Vicki Campbell, P.Eng.

Early Life and Education

I primarily grew up in Melville, Saskatchewan with two sisters. I am married and have a daughter who is also married with two daughters of her own. I became a grandma in my early forties which has been an incredible experience as I have the energy to spend quality time and be present with my granddaughters.

Engineering wasn’t really something I thought about in high school. It was a few years after high school that I decided to pursue my engineering degree. I chose it based on the classes I liked and haven’t looked back ever since. My specialty is water and wastewater supply and treatment.

I went to the University of Regina for Regional Environmental Systems Engineering from 1991-1996. My daughter was only six months old when I started, and I took a full load of classes and labs. It was incredibly hard, but I did it! I had a lot of support from my husband, family, and even the professors at the university when I needed it.

Career

I moved to Fort McMurray in 2010 to join EPCOR Utilities and have been very fortunate to stay with the company and move back to Saskatchewan with the Public Private Partnership project construction and operations of the City of Regina’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. I am currently responsible for water and wastewater operations in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and projects in Southern Alberta.

I have held many roles throughout my career. Before my work with EPCOR Utilities over the last 12 years, I was in technical sales and several management roles in the positions of senior engineer at SaskWater, project manager at a consulting firm, and acting director of Roadway Operations at the City of Regina.

“I wanted to try it all, and I think I have! I have been a people manager for about 15 years now and it has helped me grow as a person. The opportunities that I have had involved taking some risks, networking, and not being afraid to try new things. I value the many experiences I’ve had over the years.”

I have had many mentors over. I had one manager in particular, Stella Madsen, during my Co-op work terms at Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation that made a significant impact on my career. She broke through many barriers as a female engineer, and she gave me opportunities, strength, and encouragement to grow into whom I’ve become. Years after my student days, she was instrumental in my work at the City of Regina, which was the start of my management career path.

Interests

I like to spend time with family and friends, and I like to travel when possible. I enjoy dragon boating and have been involved with that sport for many years.

I am extremely honoured to be the President of the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) for a year-long term. I have been on the Board of Directors for CWWA representing the Western Canada Water Association since 2017, and I feel like I am making a difference. Water and wastewater are important to work with, and I am grateful that I have a chance to contribute at a higher level. I intend to bring a smaller city perspective to the organization this year.

I encourage those just starting in their careers to volunteer. It not only helps the organizations you’re attached to but also builds your network, and your skills and can lead to opportunities you would not otherwise be exposed to.