Allan Russell, P.Eng., ICD.D  

CEO Emeritus, McElhanney

Allan Russell is a transformative leader in BCs consulting engineering industry. And for members of ACEC-BC, Allan is ubiquitous.

After graduating with UBC’s influential 1986 civil engineering class, Allan joined Terra Engineering, where he set to work differentiating himself as a standout technical and business leader. In the years that followed, Allan moved from newbie to President, fostering the firm’s growth and championing innovative approaches to quality management and project delivery. As a technical practitioner, he played a leadership role in delivery BCs first Design Build project and developed the first widely adopted ISO 9001 Quality Management plans for major transportation DB and P3 projects in Western Canada.

In 2011, Allan joined McElhanney, where he led the company through a period of extraordinary growth and expansion. Under his leadership, the firm earned recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, a Top 100 Employer, and a Glassdoor Top 25 CEO for Canada.

Advancing the business of consulting engineering in BC is what brings together members of ACEC-BC, and Allan’s commitment to the principle of better together through more than 25 years of professional service to ACEC-BC and ACEC Canada. His service to the association began in 1993 and has continues today. He has served on the Board, led the organization as Chair, and been an active and present leader with advisory groups. At ACEC Canada, Allan served on the Board and has been instrumental in advancing the Association’s CEO and National Executive Leaders Conference.

Beyond his own leadership, Allan has encouraged and supported generations of leaders to actively engage with ACEC-BC, supporting essential skills development, fostering relationships across the industry, and working collaboratively to address industry challenges and opportunities.

In recognizing Allan with this award, the jury noted his present and long-term industry leadership, and the lasting impact of his commitment to ACEC-BC and ACEC Canada. Many times, Allan initiated and led cross-business collaboration to the betterment of the industry and the broader community. The jury pointed to Allan’s leadership during the 2021 atmospheric river event, when McElhanney shared critical data with the industry, academia, and government to support rapid assessment and response to the emergency.

About the Award

Our industry boasts outstanding leaders who raise the profile of consulting engineering through their incredible technical, personal, and community leadership. For over 24 years, our Association has recognized the contribution of individuals who set an example of performance for all consulting engineers.

The Meritorious Achievement Award recognizes an individual for outstanding contributions to the consulting engineering profession, the industry, and the community.

Connect