Heidi Yang, P.Eng.: Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s next CEO

Engineers and Geoscientists BC is pleased to announce the appointment of Heidi Yang, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.) as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2021.

Heidi has broad-based experience in the regulatory, forestry, and manufacturing sectors. Throughout her 26-year career, she has provided strategic leadership that has enabled her teams to implement effective systems to support innovative and sustainable operations—experience that will be an asset to Engineers and Geoscientists BC as it begins to implement new regulatory processes and obligations introduced by the Professional Governance Act.

“I feel very honoured to be given this opportunity to serve the public in this capacity,” Heidi said. “Engineers and Geoscientists BC is embarking on an exciting and important journey towards stronger regulation for a safer British Columbia, and I look forward to continuing to build on its successes in the future.”

Prior to joining Engineers and Geoscientists BC, Heidi led engineering operations—including research, project management, product engineering, manufacturing process engineering, and facilities and maintenance engineering—for one of the largest privately-owned window and door manufacturers in Canada. She also held several senior executive roles with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), including one year as their interim CEO, where she led a rigorous business planning process that enhanced APEGA’s ability to deliver on its regulatory mandate and strengthened internal operations. Prior to her time with APEGA, Heidi spent 20 years at Weyerhaeuser, providing leadership for the quality management, customer strategies, and operations processes at the Grande Prairie, Alberta plant.

“On behalf of Council, we’re extremely pleased to be welcoming Heidi to our organization,” said Larry Spence, P.Eng., Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s President. “She is a collaborative leader with a record of building positive workplaces, developing value-added programs, engaging stakeholders, and leading organizations through times of change. I know she will bring forward a strong vision for the future of engineering and geoscience regulation and our collective goal of enhanced public protection.”

Heidi graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of British Columbia. She is committed to lifelong learning, with recent certifications through the Executive Program at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and Lean Six Sigma. She is also a dedicated volunteer who has held several academic and community board roles, including with the Glenora Rotary Club—the first rotary club in North America to be chartered by professional women.

Heidi will succeed Ann English, P.Eng., FEC, FCSSE who is retiring following eight years with the organization. Engineers and Geoscientists BC sincerely thanks Ann for her dedication of time and energy to the organization and wishes her a well-earned, healthy, and happy retirement.