New Executive Director and Registrar

Regina, Saskatchewan — The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) welcomes Stormy Holmes, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.) as the new Executive Director and Registrar effective January 4, 2022.

In Canada, the engineering and geoscience professions are regulated in the public interest by self-governing professional licensing bodies.

In Saskatchewan, this responsibility is upheld by APEGS. As the trusted regulatory body for all licensees in Saskatchewan, APEGS ensures that all engineering and geoscience professionals uphold professional practice and ethical standards.

As Executive Director and Registrar, Holmes will be responsible for providing executive leadership to key governance and operations activities of APEGS, including regulating the professions, effective governance and strategic alignment, executive oversight of the association, staff management and stewardship of APEGS’ assets.

“I am so excited to carry forward my volunteer experience with APEGS as I move into the administration of the association,” said Holmes.

“I recognize the great honour and privilege of leading APEGS through the next steps and into the future.”

Holmes developed her qualifications for this role over more than 20 years through a combination of work experience as well as volunteer activity. Holmes held various leadership roles over the last 13 years, working for the City of Regina and AECOM. Her leadership responsibilities were at a local, regional, and national level and required her to work in the private and public sector, progressively increasing her responsibilities across disciplines.

As a volunteer, she has energetically contributed to the work of APEGS’ Council and numerous committees since 2000, serving as APEGS’ President from 2018-2019. She has also been APEGS’ representative to Engineers Canada and has been the chair and a board member of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Saskatchewan (ACEC-SK).

Holmes’ dedication to the engineering and geoscience professions began when she was a student at the University of Regina, volunteering with such associations as the Regina Engineering Students’ Society, Educating Youth in Engineering and Science and the Regina Engineering Society. Having obtained a B.A.Sc. in Environmental Systems Engineering from the U of R in 1998 and a Certificate in Administration in 2001, Holmes registered as a Professional Engineer in Saskatchewan in 2002 and obtained Permission to Consult in 2006.

During her career, she has been awarded for her professional achievements and service to the professions. In 2004, she was named APEGS’ Promising Member Award. In 2009, she was awarded the Fellow of Engineers Canada designation, which recognizes individuals who have given noteworthy service to the engineering profession through their work with either Engineers Canada or its provincial and territorial engineering regulators. She was also awarded honorary Fellow of Geoscientists Canada in 2019.

“Stormy is a great leader and passionate about engineering, geoscience and APEGS,” said Kristen Darr, APEGS’ president.

“She is an excellent fit for this role who is well-qualified at an opportune time to take responsibility for leading the association in its next steps.

“I take comfort knowing that APEGS is in great hands going forward.”

Holmes takes over this role from Bob McDonald, P.Eng., MBA, LL.B., who will retire in January 2022. He began his work for APEGS as Director of Membership Services in January 1999, progressing to become director of Membership and Legal Services and Deputy Registrar before being named Executive Director and Registrar.

“APEGS is better for having someone like Bob at the helm,” said Darr.

“He has given so much to the province of Saskatchewan through his work for the association and, on behalf of all APEGS members, I thank him for his many contributions over the last 20-plus years.”

During his time with APEGS, McDonald has seen the association expand. When he started in 1999, APEGS had about 5,000 registered members and eight staff members. Each year, there were around 200 international applicants. As he prepares to leave APEGS, there are now 15,000 members, 25 members of staff and 1,000 to 1,200 international applicants a year.