People Moves: February 2024

Alex Burkinshaw has accepted a new role as vice president of project development at Surespan Group.

Osama Moselhi, a professor at the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science and the director of Concordia’s Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Engineering and Management,  has been appointed as a member of the Order of Canada. Moselhi received the country’s highest honour for his contributions to the fields of construction engineering and education.

This recognition from the Order of Canada is not mine alone. It reflects the collaborative spirit and exceptional talents of my students, past and current, and colleagues I’ve worked with — in academia and the industry, in Canada and globally.

Osama Moselhi

Mark Heffernan has been named principal at O’M Engineering. Heffernan has over 16 years of experience in the industry and began his career as a qualified electrician.

Paul Verhesen, former president and CEO of Clark Builders, has been hired as a strategic advisor for KV Capital. Verhesen brings over 30 years of construction industry leadership to his new role spearheading the expansion of the private equity group into building products acquisitions.

Brent Payne is Marcon’s new vice president of construction. He has 30 years of global experience in civil engineering, transportation, construction management, project and program management.

Tanya Palson, executive director of the Manitoba Building Trades, has been appointed the new chair of the Manitoba Apprenticeship Board.

Being the first female executive director of the Manitoba Building Trades, I hope to bring a diverse perspective towards building upon our history and helping us write the next chapter,” said Palson. “A negative stigma still exists around skilled trades work, and we are facing the largest labour shortages our industry has ever experienced. It’s important to continue and expand our efforts with our community partners, and governments to open the door to the trades for so many Manitobans.

Tanya Palson, executive director, Manitoba Building Trades

Dave Pooley has been named chief financial officer of Bridgit. Pooley will oversee Bridgit’s financial strategy and efficiency across the organization.

Josh Gaglardi, president of Orion Construction, has joined the board of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association. Under Gaglardi’s leadership, Orion has become one of Canada’s fastest growing companies. 

Josh Teller, also of Orion Construction, has been promoted from site superintendent to general superintendent.

Since Orion’s inception, Josh [Teller] has exemplified excellence. With over 23 years of experience in site supervision, his leadership has been invaluable.

Orion Construction

Jason Davidson is celebrating 20 years at PCL. The HSE manager for the company’s Ottawa district left his career as a paramedic to join the construction sector. He has worked on landmark projects, including the Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion and the BC Place Roof Phase II project.

Jatinder Heer is NorLand’s new chief financial officer. He brings over 20 years of progressive experience in business leadership and corporate governance.

Kristal Kaye has been brought on as chief financial officer for CarbonCure. Kaye brings 25 years of finance expertise across a variety of industries, including mining, energy and retail pharmacy. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) who most recently served as CFO for Arctic Canadian Diamond Company.

Kristal’s expertise in financial management and strategic planning will undoubtedly be assets to CarbonCure and our mission, helping us achieve our goals, operate with efficiency at scale and generate even more value for our customers.

CarbonCure CEO Robert Niven

Barry Charnish, founding principal of Entuitive in Toronto, has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from Canadian Consulting Engineer. 

Esther Rivard-Sirois has been promoted to principal at Kasian. She has been with the firm for 16 years, starting as an intern architect. 

Norm Streu has been hired as associate counsel for Harper Grey LLP. Streu has an extensive history in the construction sector, previously serving as president of Con-Force Structures, executive vice president of NCM development at Nexii and president of LMS Reinforcing Steel Group. 

Cameron McPhaden is starting a new position as a senior design manager at EllisDon. As part of the team delivering the New Surrey Hospital and BC Cancer Center project, he has recently been confirmed as the Design-Builder’s Design Manager, a contractual Key Individual. 

John Cameron, Keller Construction’s chairman, has been appointed MacEwan University’s Allard Chair in Business.  

Under John’s visionary leadership, Keller Construction Ltd. has left an indelible mark on the western Canadian landscape since the 1980s. From intricate visitor centers to major housing developments, his commitment to excellence and innovation has shaped the success of our company.

Keller Construction

Andrew Tashiro, senior principal of properties and buildings at WSP in Canada, is celebrating 34 years at the company. 

Andy Tam has been appointed senior vice president of development at Nonni Property Group. Tam has more than 28 years of experience in the sector. He will oversee all development and construction activities.

Ralph Ward has officially retired from Scott Builders. The company said Ward founded the modern version of Scott when he purchased the company in the mid 1980s. He led it for many years as president and CEO. More recently, he worked on the company’s board. 

Tanya Justason has been promoted to project accountant at Westridge Construction. Justason initially joined Westridge in October 2023 as the accounting administrator, but the company says her dedication and adaptability led to a swift promotion. 

Josh Gallipeau, also of Westridge Construction, is celebrating 10 years at the company. He serves as a journeyperson carpenter and is currently leading the way as the concrete superintendent on the Redbear Avenue Pumping Station & Reservoirs project.

Paul Forgues has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Edmonton Construction Association. Starting his career as a draftsman, Forgues worked his way up to become project director at Bird Construction.

Drew Monnier has started a new role as operations manager, infrastructure, in Graham’s Manitoba District.

Alicia Cornford has been promoted to director, brand & engagement at Clark Builders. She has more than 17 years of experience in the AEC industry and serves as the acting board president for the Canadian Society for Marketing Professional Services. 

Helen van ter Meij, PCL’s treasury supervisor, is celebrating 40 years with the company. 

Derron Bain now holds the title of CEO of Concert Infrastructure. The company stated that the change reflects and aligns with the leadership and practice in the Canadian infrastructure sector. It also reflects the growing scale and scope of the Concert Infrastructure business and team.

Tara Rogers has joined Flatiron as director of preconstruction Canada. Prior to the role, she worked at Deloitte leading capital projects practice in B.C. Tara has almost 25 years of experience in the infrastructure development market and is part of the steering committee for Women in Infrastructure Network (WIN).

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association has announced the 2024 members for its Young Construction Leaders Committee. Avi Horwitz(Sterling Floor & Tile) will serve as chair, Hugo Huynh (Flynn Canada) is vice chair, Victoria Ellery (Timescapes Canada) is secretary and Nic Labelle-Giuglian (Waste Management) is treasurer. 

Trevor Doucette has joined Synergy Group of Companies as its new senior director of operations. Doucette will work closely with Synergy’s management team to ensure the success of the projects it undertakes and help them continue to grow their footprint across Alberta and Canada.

Kathryn Kennedy has been appointed chief growth officer at online heavy equipment rental company DOZR. Kennedy has held senior leadership positions at large online companies, including Wayfair, Zulily, Amazon, and Expedia.

I am excited to join DOZR at such a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory. The company has already established itself as a leader in the heavy equipment rental space, and I look forward to working with the talented team to unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable growth. Together, we will leverage data-driven strategies and innovative approaches to further enhance the customer experience and solidify DOZR’s position as the preferred choice for heavy equipment rentals.

Kathryn Kennedy, chief growth officer, DOZR

Dave Turnbull is Lark Group‘s new construction safety officer. Turnbull brings over 35 years of experience in the construction industry and he spent more than a decade focused on safety as a CSO/OFA (Level 2).

Chris Elkey has been appointed chief operating officer at Kerkhoff Develop • Build

Greg Epp has joined Guillevin Calgary | Electrical | DataCom as its industrial business development manager.

 Alyssa Dudek, project manager for Graham Construction, received the Edmonton Construction Association‘s Volunteer Impact Award in recognition of her leadership in WomenBuild.

Simon Green has hired as vice president, major projects west, at Aecon.

Ilana Danzig and Will Watson are the newest principals to join ASPECT Structural Engineers. The firm stated that that Danzig and Watson embody ASPECT’s core values of quality, accountability, drive, diversity, and collaboration, and will act as ambassadors of the firm as it continues to grow.

Nikki Keith (Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services Inc.), Sam Brezden(Fort Modular), Ronan Deane (NAC Constructors Ltd.), and Craig Enns (EllisDon Corporation) have joined the Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s board of directors.

Jason Nelson has joined Edge Consultants as their new chief executive officer, bringing two decades of experience in the building consulting industry across North America.

Our collaboration with Jason symbolizes a new era for Edge Consultants. Together, we’re committed to enhancing our impact in creating healthier, smarter, and more sustainable buildings.

Eoghan Hayes, principal at Edge Sustainability Consulting