ACEC elects first female Chair

The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies–Canada (ACEC/AFIC) has elected its first female as chair of the board of directors.

Anne Poschmann, a geotechnical engineer and principal of Golder Associates, was announced as chair for 2014-15 at ACEC’s annual general meeting held in Winnipeg on June 20. She is the first female to be chair in the history of the association, which is 89 years old.

In her speech, Ms. Poschmann, mentioned several issues facing the industry, including the need to build client confidence and to work together to demonstrate value to clients.

She also addressed the issue of diversity within the industry. “By embracing diversity, we are bettering society and hence our contribution to society,” she said.

Ms. Poschmann, based in Toronto, has three decades of experience in all geotechnical aspects of foundation design, slope stability, tunnelling, excavations, dewatering, and construction works in difficult ground conditions.

She has previously held several board positions including two terms on the Board of the Consulting Engineers of Ontario and on the board of the Canadian Geotechnical Society to which she was named “Fellow” in 2006.

Ms. Poschmann takes over the position of chair at ACEC from Jason Mewis, P.Eng., of ENGCOMP Engineering & Computing Professionals in Saskatoon.

Canadian Consulting Engineer interviewed Ms. Poschmann about her personal career history in the December 2013 issue. Click here.