Archives: Most Influential People

As President of CANA Construction, Fabrizio Carinelli blends strategic leadership with hands-on project delivery. He’s currently overseeing operations for Calgary’s new event centre—one of the city’s most ambitious builds. A professional engineer with Gold Seal certification, Carinelli has helped deliver some of Alberta’s most iconic projects, including the Calgary Courts Centre, TELUS Spark, and the Saddledome rebuild. With nearly three decades at CANA, he’s known for upholding the company’s “do-it-right-once” philosophy. He also serves on the Canadian Construction Association’s General Contractors National Advisory Committee and supports local causes through the Calgary Sportsman’s Dinner and past service on the Calgary Construction Association board.

As the founding President and CEO of BC Infrastructure Benefits (BCIB), Irene Kerr has built a workforce model that connects local and diverse labour to B.C.’s major public infrastructure projects. Since 2019, BCIB has mobilized over 5,000 tradespeople—21% of them apprentices—with 12% of those apprentices and trainees earning their certification on a BCIB project. Her approach not only delivers the labour needed on site but also helps build a diverse workforce that improves retention, productivity, and jobsite culture. A seasoned Crown executive with experience across multiple sectors, Kerr now advises the Presidents Group and SkillPlan, cementing her reputation for reliably delivering labour to critical infrastructure projects.

As Principal and a Director at AME Group, Marie-France Venneri is shaping the future of mechanical engineering with purpose and precision. With over two decades of experience, she has delivered forward-thinking solutions across a wide range of B.C.’s most ambitious projects, including large-scale residential, commercial, and institutional developments. A champion of collaboration, Marie fosters strong ties with clients, consultants, and contractors—driving results through trust and alignment. Her leadership has contributed to AME’s growth to 200+ professionals and a strong reputation for excellence. A former board member of Canadian Construction Women, she participated in initiatives that continue to inspire the next generation of leaders. Marie is committed to building a stronger, more inclusive industry—one project at a time.

As Executive Vice President of Infrastructure Services at EllisDon, Wayne Ferguson is reshaping how construction companies deliver long-term value. Over his 27-year career, he has grown from site operations expert to executive leader, now overseeing a suite of specialized teams that support the full lifecycle of major infrastructure projects. From energy systems to equipment procurement, Wayne’s group helps future-proof complex facilities across Canada. His leadership is pushing the industry beyond construction, into asset performance, sustainability, and digital integration. A director on the Canadian Construction Association board, Wayne is also helping guide the industry forward—championing innovation, collaboration, and the next generation of leaders.

Lindsay Langill has spent his career building bridges between education, industry, and the skilled trades. A Red Seal-certified welder and industrial mechanic with a doctorate in educational leadership, he has helped shape trades training across B.C. and Canada. As Dean of Technology and Trades at Thompson Rivers University, he led one of the province’s largest programs, expanding access and opportunity for students—including Indigenous learners. At the Industry Training Authority, he oversaw Red Seal program standards and helped launch youth pathways like ACE IT and SSA. Through board roles with BuildForce, JLATA, and others, Langill continues to influence national workforce strategies and strengthen Canada’s skilled trades pipeline.

Sanjeev Dhillon is everywhere and seems to know everyone. As the Director of Member and Community Engagement at ICBA he spends countless hours attending events, visiting with association members and doing his best to publicly highlight the men and women in every corner of the construction sector. He goes out of his way to make each industry professional feel special and to elevate their business. You’d be hard-pressed to find a builder in B.C. that doesn’t know Sanjeev. His passion and kindness is a glue that brings the industry together and it is much better for it.

As co-founders of F&H, Andrew Fettback and Chris Heesterman are showing how the next generation of construction leaders run a business. After decades in roles at major electrical contractors, the pair launched F&H with a clear vision: build a values-driven company that prioritizes quality, culture, and safety. In just a few years, they’ve grown to nearly 100 employees, earned a Gold Award in Vancouver’s regional contractor competition, and maintained a high record. Their boutique firm is reshaping what success looks like in the electrical contracting world.

As President and CEO of Maple Reinders, Harold Reinders leads with integrity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to safety. With over 25 years in senior leadership at the company, he has helped shape a culture rooted in trust—earning recognition like the OGCA’s Jock Tindale Award for Integrity. Under his guidance, Maple Reinders has delivered Canadian building firsts, championed sustainable construction practices, and invested in mentorship and training programs for its workforce. Named Chair of the League of Champions in 2025, Harold continues to push for safer, stronger, more innovative job sites. His leadership reflects a clear vision: elevate people, projects, and the industry as a whole.

As President and CEO of ROC Modular, Joe Kiss is helping bring modular construction into the mainstream. A pioneer in volumetric modular building, he has delivered affordable housing projects across Canada—including in B.C., Alberta, and remote northern communities—through faster, smarter, and more sustainable methods. Joe collaborates closely with public agencies, developers, and non-profits to meet urgent housing needs while challenging outdated views of offsite construction. As Vice Chair of the Modular Building Institute’s Canadian Council, and MBI’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year, he’s shaping policy and promoting industry-wide best practices. Joe’s leadership is redefining what’s possible in Canadian housing.

Since taking the helm of the Canadian Construction Association in 2024, Rodrigue Gilbert has led a bold transformation—reshaping the organization into a more agile, focused, and forward-looking force in Canada’s construction industry. His leadership has raised the bar through action, not talk—empowering teams, driving best practices, and unlocking national collaboration like never before. Under his guidance, the CCA’s advocacy efforts surged during the last federal election, making the industry’s voice louder and more impactful. Known for leading with trust and conviction, he’s inspired some of the most ambitious and influential work in the association’s history. His vision is helping define construction’s next chapter.

As Senior Development Manager at Musqueam Capital Corporation, Troy MacBeth Abromaitis is using construction as a tool for cultural restoration and Indigenous self-determination. A Sixties Scoop survivor and proud member of Lytton First Nation, Troy returned home to help rebuild after the 2021 wildfire and has since led recovery efforts and legacy developments grounded in Indigenous values. With more than 20 years of experience and $2 billion in real estate delivered, he now leads projects like the Musqueam-led Langara YMCA—developments that are as much about sovereignty as they are about structures. Troy builds not just for today, but for generations to come.

As CEO of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada, Tania Johnston is shaping a stronger, more inclusive future for the mechanical contracting industry. The first woman to lead the association in its 100+ year history, she has grown MCAC to represent more than 800 firms while championing workforce development, middle management training, and student engagement. A passionate advocate for women in trades and mental health support, Johnston leads with humility and impact—bringing contractor voices to national policy discussions and ensuring the sector is equipped for the challenges ahead. Her leadership is helping define what the next century of construction should look like.

As the Founder of Honour the Work, Angela Coldwell is leading a generational shift in how Canadians view careers in the skilled trades. A former high school teacher and recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence, she founded the organization to challenge outdated ideas about post-secondary success—and to help young learners see the trades as a first-choice future. Honour the Work began with a pilot for Grades 1–6 in Ontario and is now expanding across Alberta, bringing hands-on, curriculum-connected activities into hundreds of classrooms.

As Vice President of Health and Safety at Emil Anderson Group, Steve Howe brings powerful purpose to every jobsite: safety isn’t just policy—it’s personal. At 22, Steve nearly lost his life in a catastrophic workplace incident, a moment that transformed his career and forged his mission. Now with over 15 years in safety leadership and a track record spanning some of North America’s largest construction firms, he combines lived experience with deep professional insight. As a keynote speaker, he’s shared his story with companies like Boeing, Shell, and BC Hydro—challenging audiences to discover their why for working safely. Steve is redefining what safety leadership looks like in construction.

As President and COO of Strike Group, Tyler Pawsey leads with a people-first mindset and a deep understanding of the industry he’s helped shape for more than two decades. Starting his career through the Superintendent Training Program, he rose through the ranks—project manager, vice president, and now president—by balancing operational excellence with a commitment to culture. Known for his strong client relationships, strategic thinking, and steady leadership, Tyler has guided Strike through continued growth while earning admiration both inside and outside the organization. He also lends his time to industry boards and community causes, making his impact felt far beyond the jobsite.

As President of Beedie, Ryan Beedie has shaped one of Canada’s most prominent industrial and mixed-use developers into a powerhouse known for quality, scale, and purpose. Under his leadership, the company has expanded across Western Canada and into the U.S., delivering millions of square feet of industrial space while growing a significant residential portfolio. But Ryan’s influence goes far beyond real estate. Through the Beedie Luminaries scholarship foundation, he has committed $50 million to supporting post-secondary education for resilient students facing financial barriers. His approach blends sharp business vision with a deep commitment to community—building not just spaces, but futures.

As a former national innovation leader at EllisDon, Hammad Chaudhry helped shape how one of Canada’s largest builders approached construction technology. Now, he’s taking that expertise to the startup world as a key player at Timescapes—a company using visual intelligence to transform how jobsites are monitored and managed. His move from a Tier 1 contractor to a nimble tech firm is part of a broader shift in the industry: experienced builders stepping into product roles to ensure technology actually works for the field. At Timescapes, Chaudhry is doing just that—bridging site realities with digital solutions, and helping build the future from the inside out.

As Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Conwest Developments, Ben Taddei brings more than 35 years of experience shaping the built environment in Greater Vancouver. Known as a strategist and innovator, he’s helped deliver award-winning projects across the residential, industrial, retail, and commercial sectors. Under his leadership, Conwest has continued its legacy as one of Vancouver’s most respected private development firms—earning accolades from ULI, CHBA, and GVHBA along the way. With a reputation for building strong brands and even stronger communities, Ben’s outspoken influence is felt not just in the skyline, but in the standards he sets for the industry.

As founder and president of Build a Dream, Nour Hachem is breaking barriers and building futures for young women and underrepresented communities in skilled trades and STEM. Inspired by her mother’s determination as a business owner in a male-dominated industry, Hachem launched Build a Dream in 2014 to challenge stereotypes and create equitable access to opportunity. The national non-profit now delivers hands-on programs, career expos, and mentorship initiatives across Canada—reaching thousands of students and families each year. Through her advocacy, workforce expertise, and personal story, Hachem is helping reshape how the next generation sees success in construction, technology, and beyond.