The British Columbia Construction Association has announced that Susan Zacharias, owner of United Concrete & Gravel Ltd., will assume the role of board chair for the association, effective immediately for the 2015-2016 term.

Zacharias takes over from out-going chair Ross McLean of Houle Electric. She will continue to lead the BCCA forward, advocating on behalf of BC’s industrial, commercial, and institutional construction employers at a time of growth for the BC economy, while addressing important challenges such as those around skills shortages and public sector procurement policies.

A focus during her tenure will be to work closely with the leadership of the four regional construction associations to ensure strong benefit to the integrated membership, while advocating effectively on behalf of the construction sector at large.

“My experience and perspective as a small business owner, Association member and government representative is unique,” notes Zacharias. “I welcome this opportunity, am committed to my new role, and am ready to lead our Association and our industry forward.”

The executive directors include Bob Cooke from Division 15 Mechanical Ltd. as the new vice-chair and acting secretary and treasurer for the association. McLean remains on the board as past chair.

“We’re very pleased to have Sue step into this leadership role for BCCA, and looking forward to the fresh perspective that she will bring,” says Manley McLachlan, President of the BCCA. “To have northern BC so well represented at the table is critical at this important time of development for our province and our sector.”