FIDIC appoints first female president in over a century

by arslan_ahmed | November 8, 2023 10:57 am

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Catherine Karakatsanis, P.Eng., the COO of Ontario-based Morrison Hershfield, is the new president of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), marking a historic milestone as the first woman to hold this position in the organization’s 110-year history.

Her appointment adds to her extensive career spanning more than three decades in industry involvement and volunteer work. She has taken on leadership roles with Engineers Canada, Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), and Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE). Her involvement also extends to various boards and foundations, including Hydro One Inc., Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Canada, Canadian Engineering Memorial Foundation (CEMF), and the Hellenic Heritage Foundation (HHF).

As an alumna of Western University, Karakatsanis is actively engaged in the university’s governance and outreach programs.

Karakatsanis commenced her professional journey at Morrison Hershfield as a structural engineer, gradually ascending through technical, management, and leadership positions. In 2005, she was elected to the firm’s board of directors, ultimately becoming COO in 2012. In her current role, she oversees the technical and operational aspects of the firm’s projects, managing more than 1,000 personnel. She has been a steadfast advocate for fostering exceptional leadership within Morrison Hershfield and the broader industry.

FIDIC, a global advocacy body representing national associations of consulting engineers, plays a pivotal role in promoting the interests of more than 40,000 firms across 100 countries. Karakatsanis, who joined FIDIC’s board in 2020 and served as vice-president in 2021, is enthusiastic about her new role as president.

“As an engineer, I have a deep love and immense pride for the profession. Engineers are in a position to directly enhance the well-being of society through our work, and that is incredibly rewarding,” says Karakatsanis. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented professionals in the field who have inspired me with their vision, expertise, and commitment to excellence. I look forward to continuing to work closely with my leadership team and all dedicated MHers as we strive to fulfill our 2025 Ambition Strategic Plan and to maintain our steady growth in the marketplace.”

Source URL: https://www.constructioncanada.net/fidic-appoints-first-female-president-in-a-century-long-history/

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