INNOVATION January-February 2013

who works with Council to consider those issues and prioritize their goals. From an operations perspective, she views herself as a facilitator who translates Council’s priorities into everyday activities for staff and sets an environment that supports seeing those priorities realized. Despite or, perhaps, because of all the twists and turns in her career, curiosity continues to play a strong part in Ann English’s leadership style. Seeking an understanding of the experiences of a wide range of people, such as members, councillors, staff, and other professional association leaders contributes richly to her ability to successfully deliver results and lead high-performing teams. “I get my greatest satisfaction from helping support others to develop personal leadership and from build- ing teams that are effective at achiev- ing their goals. It’s all about individual strengths being supported and respected in a group environment.” v

that their careers may bring them back to the beautiful west coast at some time in the not too distant future.” On the subject of change at APEGBC, Ann is cautious. It’s unavoidable that new leadership in the executive office will send ripples throughout the organization, but Ann is quick to point out that with the many changes supported by Council in the last year, there needs to be a period of stability to evaluate the impacts of those changes. One of her priorities will be to evaluate the success of those changes and report to Council, who will ultimately determine if any sizeable shifts are called for and if she is needed to be an agent of change. “The Council is a very generous and talented group that is committed to the welfare of the association and its mem- bers,” she says, adding that as CEO, she sees her role as an advisor who keeps a finger on the pulse of issues that have the potential to affect the association, and

Supportive Leadership APEGBC’s newest CEO has hit the ground running, but there is little doubt the role of leader, coach, caretaker, advi- sor and spokesperson for the organiza- tion is one that demands energy and stamina equal to the responsibilities that come with it. To relax and de-stress outside the office, she likes cooking and has a passion for gardening. She is also a hockey fan and an avid traveller. In her spare time, she enjoys work on charitable boards, and is currently a member of the Meadowridge School Foundation Board. She shares a home with her husband Chris, a like-minded mechanical engi- neer. They have two grown daughters of whom they are very proud: “Our oldest daughter has a career in transporta- tion logistics and is a specialist in lean management. Our youngest daughter is finishing the last year of her master’s in urban planning. Right now they both enjoy living in Toronto—we are hopeful

When Disaster   Strikes . . .  

• Over 100,000 policies have been issued to BC’s   engineers and geoscientists by Park Insurance—the  trusted affinity partner of APEGBC since 1989 • Over $35 million  in  claims payouts have been  made to APEGBC members  during that time  • An impressive 99% of respondents, surveyed  following a claim, would be comfortable   recommending the program to others  That’s what you get when you choose   Park Insurance.    Call us today!  (800) 663.3739    innovation@park.ca www.parkinsurance.ca Over $35 million in  claims payouts made  to APEGBC Members!  It’s good to have Park Insurance on your side. 

Service You’ll Love. Trust We’ll Earn.

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