January Breakfast Session - Project Handover & Close Out

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on mastering the art of project closeout, featuring the success story of the Kicking Horse Canyon Phase 4 Project.

Completed in Spring 2024, the Kicking Horse Canyon Phase 4 Project achieved its goals despite significant challenges. Panelists Kelly McBride (Aecon), Drew Leathem (TI Corp), and Mariam Abdulameer (RAM) will share their experiences and key takeaways. Moderated by Mike Lorimer (TI Corp), this session will explore the hurdles faced during project closeout and the strategies employed to ensure success.

Panelists

Drew Leathem is the Executive Commercial Director for Transportation Investment Corporation (TI Corp). He joined in 2020 as the Commercial Director for the $601 million Design Build Kicking Horse Canyon Phase 4 project. He is currently serving as the commercial director for the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project and providing corporate oversight of TI Corp’s commercial teams. Drew holds an MBA from UBC. His professional background includes over 20 years of project and commercial management experience, including working as a commercial manager for Graham Construction, project management consultant for MNP, and independent consultant for a wide range of projects and clients, including First Nations, non-profits, and government.

Kelly McBride is Aecon’s Director of Quality, overseeing the company’s Quality Program for various projects. With 36 years in heavy civil infrastructure, she began as a laborer in Colorado and has held roles such as Superintendent, Project Manager, and Quality Director. Kelly has worked across North America on diverse projects, including hydroelectric, transmission lines, and aerospace. She played key roles in BC’s Site C Dam, the Interior to Lower Mainland Transmission Line, and the Kicking Horse Canyon Phase 4. Kelly holds degrees in Chemistry and English and is a certified ISO 9001 Lead and Internal Auditor.

Mariam Abdulameer is RAM’s Manager of Inspection Services, with expertise in quality management and compliance on complex construction projects. Her experience spans infrastructure, municipal, and pipeline projects, working with both Contractor and Owner teams. She excels in project turnover, collaborating with Engineers of Record and Owners to ensure seamless certification and closeout. At RAM, Mariam leads multi-disciplinary teams, driving excellence and adherence to industry standards. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from UBC and is a registered Professional Engineer with Engineers and Geoscientists BC.

Moderater

Mike Lorimer is Vice President of Major Projects (Road, Bridge & Tunnel) at Transportation Investment Corporation (TI Corp), joining in 2019 as Executive Project Director for the $601M Kicking Horse Canyon Phase 4 Project. With nearly 20 years’ experience in highway operation, maintenance, and major capital construction. He previously served as Executive Director for the Southern Interior Region, overseeing projects like the Highway 1 Kamloops-Alberta Border 4-laning. Mike specializes in procurement, collaborative construction models, and strategic planning, with expertise in public communications, Indigenous consultation, and stakeholder engagement across B.C.'s 23,000 km highway network.

Thank you, Aecon, for sponsoring this event.