FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT/VICE-PRESIDENT Mary Ann Byrd, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.)
Mary Ann Byrd, P.Eng., was born and educated in the U.S., graduating with a bachelor of science degree with distinction in chemical engineering from North Carolina State University in 1984. Mary Ann immigrated to Alberta shortly after graduation, having studied for one year as an international student at the University of Alberta in an exchange program. A believer in lifelong learning, she earned a Project
Mary Ann and her husband, Gary Soucey, live in Medicine Hat and are the proud parents of four grown children. She enjoys spending time with family, reading, travelling, quilting and taking part in outdoor activities of all kinds. APEGA Activities • Chair, Women in APEGA Committee (2014) • Vice-Chair, Past Chair and Sub-Committee Lead, Women in APEGA Committee (2011–present) • APEGA Representative, Engineers Canada Women in Engineering Advisory Group (2010–2012) • Member, Governance Committee (2010) • Member, Public Interest Issues Committee (2009) • Member, Council (2008–2011) • Member, Audit Committee (2008) • Member, Nominating Committee (2003-2004) • Chair, Medicine Hat Branch (2001–2003) • Branch Executive, Medicine Hat Branch (1992–2000) • Member (1988–present) Affiliations, Corporate or Community Service • Classroom Presenter, Praxis Science & Technology Hotline (2012) • Outreach Advisory Committee, Engineers Canada National Women and Aboriginal (2011-2012) • Chair, Construction Committee, Habitat for Humanity — Medicine Hat Chapter (2010–2013) • Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity — Medicine Hat Chapter (2010–2013) • Volunteer Project Manager, St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Capital Construction Project (2008-2009) • Volunteer Judge, Kiwanis Regional Science Fair (1997–2009) • Chief Judge, Kiwanis Regional Science Fair (1994–1996) • Long-term Volunteer, Canadian Cancer Society
Management Professional designation from Mount Royal in 2004 and is currently working towards an International BOMI Facilities Management Administrator designation. Mary Ann worked in academic research at the University of Alberta after graduation, then in manufacturing at Catalyst Recovery and Methanex Corporation after moving to Medicine Hat. She spent five years at Quinn Contracting Ltd., and progressed to being the Engineering Manager and the Permit to Practice Responsible Member before becoming General Manager of S&EC Ltd., an engineering consulting firm, for three years. Mary Ann has been with Defence Research and Development at the Suffield Research Centre since 2003, holding increasing technical and leadership roles in maintenance and facilities, as well as infrastructure and construction. She is currently head of real property and the Suffield liaison to the Department of National Defence for real property, maintenance and facilities. Her broad experience has provided a wide-ranging perspective on how the professions work and are impacted by APEGA. Mary Ann has been an active Member of APEGA, receiving her 15-year service award in 2014 and having volunteered at the branch, committee and Council levels, including several leadership positions as Chair. She was named Mentor of the Millennium in 2000 by the Alberta Women’s Science Network. Being an active participant in APEGA has allowed her the opportunity to see the responsibilities and contributions of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists in action. Mary Ann believes APEGA is at an inflection point in its history. She would work broadly to engage Members at all levels to understand and support one of the most important initiatives APEGA has undertaken in recent decades — updating The Engineering and Geoscience and Professions Act . The way Members practise Professional Engineering and Geoscience has changed in the past 30 years; the legislation is due for a comprehensive review. Member engagement with this initiative will demonstrate to the government and the general public that APEGA Members take their responsibility to protect the public seriously and with due diligence. It will promote confidence in Members’ ability to self-regulate in a responsible manner.
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