Board Election

Leah Marchon, CIP, CRM
Lloyd Sadd Insurance Brokers
Partner/Senior Advisor

Growing up an “Insurance Nerd” with her Father in the business, she started spending summers working in brokerage offices to keep her busy. Twenty years later she has established a firm foundation of diverse commercial insurance experience beneath her. Her career started at a multinational brokerage and after 5 years there she moved to an Edmonton based mid-market brokerage where she worked her way up from Account Manager, to Client Executive, to then building the Northern Alberta branch and finally moving back to Edmonton to be a key member of the leadership team. In 2019, attracted to their industry expertise and value in strong relationships, Leah chose to join the Lloyd Sadd team as a Partner. Having her Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) and Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designations she strives to build strong, transparent relationships with her clients that are considered true extensions of their business.

Leah is an active board member with the Edmonton Construction Association and has been part of their strategic initiatives over the past 3 years. Most recently chairing the Government Relations sub-committee which is developing relationships with both municipal and provincial government representatives.

Staying active, travel, and spending time at the lake is what keeps Leah busy after hours.

Sean Tymkow
Lafarge Canada Inc.
Business Unit Manager

I have been involved in the Edmonton construction industry for over 20 years and have worked for Lafarge Canada for 15 of those years. Currently, I am the Manager of our underground precast concrete business encompassing northern Alberta. Over the past 3 years, I have enjoyed being a director of the ECA Board. Serving as a director has truly been one of the more rewarding experiences in my construction career. As a board and association, we have undertaken numerous initiatives that I am very proud to say I was a part of. A few highlights I am particularly proud of are:

• Chairing the Stakeholder, Strategies and Engagement (SS&E) and Governance and HR (G&HR) committees.

• Being a founding member of the Career Pathways committee, which has spearheaded initiatives such as Tools for School and partnerships with Skills Canada and Junior achievement in efforts to encourage more kids to explore construction related career opportunities.

In September, the board created a renewed 3-year strategic plan, and I am seeking to be re-elected to support the many great initiatives our board and ECA leadership team have created. Through this role, I wish to continue giving back to the construction community by volunteering my time to be part of the ECA Board.

I look forward to your support and would be humbled to represent the Edmonton construction community on the ECA Board for another 3 years.

Akhil Vohra
Ogilvie LLP
Partner

Akhil Vohra is a Partner at Ogilvie LLP, practising primarily in the area of construction law. Akhil regularly interacts with and represents suppliers, subcontractors, contractors, and developers, and he is committed to advancing and improving the construction industry in Alberta.

Akhil has a keen interest in Alberta’s Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act, having presented to various stakeholders regarding its application. Akhil is an advocate for a prompt payment regime that fairly balances the interests of all key stakeholders in Alberta, and he closely monitors how the legislation is being interpreted and applied by the Courts.

Akhil’s construction law practice is primarily focused in litigation and dispute resolution. In this capacity, he deals with complex construction lien claims, delay claims, productivity claims, deficiency claims, and bonding claims. Akhil has appeared before various levels of Court and Arbitration Tribunals (including in International Chamber of Commerce Arbitrations).

In addition to his litigation work, Akhil maintains a solicitor’s practice related to construction matters. This involves drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction contracts (including all forms of CCDC contracts) and material supply contracts for construction projects.

The unique combination of litigation and solicitor’s work in Akhil’s construction law practice provides him with a well-rounded perspective of legal and business issues prevalent in Alberta’s construction industry, making Akhil an excellent candidate for a Board member position with the Edmonton Construction Association.

Education:

• Certificate in Construction Law, Osgoode Hall Law School of York University

• Juris Doctor, University of Victoria

• Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), University of Calgary

Amir Shami
Rotaflow Controls Inc.
President & CEO

Amir Shami is a dedicated, registered professional engineer actively practicing in Alberta, bringing forth more than two decades of diverse experience within the construction industry. Currently serving as the President & CEO of Rotaflow Group of companies, which encompasses both mechanical contracting and specialized skid package manufacturing divisions.

Amir's qualifications extend to a master's degree in electrical engineering and an MBA from the University of Alberta, showcasing his commitment to academic and professional excellence. Furthermore, he holds the esteemed Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) designation.

With an unwavering commitment to continuous learning and a strong passion for personal and professional development, Amir has cultivated a wealth of knowledge. His extensive travels have also enabled him to become proficient in multiple languages.

Amir is an active contributor to the business community, holding a position on the Board of Directors with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. He is also a valued member of the Business Council of Alberta and plays a pivotal role in the Engineering Practice Standard committee with APEGA, contributing his expertise to further industry standards and best practices.

Andre Gagnon
Liftboss Inc.
President & CEO, Dealer Principal

As the President & CEO, Dealer Principal of Liftboss Material Handling Group, LBI Distribution as well as a Real Estate Holding Company, Andre Gagnon leads a first-class team in the sales, service, and rentals of new and used materials handling and construction equipment.  Gagnon has more than 27 years of experience in the heavy equipment industry, ranging from a Red Seal Heavy Equipment Technician to dealer principal. In 2006, he co-founded Liftboss with the primary goal to better service the growing materials handling industry. Today Liftboss supports more than 50 employees and offers a complete line of JCB Equipment among other top-quality brands.

Gagnon helps inspire the next generation of technicians by participating on the advisory board for the heavy equipment technician program at NAIT. He sits on numerous other advisory boards and contributes to various local charities. Gagnon is proud to be a founding member of Rogue Entrepreneurs & Rogue Charities. He has been recognized by Canadian Business Quarterly, Leaders of Tomorrow, and the Spirit of NAIT Awards.

When he's not working, Gagnon spends time with his wife Stephanie and children Nathan, Grace, and Annie. He enjoys a variety of outdoor pursuits and cherishes his time away with his family each summer on their regular trips to the oceanside community of Comox on Vancouver Island.

Daryl Dika
A&B Concrete Pumping
President

Daryl Dika started in the concrete pumping industry 24 years ago. At the eager age of 18 years old he began working for his parents Marilyn and Bruce Dika the founders of A&B Concrete Pumping Ltd (established in 1978) and Combined Concrete Pumping (established 1993). It was a grass roots up bringing as Daryl served in all facets of the company; initially starting out as an operator and then climbing his way up through the ranks. In 2002 Daryl purchased Combined Concrete Pumping a two-pump operation located in Fort McMurray, AB and over a five-year period grew the company to a 9-pump fleet. Realizing the importance of safety and customer service early on were keys to the success and growth of Combined Concrete. In 2006 the succession plan of the family business began, bringing Daryl back to Edmonton, Alberta to oversee all operations. Since 2007 Daryl and his team have grown the company’s footprint to three provinces, six major cities and the REACH Group of Companies now owns and operates Western Canada’s largest fleet of concrete pumps. This has been done by way of organic growth and acquisitions.

Daryl is co-founder of CPAC (Concrete Pumping Association of Canada) and has served tirelessly on several initiatives for the betterment of the concrete pumping industry in Canada. Daryl currently serves as a board member and acting president for the REACH Group. With his vast knowledge and experience in the industry Daryl continually promotes and educates on the safety and best practices on and around concrete pumps and related equipment.

Past Positions:

• Concrete Alberta – served on the board and chaired several committees over an 8-year period.

• CSA – SME creating standards for the pumping industry CAS Z151, first and second edition.

• Co-Creator of CPAC (Concrete Pumping Association of Canada) Served as President and Vice-President during these terms and was a key negotiator in partnering with ACPA (American Concrete Pumping Association)

• ACPA (American Concrete Pumping Association) served two terms on the board and chaired multiple committees.

• CCPO (Certified Concrete Pump Operator) SME on creating Canada’s first recognized and regulated operators’ certification in British Columbia.

• CHBA (Canadian Homebuilder Association) participated on several committees enhancing the residential homebuilding practices.

Ian MacDonald, CPA, CA
MNP LLP
Partner, Edmonton Leader – Real Estate and Construction

Ian is a Partner with MNP’s Assurance and Accounting Services group in Edmonton and leads the Edmonton Region’s Real Estate and Construction team. A trusted advisor, Ian works one-on-one with clients primarily in the real estate and construction industry, including land developers, commercial real estate owners and developers, property managers, commercial and residential brokerages, general contractors, and subcontractors, helping his clients achieve their business goals through ensuring their accounting, tax and structure are aligned for success.

Ian is passionate about the construction industry, in all facets. He understands the complex issues facing construction businesses in today’s economy and works constantly to keep abreast of new and emerging events.

In addition to his work with construction professionals, Ian has served on the boards of a variety of charitable organizations, including the Compassion House Foundation and Habitat for Humanity including time as chair, and as a board member of the Kids with Cancer Society.

Ian obtained a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) from the University of Alberta in 2004 and a Graduate Certificate in Chartered Accountancy in 2006 from Concordia University. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in 2007 and is a recipient of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants’ Early Achievement Award.

Kory Read
Alberta Wilbert Sales Ltd.
Commercial Sales & Marketing Lead

Kory is currently the Commercial Sales & Marketing Lead at Alberta Wilbert Sales Ltd. (AWS), a leading manufacturer of precast concrete products serving Western Canada. In this role, Kory stays informed about the requirements and difficulties encountered by manufacturers and suppliers delivering products in a market challenged by scarce materials, extended lead times, and escalating costs. Kory uses this knowledge to work closely with the AWS manufacturing and purchasing departments to ensure that promises made to clients during the sales process are reasonable and deliverable. He provides valuable solutions to project planners, managers, and engineers, contributing to AWS's success, while also nurturing a positive workplace culture.

Additionally, Kory serves as a Director of Membership on the board for the West Edmonton Business Association, actively supporting the local business community. Kory is also a committee member with the Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association (AOWMA), where he plays a pivotal role in planning the association's annual trade show and convention.

Kory's wealth of experience and dedication make him a strong candidate for the board of directors of the Edmonton Construction Association, where he can continue to contribute to the growth and success of the industry.

Ryan Hutton
Gescan, Division of Sonepar Canada Inc.
Branch Manager

For the past 6 years I have had the pleasure of being a part of the YBG Leadership team.  During this time, I have been involved in planning and coordinating many of our great events as well as holding a chair position for 2 years.  As a chair I was given the opportunity to sit in on ECA Board meetings and subcommittee meetings.

My construction career began in 2011 as an apprentice electrician, shortly after completing my Bachelor of Education.  I quickly earned my Journeyman certificate and transitioned into Project Management, Business Development, Human Resources and Business Owner.  From there I further expanded my knowledge and industry relations as I pursued electrical sales and branch management for Gescan.  During my construction career I have taken the opportunity to build connections and experience through my participation in Women Building Future mock hiring days, speaking engagements at Kings College and involvement in the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta.

Through my time with the YBG, I have gained an enormous respect for the time and energy spent by all parties to have an association such as the ECA run so effectively in the delivery of education, networking and other services provided.

I am excited to draw upon these experiences and industry relationships to continue to help move the needle in the Edmonton Construction industry.  I have always been raised to “give back more than you take”; I look forward to doing this through continuing my work with the YBG and ECA.

Scott Garries
RGO Office Products Edmonton Ltd.
Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Scott Garries, an accomplished professional, currently holds the role of Vice President of Sales at RGO, where he has committed nearly seven years of his career. With a professional journey spanning over a decade, including eight years at Purolator before joining RGO, Scott is widely recognized for his innovative approach, unwavering determination, and robust leadership skills. His dedication extends to coaching and developing his team, as well as tackling challenges and expanding a company's portfolio to seize new business opportunities.

Notably, Scott and his dedicated team maintain close collaborations with many of the current ECA members, cultivating strong partnerships that have played an integral role in numerous significant projects across Edmonton. Their collective expertise, combined with Scott's leadership, has been instrumental in successfully executing a multitude of prominent undertakings, solidifying their status as key contributors to the expansion and development of the Edmonton business community.

Scott's adept leadership at RGO has led to the achievement of multiple Steelcase Premier Partners designations, underscoring his substantial contributions to the company's success. Beyond his professional endeavors, Scott is an active member of the Edmonton Executive Association, showcasing his commitment to the local business community and the promotion of economic growth. His dedication transcends the confines of the boardroom as he passionately advocates for the advancement of Edmonton and its surrounding communities.