Kate Ulmer, Herold Engineering principal, is the new board chair of the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) for 2022-2023.
Ulmer represents the second woman ever to be VICA board chair in the 110-Year history of the Vancouver Island Construction Association, with Carole Bissett being first in 2009. As the industry continues to encourage women in find careers in construction, having women in leadership positions at the highest level of the sector will optimistically inspire women and girls to consider construction as a vocation.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as the chair of the VICA board for 2023. I look forward to ongoing collaboration with our talented and diverse board, the VICA members, and VICA staff for their continued commitment to our industry as we work to deliver projects that positively impact Vancouver Island Communities. As chair, I am committed to supporting VICA’s pillars of advocacy, professional development, good governance, and member value to keep our Island industry positioned for continued success,” said Ulmer.
Joining Ulmer on the executive are Stuart Cuthbert, Slegg Building Materials, as vice-chair; Barclay Ellis, Trades Labour Corporation (TLC) Victoria, as treasurer, and Scott Torry, AFC Construction, as secretary.
Continuing to utilize online voting software, the 2022/23 election saw a high percentage of eligible members participate in the election. Each industry member is entitled to one vote per election. 2022’s Annual General Meeting represented the first AGM since the loosening of pandemic restrictions, allowing VICA members and their guests to celebrate their new board. The 2022 AGM was held at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse in Saanichton, B.C.
VICA members also welcomed Joshua Fayerman, Milestone Equipment Contracting, Mark Donahue, EllisDon, and Mark Wong, Kinetic Construction, to the board. Incumbent directors James Clapp, Wilson M Beck Insurance Services and Chris Williams, Houle Electric, were re-elected for another term.
Outgoing director Mark Liudzius, Kinetic Construction, was recognized for his years of service on the VICA board. He has been a pivotal figure in the industry for more than 40 years.
