Board Candidate

The world is changing rapidly, presenting modern challenges that rely on engineers and geoscientists coming together to present realistic solutions. As the Director of Rail Extension Integration at TransLink, I have firsthand experience in bringing together project managers, professionals, and other stakeholders on projects like the Broadway Subway Project and Surrey- Langley SkyTrain extension. The collaborative nature of these engagements helps advance major projects and transform the region to support continued population growth. 

Within our professions, we must strive for greater equity and inclusivity. This includes increasing the representation of women, indigenous peoples, and other diverse demographics. As a significant number of registrants approach retirement, it is crucial to attract people from diverse backgrounds to choose and sustain careers in engineering and geoscience. I want to work with registrants to ensure our professions as accessible, rewarding, and impactful career paths.  

It is important for engineers and geoscientists to have the right tools for their work. EGBC can continue supporting registrants through collaboration networks, continuing education opportunities, and professional practice guidelines and advisories. These resources help equip registrants to advance their practice and maintain high standards of professional excellence.  

Society relies on engineers and geoscientists to solve the problems of today and tomorrow. I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to work with registered firms and registrants to ensure that our professions are resilient and future-ready. 

BASc (Civil Engineering), University of British Columbia, 2011  
MS (Structural Engineering), University of California, Los Angeles, 2013  
MBA, Simon Fraser University, 2019  
DEng (PhD Equivalent - Engineering Management), George Washington University, 2021 

Director (multiple roles), Engineering Division, TransLink, 2018–Present  
Project Manager, Campus Planning and Development, SFU, 2016–2018  
Structural Design Engineer, Fast+Epp, 2013–2016  

Vice Chair, Professional Practice Advisory Group, 2024–Present  
Member, Professional Practice Advisory Group, 2022–Present  
Member, Continuing Education Advisory Group, 2021–2022 

Board Member, Antarctic Institute of Canada, 2021–Present  
Volunteer, Boys and Girls Club of Canada, 2014–2016 

One of the key challenges for EGBC is to help unlock opportunities for our professions to effectively address complex problems of the 21st century. It is EGBC’s responsibility to ensure that registrants are qualified and well-equipped to deal with contemporary challenges.  

EGBC must adapt regulatory policies, frameworks, standards and processes to enable and support registrants to meet the needs of society in a dynamic landscape. By doing so, EGBC can reinforce confidence and trust with government and the public in the quality and integrity of our work.  

How regulatory requirements can be best operationalized presents a unique opportunity for EGBC. I witnessed firsthand the challenges associated with change management within regulatory frameworks. For instance, when the Professional Governance Act came into effect, I was working on the Continuing Education Advisory Group where we worked with EGBC staff to operationalize continuing education requirements for registrants from across the province. Furthermore, difficulties with the permit-to-practice for companies and getting industry onboard with the development and implementation of Professional Practice Management Plans were challenges that required concerted efforts and collaboration. My own experience participating in conversations within TransLink on how best to meet these requirements provided valuable insights into the practical implications of regulatory changes and the need for proactive adaptation. 

The engineering and geoscience professions face growing complexity of projects. Engineers and geoscientists are at the forefront of confronting complex issues such as the climate crisis, housing affordability, infrastructure resilience, and mobility challenges.  

Modern projects demand expertise from multiple disciplines while balancing an expanding list of constraints. Alongside considerations like scope, schedule, and budget, engineering and geoscience professionals need to consider sustainability, emerging technologies, and societal impacts while prioritizing safety, integrity, and ethical practice. 

In my role at TransLink, particularly for the expansion of the SkyTrain network, I know about the complexity involved in integrating new infrastructure within existing systems. While meeting scope, schedule, and cost constraints are important, the projects must also consider how these expansions can be done in environmentally and socially sustainable ways. At the same time, we must deliver these expansion projects that are not only functional but also maintainable and operable over the long term, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the SkyTrain network. Outside of the technical, success of the projects also involves extensive engagement with stakeholders, including the public, to ensure transparency and gather feedback for informed decision-making.  

This delicate balance is further complicated by the difficulty of securing and retaining talent within our professions, impacting project delivery. I’ve experienced the challenge of building multidisciplinary teams for SkyTrain expansion integration projects. The scarcity of specialized talent, complicated by competition from around the world for the same expertise, presents a significant challenge for projects and our industry. 

Looking five years ahead, my vision for EGBC includes positive changes in several key areas including greater diversity of registrants and awareness and actions towards reconciliation.  

I will work towards advocating for more diverse representation from different demographics within registrants. This aligns with my philosophy from my work at TransLink, where I believe that our teams should reflect the region that we serve. Representation is crucial, signaling that we are continuing to work towards being progressive and forward-thinking professions. I also believe that it is essential for registrants to see themselves represented at different levels within EGBC. By doing so, our decision-making processes can become more inclusive and reflective of the broader communities that we serve.  

I am committed to continuing awareness and implementation of all relevant calls to action towards reconciliation. Our projects often interface with indigenous communities, making it essential to prioritize meaningful engagement, consultation, and collaboration. There is still much for us to learn about our past to march together into the future. This includes a better appreciation and respect for Indigenous knowledge and rights. Working with industry and registrants, EGBC can continue playing a leading role to promote awareness and providing education opportunities so that the teachings can be embedded into engineering and geoscience ways of thinking and working. By actively promoting reconciliation and Indigenous partnerships, we can all contribute to fostering stronger relationships and creating more equitable and inclusive professional practices. 

In my role as Director of Rail Extension Integration at TransLink, I’m leading the integration of major SkyTrain projects, applying a holistic approach that combines technical expertise with business acumen. This entails assessing major rail integration projects from financial and risk management perspectives to ensure their viability and success.  

My active involvement in internal and external governance bodies related to current and future SkyTrain expansion affords me invaluable insights into governance best practices. This experience enables me to make informed decisions and contribute effectively to strategic planning efforts. Additionally, my recent appointment to the Building Officials’ Association of BC provides me with a broader perspective on governance matters, particularly in relation to building officials' practices across the province.  

Through my engagement with building officials, I've recognized the importance of cross-professional collaboration in addressing shared challenges and enhancing regulatory practices. I hope to bring this collaborative mindset to my work on the EGBC board with our ongoing engagement with the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance and related professional associations within the PGA.  

I am honoured to serve as Vice Chair on EGBC’s professional practice advisory group, a role that allows me to deepen my understanding of the Professional Governance Act and ongoing EGBC operations. This is coupled with my previous experience on the Continuing Education Advisory Group enabling me to make meaningful contributions to regulatory initiatives and support EGBC's mission to "serve the public interest as an inclusive, progressive, and future-focused regulator."