Jen Hancock is helping reshape the culture of construction from the inside out. As Vice President of Collaborative Construction at Chandos and the first female Board Chair in the 90-year history of the Edmonton Construction Association, Hancock is advancing a more inclusive, sustainable, and progressive industry. With a background in education and nearly two decades at Chandos, she champions collaborative project delivery, climate-conscious building, and mentorship of underrepresented groups. Hancock’s leadership is fueling innovation across Alberta’s construction sector—one that not only builds buildings, but also community, opportunity, and a future that works for everyone.
Archives: Most Influential People
Marie-Claude Dumas is the President of WSP Canada and serves as the firm’s Global Leader for Inclusion and Diversity. With more than 20 years of experience in engineering and multidisciplinary project delivery, she has built a reputation for leading complex infrastructure programs across the globe. Dumas previously served as WSP’s Global Director of Major Projects and Programs and was instrumental in strengthening the company’s position in Quebec’s strategic markets. A member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, she is driving growth at WSP Canada while championing equity and inclusive leadership across the global organization.
Marc Dutil is President and CEO of Canam Group Inc., one of North America’s leading steel construction companies. He joined the family business in 1989 and rose through the ranks to lead the company, bringing both entrepreneurial drive and deep industry insight. Dutil is also the founding president of the École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce and a Member of the Order of Canada, recognized for his impact on business and community leadership. An author and advocate for reconciliation, he continues to shape both the steel industry and the broader entrepreneurial landscape in Canada.
Aaron Johnson is Senior Vice President of Nuclear at Aecon, where he leads the pursuit and execution of major nuclear projects. Since joining the company in 2006, he has played key roles across industrial, nuclear, and urban transit sectors, including landmark initiatives like the Darlington Refurbishment and Scarborough Subway Extension. With a background in electrical engineering and a hands-on approach to complex infrastructure delivery, Johnson is shaping Canada’s clean energy future while also giving back through his board work with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Andrew Ross is the CEO of Clark Builders and a nationally recognized leader in Canada’s construction industry. Earlier this year, he was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his outstanding service and leadership, nominated by Alberta’s Minister of Infrastructure. Ross is known not only for delivering major projects but also for mentoring emerging talent, championing inclusive workplaces, and raising the bar for safety and well-being across the sector. His leadership continues to shape both the industry and the communities Clark Builders serves.
Jennifer Price is the President & CEO of McElhanney Ltd., one of Canada’s largest employee-owned engineering and geomatics firms. With past executive roles at Buro Happold, AECOM, CH2M, and GHD, she brings a global perspective and a sharp strategic lens to Canadian infrastructure. Known for her collaborative leadership and commitment to equity, Price is focused on sustainable growth, innovation, and empowering the next generation of engineers and geomatics professionals.
Deanna is an Architect and Principal at Stantec with deep expertise in pediatric, mental health, and elder care environments. Her portfolio spans complex healthcare settings across multiple countries, where she integrates global best practices with local needs. She’s a champion of holistic design and community impact—mentoring emerging architects, curating healing environments through art, and advancing equity through her leadership of Women@Stantec in the GTA. Also elected to the RAIC College of Fellows in 2025, Brown is recognized for her contributions to architecture, mentorship, and advocacy for women in the profession.
Philippe Adam is the President and CEO of Pomerleau. He joined the company in 2021 as Executive Vice President and CFO, also overseeing operations at Pomerleau Capital, the firm’s infrastructure and renewable energy investment arm. Adam has played a key role in shaping the company’s growth, leading two landmark deals: the acquisition of ITC Construction Group and a $150-million investment from CDPQ. Adam has led numerous high-profile mergers, acquisitions, and cross-border financing transactions.
Lisa Helps is the Executive Lead for project origination at BC Builds, a provincial initiative delivering affordable homes for middle-income British Columbians. A key architect behind the program, she helped design and secure its initial funding while serving as Housing Solutions Advisor in the Premier’s Office. Prior to that, she served two terms as mayor of Victoria, where she led major work on housing, climate resilience, and economic transformation. Helps continues to focus on complex, systems-level change by working with communities to build inclusive, resilient cities for the future.
Patrick Dovigi is the Founder, President, CEO, and Board Chair of GFL Environmental, one of North America’s largest environmental services firms. A former hockey player turned entrepreneur, Dovigi launched GFL in 2007 with a vision to offer full-service environmental solutions under one roof. Under his leadership, the company has grown rapidly through an entrepreneurial culture focused on sustainability, safety, and operational excellence. He’s received national recognition, including EY Entrepreneur of the Year and Canada’s Most Admired CEO. Outside of business, Dovigi is a major philanthropist, including a $5-million donation to establish the Dovigi Family Sports Medicine Clinic.
Geoffrey Glotman, the Managing Principal at Glotman Simpson, boasts over three decades of expertise in structural engineering and business administration. With a career spanning since 1984, Glotman’s portfolio includes pivotal contributions to some of B.C.’s most significant projects, including the Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver Olympic Village, BC Cancer Research Facility, The Gordon + Leslie Diamond Health Centre at VGH, Electronic Arts Canadian Headquarters, One Wall Centre and more. He and his wife have also helped raise millions for charity through the Glotman Simpson Cypress Challenge, Canada’s largest fundraising event for pancreatic cancer research and care.
Reynolds and Vogel, co-managing partner and partner at law firm Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel, respectively, played a significant role in helping the Ontario government modernize the province’s construction law and helped to shape the Construction Act. Among the changes to the legislation are the creation of a prompt payment regime and the introduction of a mandatory interim binding dispute resolution system. Both were also retained as counsel by the federal government to assist in the introduction of new legislation on prompt payment and adjudication, helping author the independent expert report Building a Federal Framework for Prompt Payment and Adjudication.
Named Vancouver Regional Construction Association president last year, Martin brought with her more than 25 years of experience in the construction and engineering industries, including her work as president of the British Columbia Construction Roundtable, vice-president of business development and director of pre-construction at Carlson Construction Group, and positions at COWI, Vancouver Pile Driving and AMEC. She was also on the board of directors for the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – British Columbia. She is already making her mark, recently launching the Women in Construction Conference, LEAP.
Smith stepped down as president and CEO of EllisDon last summer after an epic run. He joined EllisDon in 1981, and was named president and CEO in 1996. Smith was crucial in creating EllisDon’s culture of entrepreneurial enthusiasm empowering employees to challenge the status quo and evolve EllisDon into a leading global construction services company. He also spearheaded the employee-ownership program where 100% of the company’s equity will be transferred to the company’s employees to create an environment of fairness, prosperity and innovation for the future.
Maierle’s first major construction role was a junior estimator at a large contractor when he was just 19 years old. After gaining valuable experience, he set out on his own in 2015 and founded ETRO Construction with the goal of doing construction differently. Today, ETRO does hundreds of millions of dollars in work and has racked up award after award. They are implementing cutting-edge technology and are highly focused on building their business around people—both their employees and their customers.
Minniti serves as CGI’s vice president of operations for Western Canada and has been instrumental in its technological transformation towards a digital age. He is responsible for business development, safety, estimating, project management and HR within his region. also leads the design-build team and develops CGI’s graphic presentations. Beyond the jobsite, giving back to the community is important to Minniti. He served on the board of Vancouver Island Construction Association, Saanich Foundation, Construction Foundation BC, Cordova Bay Association, and is currently serving on the BC Construction Association and St. Margaret’s School Board of Governors.
Gibbens, known on social media as Karly the Sparky, is a B.C.-based electrician that is destroying construction stereotypes. Her TikTok account has amassed more than 696,000 followers and 16 million likes. Her Instagram account boasts more than 269,000 followers. She regularly posts videos showing her life on the jobsite, explaining the complexities of electrical work as well as showcasing her favourite tools. Her content also always includes a dash of humour.
Filipchuk has had a big year. The president and CEO of PCL, Canada’s largest general contractor, was recognized as the Canadian Construction Association’s National Pinnacle Leader. The association noted that his achievements are reflected not only in his firm’s success and growth, but also in his leadership, dedication to excellence, and community contributions, which position him as an exceptional leader, partner and example to all. It’s even more impressive knowing that he first joined PCL Edmonton in 1984 as a field engineer.
If you ever wanted a masterclass on how to use social media to grow your brand in construction, look no further than Kruger. The Saskatoon-based contractor has amassed 2.1 million followers on Instagram, 2.2 million on Facebook, 484,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 700,000 followers on TikTok. This makes his company, Kruger Construction one of the most followed construction companies in the world. He says he has grown his audience by consistently sharing gear reviews, jobsite tips and his daily life as a builder.
After years of struggling with ill-fitting, inadequate personal protective equipment, Hüettner decided to take things into her own hands. She founded Helga Wear in 2014 to help companies find more safety and more money through body-specific PPE options, starting with safety coveralls and safety bib-overalls. She works with industry stakeholders to promote sustainable inclusivity by educating, performing on-site assessments, and offering safety clothing developed and field tested to meet the needs of tradeswomen and women in various STEM fields.