Candidate for Councillor, Devarsh Sood, P.Eng., PMP
Candidate Overview
- Multi-industry professional with prominent consulting and project management experience leading major infrastructure projects; has worked with global organizations
- Well-versed in overseeing strategy, planning, and operations initiatives; currently engaged with two different boards in the higher education sector
- Passionate about working with diverse groups; travelled internationally and also from coast to coast in Canada
Personal Statement
Devarsh Sood, a professional engineer, earned a diploma in engineering from Saint Mary’s University and a bachelor of mechanical engineering from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He received several high-distinction credentials with permanent university records for academic and volunteer accomplishments during his academic career.
Devarsh is presently working as project manager with a prominent global engineering and consulting organization. His experience includes project management, financial oversight, contract compliance, and business development for multimillion-dollar projects in agribusiness, oil and gas, and nuclear energy, among other industries.
Devarsh is also extensively engaged in the community. He is president of the Alumni Association for his alma mater, Dalhousie University, leading the board and providing overall leadership to this 146-year-old association representing more than 150,000 global alumni.
He is also a serving member of the Dalhousie University Board of Governors, carrying this responsibility through a stewardship role for overall management and administration of the institution. As a member of its Capital Projects & Facilities Committee, Devarsh supports decision-making pertaining to the physical infrastructure and multi-year development plan for the University.
Candidate Resume
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Get to Know the Candidate in Four Questions
What does self-regulation mean to you as a member of APEGA?
APEGA’s self-regulatory nature is one of the top characteristics of its commitment towards public service. The hierarchical process of regulation by members for themselves, each other, corporations for their staff, and finally APEGA as the overall entity ensures the responsibility is shared amongst all members equally.
Self-regulation ensures public safety remains paramount for all members, provides a stronger governance model, and maintains public trust in the association.
What would you bring to Council?
Presently working as project manager with a prominent consulting and engineering services organization, I’ve developed a varied set of technical, financial, and risk management skills during my career.
I am also currently serving as the president of the Alumni Association for my alma mater, Dalhousie University; leading the Board and providing overall leadership to this 146-year-old association representing more than 150,000 global alumni. I’d be honoured to bring this diverse experience to the Council.
As the regulator of engineering and geoscience, what challenges does APEGA face?
APEGA’s mandate is to self-regulate on behalf of the Government of Alberta through the Engineering and Geoscience Professions (EGP) Act. While this added responsibility distinguishes APEGA Council from a typical board of directors, there are several challenges to this framework:
- changes in law by the government that can impact APEGA’s operating cost
- changes to the self-regulatory aspect of APEGA
- rejection of Council-proposed changes to the EGP Act by the provincial government
What is the value of a professional licence with APEGA?
A professional licence with APEGA is a matter of great pride. It symbolizes several years of perseverance towards attaining the education and the work experience that are pre-conditions to getting licensed.
Additionally, the licence is a reminder of the importance of everyday work that engineers and geoscientists do in Alberta and beyond. It is both a responsibility and a privilege to serve the public through such professions.