Catherine Karakatsanis, M.E.Sc., P.Eng, FEC, FCAE, Executive Vice President of Buildings, Technology and Energy, has been doubly honored during the past few weeks. On May 27 2011, Catherine was elected to the Executive Committee of Engineers Canada in the role of President-Elect. This event was followed on June 2, 2011 with an induction as Fellow in the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
As President-Elect, Catherine will assume the role of President, Engineers Canada in May 2012. Engineers Canada is the national organization of the twelve provincial and territorial associations that regulate the profession of engineering in Canada and license the country's more than 234,000 members of the engineering profession. Catherine will be the first female President in 19 years.
The Canadian Academy of Engineering inducted Catherine as a Fellow in recognition of her exceptional contributions to engineering in Canada. The Academy, founded in 1987, is an independent forum for discussion and a vehicle for action, relative to national issues in which engineers may provide a unique point of view. The focus of the Academy in recent years has been on energy issues.
Catherine is well known for her vision and leadership. She has served in the most senior roles in engineering in Ontario as President of Professional Engineers Ontario and Chair and President of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. Catherine recently received a 20-year Ontario Volunteer Service Award from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and in 2008 was recognized as a Fellow of Engineers Canada.
Catherine is a University of Western Ontario graduate and recipient of Western’s L.S. Lauchland Engineering Alumni Medal. She joined Morrison Hershfield in 1989. As Executive Vice President, Catherine leads a multidisciplinary team of architects; structural, electrical and mechanical engineers; and project managers. She also serves as an elected member of the Morrison Hershfield Board of Directors and is currently Secretary of the Board.