FOR EXECUTIVE Shawn Morrison, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.)
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES • American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pressure Vessel and Piping Division, Design and Analysis Committee (2008 to present) • ASME, PVP, D & A Technical Program Representative (2014)
• Strong volunteer history with APEGA and greater community • Regulatory work must continue and improve • Other APEGA services are also important in members’ lives Shawn Morrison, P.Eng., was born and raised in Edmonton. After graduating from Bonnie Doon High School, he started working as a process operator at Celanese Canada and continued there during university. He obtained a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering in 1980 from the University of Alberta. After graduation he worked for Canadian General Electric, followed by Dillingham Construction, where he obtained his designation. Shawn then worked at Syncrude Canada Ltd. in various roles in Fort McMurray for the next 14 years. There, he started volunteering with APEGA’s Fort McMurray branch and for the community. A more challenging career awaited in Calgary—and more APEGA opportunities. Serving on Council was a humbling experience Shawn enjoyed. Volunteering for APEGA commit- tees and events identified the incredible depth and breadth of our professions. When Shawn attended Member Induction Ceremonies, he learned of the knowledge base and experi- ence continually joining APEGA. Life Member Ceremonies revealed amazing things our members have accomplished. The volunteer bug had bitten, and Shawn was elected to a second APEGA Council term. Among his duties were serving on at least three committees a year. The most rewarding was the Finance Committee, which Shawn chaired for two years. Being fiscally responsible while providing regulatory activities and member services is a challenging task for APEGA staff. During this time, Shawn’s career proceeded on a number of Alberta megaprojects. The technical opportunities and challenges led Shawn to volunteer for a committee of the American Society of Mechanical Engineer (ASME). The Piping and Pressure Vessel Division had a challenging design and analysis sub-committee, which dealt with technical challenges of interest to Shawn. Starting his own consulting firm during this time resulted in some amazing opportunities for work and technical knowledge growth. Travelling to world-class manufacturing locations and interacting with the companies that provided the very complex equipment for many of the mega projects was both rewarding and challenging. Current economic times have slowed down the pace of work on megaprojects. This gives Shawn more time to volunteer for our professional organization.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES • Children’s sports coach and organizer • Shaw Charity Golf Tournament and ATB Financial McKenzie Tour • Various others The Alberta economy appears to be rebounding. The employment and growth opportunities for our professions remain challenging, partially due to forces and constraints outside Alberta. We must therefore focus mainly on activities within Alberta, while closely monitoring the impact of outside forces. APEGA’s regulatory work continues be challenging, especially because of business requirements to compete on the world market. Our members perform many activities that continue to provide safe and corrective services to maintain public safety. Outsourcing design to locations beyond our borders occurs in many economic sectors, but our members are required to ensure that designs are constructed and operated within the safety standards necessary to protect our citizens. APEGA must lead members and help them continue delivering these requirements. Our professions provide world- class solutions to complex technical challenges Our expertise and knowledge are used at home and around the world. APEGA must continue to demonstrate that members perform our work ethically and competently, ensuring the safety and benefit of the public. The privilege of self- governance cannot be taken for granted. Through regulatory activities, APEGA must continue to earn the public’s trust. Permit to practice holders need to be consulted more about their contribution to APEGA’s regulatory role. A question that I often hear is, “What does APEGA do for me?” My response is that APEGA provides a mix of regulatory benefits—and advocacy benefits, from outreach and branch support to member discounts. Members can do their part by volunteering. It provides help and support for many people and organizations. I am especially impressed with the depth and breadth of APEGA volunteer activities. Volunteering with APEGA is always a bonus, but all volunteer activities are fantastic. Helping others and helping the community have always provided me with an extra benefit. Volunteering does not have to cost anything, but typically it provides a huge benefit to someone else.
APEGA ACTIVITIES • Council Member (2008–2011)
Member Nominating Committee, Finance Committee Chair, Member Audit Committee, Life Member Induction Ceremonies, New Member Induction Ceremonies, etc. • Council Member (1999–2002)
• Calgary Branch Member at Large (1998–1999) • Fort McMurray Branch Executive (1995–1997) • Member (1980–present)
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