FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Allan Russell retires with strong legacy
Vancouver, BC, June 3, 2024 – McElhanney Ltd., one of Canada’s top three largest and employee-owned engineering consulting and geomatics firms, today announced a significant transition in its executive leadership. Allan Russell, who has served as the President & CEO with distinction since 2013, has been succeeded by Jennifer Price, Eng., MBA.
The selection follows a rigorous search process conducted by a CEO Selection Committee appointed by the McElhanney Ltd. Board of Directors, with the support of a global leadership advisory firm.
“Jennifer’s strategic mindset and leadership skills have consistently yielded success in her previous endeavors. She will empower her strong management team while mirroring the personal attributes that reflect McElhanney’s valued culture,” said Catherine Roome, PEng, McElhanney Ltd. Board Chair.
“Building on our strong and proud legacy, Jennifer’s humility, coupled with her remarkable intelligence and collaborative leadership style, will serve McElhanney well for many years to come,” said Santino Pirillo, PEng, Executive Vice President, and member of the CEO Selection Committee.
“Jennifer is a person of honesty and integrity. I am excited what this next era of leadership will bring to the industry,” said Walter Johnson, PEng, BCLS, recently retired Executive Vice President, current Board Director, and member of the CEO Selection Committee.
This planned transition comes as Russell moves toward retirement from the CEO role in August, following a successful almost 40-year career of significant successes and achievements, including merging two companies into McElhanney Ltd., leading the firm to sustainably grow, tripling in size during his tenure, expanding McElhanney’s reputation as one of the top consulting firms in Western Canada, and transforming the employee culture within the firm, leading him to be recognized as one of the Top 25 CEOs in Canada by Glassdoor. Allan leaves behind a legacy of exceptional entrepreneurialism, a strong corporate culture, and an excitement for the future at McElhanney.
“It has been an incredible honour to be a part of McElhanney’s story. I am deeply proud of what the team has accomplished together,” says Russell. “Jennifer is an exceptional and accomplished executive leader and business manager. She makes decisions that balance both big picture and small details. I am more than confident in Jennifer’s ability to lead McElhanney, and I look forward to the company’s future under her direction.”
As the incoming President & CEO, Price brings a wealth of experience and a proven history of leadership in the engineering consulting industry. Her previous roles include CEO, US of Buro Happold, and executive and senior leadership positions at AECOM, CH2M, and GHD. She is known for her analytical acumen, decision-making prowess, and her commitment to empowering teams.
“I am thrilled to join McElhanney, a company that stands out for its bold and adventurous spirit,” says Price. “My intention is to do everything I can to energize and support the team as we build on our solid foundation that Allan has capably cultivated. It is clear that innovation thrives here, and every person is valued at McElhanney. These are exciting times for the company.”
Price will be focused on driving controlled growth and profitability and is passionate about providing opportunities for women in STEM, young professionals, and equity-deserving groups.
The transition plan and timeline will ensure a seamless handover, with Price and Russell collaborating closely in support of the McElhanney Executive Team through the end of July 2024. Russell will continue with McElhanney in a consulting capacity until the end of March 2025.
Contact:
Jenica Montgomery
Communications Lead
McElhanney
communications@mcelhanney.com
About McElhanney:
Established in 1910, McElhanney is an award-winning, employee-owned professional consulting firm providing geomatics, engineering, geospatial, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. With 30+ locations across Western Canada McElhanney serves cities & communities, energy & resources, and transportation & transit sectors.
McElhanney has earned the recognition as a Platinum member of the Best Managed Companies program and is listed among the Top 100 Employers in Canada. They received the Schreyer Award from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies, the highest annual honour for outstanding technical projects, for their work on the Trans-Canada Highway Avalanche Mitigation project. Since 2010, they have been honoured with over 100 awards celebrating their people, project excellence, and employee programs.
McElhanney’s journey takes them to amaze their clients, care for their communities, and empower their people. They care deeply for their employees and the communities they serve with dedicated resources to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in their workplace and the McElhanney Cares program which provides charity donations or sponsorships for staff-identified charities. For more information visit www.mcelhanney.com.
