Candidate for Councillor: Jeffrey Priest, P.Eng.
Candidate Overview
- Professor in civil engineering with over 20 years’ experience in Canada and UK, developing and teaching civil engineering courses at all post-secondary levels.
- Recognised researcher providing experiential training and leadership to highly qualified engineers through advanced research practices.
- Dedicated professional serving engineering and geoscience, including experience on APEGA Council 2023-26, including service on Audit Committee, Governance Committee, and Policy and Standards Committee, plus further APEGA volunteer service with Board of Examiners (2019-23).
Personal Statement
I am proud to be a professional civil engineer with APEGA and serving as an APEGA Council member. My experience, shaped over the last 30 years—starting as a building tradesman, becoming a research scientist responsible for developing innovative research, and evolving into an educator and administrator within post-secondary education—brings unique perspectives that have allowed me to be a successful APEGA councillor. These skills will be even more important over the next few years as APEGA transitions to the new Professional Governance Act in early 2027. This will require APEGA to draft new bylaws, Code of Ethics and conduct, and practice standards and guidelines. Through my extensive experience and leadership in engineering education and having served on council for the last three years, I believe that I have the right mix of skills to support APEGA in adapting to the new legislation whilst ensuring that APEGA continues to set the standards for regulatory excellence.
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?
As a registered engineer with APEGA, and actively involved in providing engineering education, I am acutely aware of the importance of self-regulation. To me, the privilege of being called an engineer brings huge responsibility to act within myself, and with others, with the highest ethical and professional standard. By holding oneself, and other members of APEGA, to this will ensure that the work we do puts the safety of the public at the centre of all decisions.
What would you bring to Council?
With over 20 years of experience as a researcher, educator, and leader, and practising engineering, I have seen all sides of the profession. From my success as an award-winning researcher through to my leadership role as associate dean graduate studies and M.Eng. program within the Schulich School of Engineering, I bring a wealth of experience in collaborative working, innovative thinking, and leadership. This will be invaluable in supporting APEGA and ensuring the continuing trust of Albertans.
As the regulator of engineering and geoscience, what challenges does APEGA face?
APEGA’s biggest challenge over the next few years will undoubtedly be the successful implementation of the new Professional Governance Act. APEGA must continue to be innovative in developing regulations and bylaws that exemplify regulatory excellence to fit within the new legislation while continuing to better the lives of all members of society, while being relevant to APEGA’s diverse registrants.
What is the value of a professional licence with APEGA?
The professional licence issued by APEGA has immense value since it shows that the licensed engineer has the professional and technical skills and the ethical foundation to practise safely as an engineer or geoscientist within Alberta. The licence gives employers and members of the public alike the confidence that the practice of engineering or geoscience will uphold the highest standards of safety and ethical practice.