2018 Winner

On October 24, 2017, McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd.’s, Michael Walker, P.Eng., PE, PMP, was awarded ACEC’s Allen D. Williams Scholarship, presented annually to a Young Professional employed by an ACEC member firm who demonstrates a commitment to the consulting engineering industry in their province or territory.

Michael Walker, P.Eng., PE, PMP, is a young professional who is already recognized for his extraordinary leadership skills. An employee of McElhanney since 2015, he has managed a number of high profile projects within Canada’s National Parks. He is also playing a significant role in McElhanney’s two largest design-build projects in Saskatchewan, each requiring dedicated effort to meet tight deadlines. His passion, problem solving ability, and client understanding have made him a successful project leader on these highly technical assignments.

Recognizing his consulting skills, leadership ability and passion, McElhanney tasked Michael with launching an office in Regina. In a year, he has increased the staff to four people, established a growing client list and achieved various certifications for the new branch office, including ISO and OQM. His exceptional interpersonal skills are a key to his raising the profile of the firm in this new market.

While completing the FIDIC YP Management Training Program, Michael recognized the role and influence of Canadian consulting engineers in the international marketplace. He believes that with this influence comes the responsibility to advance the industry and learning. This philosophy is what drives his passion to share experience and knowledge as a mentor. He has selflessly dedicated himself to the provincial, national and international Young Professional networks. Michael also believes sharing his experience with children is a meaningful way to give back to the industry. In partnership with a local elementary school, he volunteers his time to provide presentations to the students and teachers on STEM careers.

Michael’s high energy, strategic approach and vision are a credit to the industry. He is an inspiration and role model to current and future generations of consulting engineers.

The Board of the Allen D. Williams Scholarship Foundation selected Michael as the recipient of this year’s scholarship for his clear understanding of the role of consultants in the engineering industry. They were impressed with his leadership role in large complex projects and his involvement with industry Associations, including ACEC-Canada, CEA and ACEC-SK, which they felt is a testament to his role as a mentor to other Young Professionals in the industry. His dedication to the profession through his volunteer work with his employer and his community were applauded by the Foundation Board.

The scholarship commemorates Allen D. Williams, past ACEC Chair and Founder of Williams Engineering Inc. It provides the winner with funding to cover registration, airfare and accommodations to attend the annual conference of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC).

Read Michael's essay

Press release

 

 
2020 Allen D. Williams Scholarship sponsor