2011: James (Jim) E. Smith, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.)

Jim Smith was raised in Edmonton. In 1972, he received his chemical engineering degree from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta and became a member of the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (now the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta [APEGA]).

Smith enjoyed a successful 32-year career with Procter & Gamble and Weyerhaeuser, leading engineering and construction organizations and operations management in their manufacturing organizations in Alberta and the southeastern United States. He held a wide range of senior leadership roles in plant and corporate systems design, business planning, and organization development. In 2008, he was instrumental in founding the Centre for Research and Innovation, for which he provided manufacturing and project consulting and innovation services for small- and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs.

After retiring, Smith was an active volunteer with APEGA. He became president-elect in 2010 and president in 2011. Prior to that, he was a councillor from 2006 to 2007 and vice-president in 2008. He served on the Finance Committee (2007), the Governance Committee (2006–2008), and the Strategic Planning Committee (2010–2011). He was actively involved in branch activities, was a mentor in the APEGA mentoring program, and was a member of the Board of Examiners from 1993 to 2010. In 2012, he led the CEO search group that selected APEGA’s chief executive officer. That same year, he was awarded honorary life membership.

Smith was committed to upholding APEGA’s reputation as a role model for self-regulated professions. He undertook several roles with Engineers Canada to increase his knowledge of the national organization and its constituent members. Most notably, he served as vice-chair and chair on the Canadian Engineering Qualifications Board Committee. He was named a fellow of Engineers Canada in 2009 and an honorary fellow of Geoscientists Canada in 2013.

In addition to serving his profession, Smith was active in his community as a Rotary member and as a volunteer on school and not-for-profit committees. He was dedicated to professional and community service and volunteered in the following capacities:

member, Aquatera Utilities Board
director, Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce
chair, Grande Prairie College Foundation Board (2003–2009)
member, Greater Grande Prairie Community Foundation Committee
executive director, Peace Region Economic Development Alliance – Innovation Network (2003–2007)
chair, Canadian Engineering Qualifications Board and Engineers Canada committees (2000–2008)
past director, Grande Prairie United Way
Rotary member and volunteer, minor hockey and soccer coach, and member of school parent council and committees

Smith passed away in October 2025.