USA and Nepal. His commitment to giving back to the community and uplifting those in need is a testament to his values as a leader.
Purna’s legacy is defined by the positive impact he seeks to create, not only in the engineering field but also in the lives of those around him. As a devoted husband and father, he finds joy in nurturing a family that stands by his side, supporting his vision and dreams.