Candidate for Executive Council: Ken Hawrelko, P.Eng.
Candidate Overview
- Energy executive with over 35 years experience in Alberta and internationally including executive leadership, projects, operations, corporate acquisition, utility consulting and 3rd world project development.
- Over 20 years as an APEGA volunteer including on Council, Appeals Board, Practice Review Board and Mentorship.
- Extensive background in regulatory oversight and proceedings, administrative adjudication and corporate board membership.
Personal Statement
I have worked for over 35 years in many leadership roles in the energy and utilities sector, as well as volunteered with APEGA for over 20 years. My professional experience includes leading engineering, construction, and project teams. I have also been board chair for two companies and served as a director or councillor with several other organizations. I’ve become a genuine believer in the value of strong teams.
I've been privileged to meet, and learn from, many fine individuals. My experiences have taught me that we create the best possible solutions when we seek and gain input from others. While honest and intelligent people don't always agree, valuable insights are gained when you consider diverse opinions in crafting solutions.
APEGA Council is a group of highly skilled, individual volunteers working on behalf of our members. They donate their time and efforts to sustain and improve our self-governing profession by providing oversight and guidance to APEGA’s administration. I believe that our professions are best served by ensuring we create a positive and open environment so council can be as effective as possible.
If I'm fortunate enough to be elected, I will work hard to create that environment.
Thank you.
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?
Self-regulation is a privilege we have been granted that allows us as professionals to establish the standards and judge boundaries of professional practice. If we were not self-regulating, individuals outside of our profession could establish our standards and pass judgement on our work without the benefit of fully appreciating the technical and other complexities inherent in it.
What would you bring to Council?
I bring over 35 years of practice in the energy industry, ranging from front-line technical design to senior leadership and consulting roles. I also bring experience in quasi-judicial proceedings, customer relations, budget management, business development, and board governance, all of which are useful when working through the issues that come to council.
As the regulator of engineering and geoscience, what challenges does APEGA face?
Our primary responsibility is to protect the public. Not only must we do that, but it is important that the general public, and consequently the government, believes we're doing that. We must also ensure that our members are well represented and responsibly served by APEGA.
What is the value of a professional licence with APEGA?
A professional licence from APEGA provides comfort to our clients, employers, governments, and the general public that they are engaging with competent, ethical professionals upon whose advice they can rely and upon whom they can entrust their safety.