Board of Directors

Derek spent two years on the NLCA board as a Director-at-Large, then sought nomination to the Executive. He has chaired the NLCA Strategic Plan as the 3^rd Vice Chair and most recently chaired the annual NLCA conference as the 2^nd Vice Chair, and is looking forward to his next challenge as the 1^st Vice Chair.

Born and raised in Newfoundland, Derek is currently residing in Paradise with his partner Gail, and his three children, Davis, Mason, and Addison. Derek has extensive construction experience in the commercial, institutional and industrial sectors of our industry. He started his career with The Cahill Group of Companies back in 2008 as a Project Engineer working on various shutdowns at the North Atlantic Refinery Site. From there, he was promoted to Project Manager and began leading construction projects throughout the province. From 2011-2014 Derek was Chief Construction Engineer and Nightshift Operations Manager for the approximate $2 Billion Vale Long Harbour Processing Plant Project. From 2015-2017 Derek led a team of over 500 across multiple sites in the construction of the HVDC infrastructure as part of the Lower Churchill/Muskrat Falls Development (approx. $200M contract). Most recently, Derek was the Project Manager for the mechanical installation at the new MUN Core Science Facility (approx. $80M contract) in St. John’s, NL

Additionally, Derek has spent the last three years as a member of the Canadian Construction Association’s National Trade Contractors Advisory Council where he discusses and consults on pertinent construction related issues that are occurring across the country. Most recently, Derek was nominated to site on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Construction Association.

Education and continuous improvement are very important to Derek. He received his Engineering Degree from Memorial University, he has obtained his Professional Engineering license (P.Eng), his Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, has completed a Masters Certificate in Project Management (MCPM) from the Gardiner Centre, and has completed a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Edinburgh Business School.

With a passion for the local construction industry, he understands the importance of mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders in this sector. Derek Through his role with Life Safety Systems/Atlantica Mechanical Contractors Inc., Derek is looking forward to continuing to serve the industry in his role as 1^st Vice Chair of the NLCA.

Now in his fifth year as a member of the NLCA board of directors, Stephen has enjoyed working with the executive, board members, and staff to advance the interests of member firms. Most recently in 2022, in the role of Third Vice Chair supporting direction in the field of strategic planning for the association.

In his day job, Stephen is Director of Business Development with the PAL Group of Companies. He began his career in logistics management and aviation in Labrador West, where he worked closely with clients in the Newfoundland and Labrador industrial and mining sectors. Upon transfer to Happy Valley – Goose Bay in 2015, Stephen took on account and logistics management for the Muskrat Falls megaproject, focusing on providing commercial, charter, and cargo solutions to contractors of various sizes. In addition, Stephen has built a strong understanding and respect for working with rural and indigenous communities on the North and South Coasts of Labrador, where logistics can often be challenging. Now based in St. John’s, Stephen works with companies throughout Atlantic Canada to ensure they are provided the best possible transportation and logistics services. Having been involved in some of our province’s largest projects, Stephen understands the importance of on-time crew and cargo movements throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Stephen has received his Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University, where he convocated with the Faculty of Business Administration Advisory Board Chair’s Leadership Award. He is currently studying toward his Master of Business Administration through the University of Fredericton.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Stephen spends his time working for his community and enjoying the outdoors. He has served as a member of the Happy Valley – Goose Bay Rotary Club, as well as a director on the Portugal Cove – St. Phillips Harbour Authority Board of Directors.

Valerie Penney is a graduate of Civil Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She started her construction career 18 years ago as an estimator with a local general contractor. From estimating she worked her way into Project Management and has been doing both roles for the last 15 years. Valerie is known as a hard-working professional who takes a pragmatic approach to ensure the project gets completed within budget and on schedule. Understanding the importance of client and supplier relationships is the most important factor in completing a successful project.

Valerie has served four years on the board as a Director at Large and recently taken on the role as Co-chair on the Women in Construction Committee.

Patrick moved to Newfoundland in 1999 leaving a first career in the technology industry to pursue a new path here in St. John’s.  He began on-the-job-training in the structural steel business where he learned about estimating, detailing and project management.  After some time decided to attend the College of the North Atlantic pursuing a Diploma in Architectural Engineering Technology where today he is an Applied Science Technologist (AScT).  After graduating, Patrick continued his career working with a metal siding and pre-engineered building contractor for many years.  In 2009, Patrick switched from working as a sub-contractor and moved into the General Contracting space.

Patrick has earned the designation of LEED AP BD+C, obtain his Gold Seal in General Contracting, and became a Project Management Professional (PMP).  Patrick’s major accomplishment is the management of the St. John’s Long Term Care complex in Pleasantville (the first LEED Silver building in NL), working on the expansion of the St. John’s Airport and the CORE Science Facility at Memorial University of Newfoundland where he also championed this project to become a Gold Seal Project – also the first in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Patrick is currently Director of Construction and Business Development for Atlantic Canada where he oversees all client relations, constructability reviews and construction activities.

Patrick joined the Board in 2016 as Director-at-Large, was the General Contractors Section Chair in 2017 and 2018, and moved on to the Executive in 2019 and is now completing his term as Board Chair.  The latter half of 2022 finally saw the association return to some normalcy where we were able to meet in person with the Provincial Government and continue to advocate for all NLCA’s member firms and strengthen the relationship with them.

Patrick thanks the entire Board and NLCA Staff of 2022 for their active involvement and support during my term as Board Chair.

I am a passionate individual that puts everything I have into all endeavors. I have recently begun working with Atlantic Business Interiors in the summer of 2022 as their Business Development Representative in Newfoundland & Labrador, this was a career change for me as I have spent the last 10 years in the Financial Services industry. I have recently joined the NLCA as a member and have looked for ways to get involved in this industry and make an impact.

The work that I have done in the past has been focused around sales and relationship building. Over the last number of years I have been able to build strong relationships and done so in a short period of time.

I have previous experience working on a board, I have served in various capacities with Advocis (The Financial Advisors Association of Canada) both locally and nationally. I spent a lot of time around developing program and doing advocacy work. Our advocacy work included the development of a framework to protect the title of Financial Advisor and Financial Planner in Newfoundland & Labrador and Canada. Most recently we held a National Conference bringing delegates from all over Canada to St. John’s for 2 days of learning and fellowship. We have been recognized on the National stage and raised the profile of the local chapter.

Gail Ryan is the Equipment Finance Specialist for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador for RBC Royal Bank.  In this role, she works with companies in the construction, heavy civil, healthcare, manufacturing, fishery and transportation industries primarily, to provide customized financing solutions for capital asset requirements.

Gail holds a B. Comm (Co-op) from Memorial University of Newfoundland and an MBA from Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh.  Prior to joining RBC, Gail led several organizations including the St. John’s Board of Trade, the Aquaculture Association of Canada and Habitat for Humanity NL, and operated a successful business consulting practice. She has established deep connections within the local business community and has over 25 years’ experience working with businesses in several industries.

Gail is based in St. John’s, NL but travels extensively throughout the province.

Tonya Knopp is a Professional Engineer with 20 years progressive experience in the construction industry. She has worked in both public and private sector with her main areas of expertise in linear and vertical (building) infrastructure projects. She is currently the Manager of Facility Engineering with the City of St. John’s.

Academically, Tonya is a strong advocate for continuing education and has added the following qualifications to her resume over the years: a Master’s Certification in Project Management from York University, a Lean Green Belt in Continuous Improvement from the Leading Edge Group, a Certified Asset Management Professional from PEMAC, a Master’s Degree (M.Sc.) in International Construction Management with Merit from the University of Bath, and is currently completing a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Architecture and Civil Engineering from the University of Bath with a specialization in Climate Resilience of Building Infrastructure.

Tonya has been associated with NLCA since her return to Newfoundland & Labrador in 2013. She also sits on various different boards in a volunteer capacity as a City Representative. Most recently, as a Rotarian for 8 years, she is now a part of the first virtual Atlantic Canadian club with a primary focus on Environment & Climate Change.

Josh Jacobs graduated from the Civil Engineering Technology Program at the College of the North Atlantic.

Josh started his construction career as a Project Coordinator with heavy civil projects in St. John’s.

Josh is currently an Estimator/ Project Manager with Brook Construction overseeing several construction projects in central Newfoundland

Josh was Born and raised in Corner Brook, NL. He has a passion for sports and is currently the Head Coach for the College of the North Atlantic men’s basketball team.

Steven Hynes has been a Project Manager with Northridge Developments Ltd. since 2015, and is the current Western Director of the NLCA. Steven has served four years on the NLCA board, and is hoping to be re-elected as Western Director for the 2023/2024 term.  He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Memorial University in 2006, and continued his education at the College of the North Atlantic, graduating with a Diploma in Architectural Engineering Technology in 2009. Before joining the team at Northridge, Steven had been working at Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook as a Project Coordinator and as a consultant for Atlantic Engineering Consultants Ltd.

Steven has worked on projects of all scales throughout Western Newfoundland and brings 10+ years of construction and consulting experience to his position. He has a wide variety of professional skills to assist in any construction setting.  He was born and raised in Corner Brook, and resides there currently with his wife, Megan, daughters Macy and Mara and son, Noel. When he isn’t at work, Steven enjoys being outdoors and playing a variety of sports.

Stanley Oliver was born and raised in Labrador, his father is from the North Coast (Rigolet) and his mother from North West River. He has eleven brothers and sisters.  Stan is an Inuit who is an avid hunter, fisher, and outdoorsman. He currently holds the position of Manager with the Labrador Office of Indigenous & Northern Skills Trades. He has worked in the Labrador and Atlantic region in the Natural Resources field/industry for over thirty-five (35) years. Occupying, several senior management and leadership positions with the Nunatsiavut Government, the Nunatukavut Community Council and the Atlantic First Nations Congress. He holds a Diploma from Memorial University as Resource Technician, a Certified Engineering Technician with the NL Association of Engineers and numerous certificates in Indigenous Governance and Administration. Stan has been responsible for budgets in excess of five million dollars as well as over 80 personnel.

Stan’s wide range of education, work experience and local knowledge makes him adaptable to complex working environments. His in-depth knowledge of Labrador and Indigenous rights is often requested on the local, provincial, and national level. He currently sits on the National Indigenous Advisory Committee for the Canadian Environment Assessment Agency, the Circle of experts of the CEAA, the NL Provincial Wilderness Ecological Advisory Council, Canada Parks & Wilderness Society NL Chapter, Forecast NL and the HV-GB Health Community Advisory Committee.

He will tell you his philosophy “is to create free-detailed oriented work environments, that focuses on positive collaborative partnerships with government and business with out loosing sight of grass roots concerns.”

On the personal side, Stan is the father of a thirty-one-year daughter and the foster parent of a First Nations eight-year girl. He continues to volunteer in his community and province for the last thirty-five years. He suffers from a rare form of Arthritis that affects his joints and has had six joint replacements; In May 2018 he suffered a major heart attack. But he remains positive and active with work and the HV-GB Rotary. He still often MCs many charitable fund raisers.

Matthew Craig is a lawyer at Stewart McKelvey in St. John’s, with a practice focused on Construction Law. During his career at Stewart McKelvey, Matthew has advised general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, and owners on a broad range of issues, including tendering and procurement, contract drafting and negotiation, commercial developments, liens, and disputes. Matthew also has two years’ experience as in-house counsel for a major energy corporation, during which time his primary responsibilities included providing advice on construction matters.

In addition to having a strong understanding of the legal aspects of construction, Matthew has practical experience in the industry, having held several construction jobs while attending university.

Matthew has contributed to several presentations for NLCA members, something which comes somewhat naturally having grown up with two parents who were educators, and having obtained a Bachelor of Education from the University of New Brunswick prior to attending law school.

Matthew has a strong understanding of and broad insight into many of the issues relevant to the board of directors, including issues of board governance, advocacy, insurance, strategic planning, company leadership, government relations, risk and control management, business development, and legal and regulatory issues.

Ryan Davis is a Senior Project Manager with Marco Group Limited. He was born and raised in St. John’s and graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2008 with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering Degree. Since then, he has obtained his Professional Engineer License (P. Eng) and his Gold Seal Certification (GSC) in General Contracting.

Ryan began his career in the construction industry with Marco during his engineering work terms and was hired full time once he graduated. He has overseen numerous projects across Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) including several schools, luxury condominium buildings, hospital renovations, car dealerships, retail box stores, university renovations, office buildings, restaurants, a cannabis production facility, and the recent expansion to the St. John’s International Airport.

Ryan joined the board in 2021 as the General Contractor Sections Chair and has been involved with general contracting in Newfoundland and Labrador in some form since 2003. He has a wide range of knowledge and skills in construction and looks forward to continuing to serve the NLCA members as the General Contractors Section Chair. With more tenders on the horizon for this year, Ryan looks forward to building on the NLCA’s relationships with the authorities and bringing member issues and concerns to the table so they can be incorporated into future tenders.

When Ryan isn’t working he spends time with his wife and three daughters, enjoys the outdoors, and coaches local sports clubs.

David was born and raised in St. Johns, NL, and has a bachelor’s degree in Process Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland. David attained his Professional Engineering designation in 2019 and completed his MBA from the Australian Institute of Business this past year. Upon graduation from engineering in 2013, David moved to Calgary Alberta where he began working for the Cahill Group as a field engineer. After four years in western Canada, he moved back home to NL where he continued to work with Cahill in various roles from a project manager, director of projects, and more recently, Senior VP of operations. He has experience on a wide range of construction projects in the oil & gas, mining, utility, and commercial/infrastructure sectors.

Outside of work, David is also active in the community and sits on a couple of boards. He currently is in his third year on the board of directors for the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association (NLCA) as the Mechanical/Electrical Section Chair. As well, he also sits on the board of directors for the Construction Labor Relations Association of Newfoundland and Labrador as a director at large and currently is on the executive of this board.

The Cahill Group has been a member of the NLCA for 35 years. David follows the organization with interest as they stay current with emerging industry trends to provide members with timely education and professional development opportunities throughout the year.

Lindsay Hynes is the Sales Manager at Concrete Products (division of Newcrete Investments), where she is responsible for the production, sales and promotion of the landscape and masonry division.

Lindsay has over 13 years’ experience in sales, 7 of which she worked for Rideout Tool & Machine, selling various tools and machinery all around Newfoundland and Labrador.  Lindsay also worked as an Office Manager at Power Vac Services for 8 years, where she was responsible for payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable and safety!  Lindsay has been working with Concrete Products since March 2019 and is very dedicated to her position and promoting the products and services that Concrete Products and Newcrete provide.  She manages the landscape and masonry division through their offices in St. John’s and Grand Falls-Windsor (Hunt’s Concrete).  Lindsay is also part of Newcrete’s Marketing team, responsible for print/online advertising as well as customer training.

Lindsay has been involved in the construction industry in Newfoundland and Labrador since she entered the work force in 2002.  Lindsay has served as the Manufacturers, Suppliers & Services Section Chair since 2020.  She thoroughly enjoys being a board member within the NLCA and is looking forward to the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally with the association in this role in 2023!  Lindsay is very passionate about the construction industry in Newfoundland and Labrador which is evident in the number of boards that she sits on.  Lindsay is the Vice President of Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador (LNL), she also sits on the Board of Directors for the Atlantic Masonry Institute (AMI) and the Canadian Home Builders Association – NL (CHBA-NL).  In the Fall of 2022 Lindsay was also appointed the Atlantic Canada representative on the board of directors for the Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association (CCMPA).

Lindsay is originally from St. Joseph’s, St. Mary’s Bay.  She currently resides in Paradise with her son.

Cory Pittman is the President with Allstar Rebar Ltd and has been with the company for 22 years.  He has been involved in many reinforcing steel projects in Newfoundland and Labrador including Muskrat Falls, Corner Brook Acute Care, Avalon Mall Parkade, MUN’s Core Science Building, Grieg Seafoods Aquaculture project, and projects in British Columbia such as the RAV Line.

Cory is an active volunteer and has served on the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Curling Committee for 13 years.  He has served 3 years on the PCSP Minor softball executive and has been a coach with the Northeast Minor Hockey Association since 2010. In 2018, he received Bantam Coach of the year and the Wayne Mitchelmore award for Overall Coach of the Year at Northeast Minor Hockey.  He has been a member of the Canadian Coalition for Construction Steel (CCCS) and currently has served as Trade Contractors Section Chair at the NLCA for the past 4 years. Cory also sits on the Trade Advisory Council for the Canadian Construction Association.

Cory has been an active member of the NLCA, especially regarding Steel Tariffs and his participation on the master spec committee.  He has also carried out extensive work with the Canadian Coalition for Construction Steel and the Reinforcing Steel Institute of Canada. Most recent, Cory has been a part of a team that travelled to Ottawa to lobby government regarding the labour shortage across Canada.

As a professional engineer with over 24 years’ experience in the Heavy Civil Construction Industry, Brandon currently holds the role of Vice President, Strategy and Growth with Pennecon, a diversified provider of heavy civil, industrial, marine and services/maintenance operations throughout Canada.  Brandon has spent many years executing infrastructure projects in a variety of roles from designer and resident engineer all the way up to President and CEO.

Senior and executive level work experience in two different levels of government plus his extensive background in private industry have proven to be invaluable experiences that have shaped Brandon’s 360-degree view of the construction industry.  Brandon is currently the Second Vice President on the board of the Canadian Technical Asphalt Association (CTAA), is a member of the CCA National Advisory Council for Civil Infrastructure and was the Heavy Civil Section Chair for the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association 2022 Board of Directors.

Max Day P.ENG, P.GSC has served on the NLCA Board of Directors for the past four terms as the Standard Practices Section Chair.

Max is the Site Engineer with Can-Am Platforms & Construction Ltd. and has been employed with Can-Am Platforms & Construction Ltd as a Site Engineer since 2015. Max is responsible for the oversight of all construction projects with this firm to ensure the work is completed correct, on-time and on budget.

Max is a graduate from Memorial University’s Engineering Program and earned his Professional Gold Seal certification thru the NLCA Center of Excellence. Max has worked in the General Contractor’s Industry since 2008 and has always been employed with firms that are members of the NLCA.

Max is an avid user of the NLCA services participates in the various section meetings, staying on top of current industry trends. Max is also a regular attender of the annual general meeting and has taken many of the courses offered by the NLCA.

Katrina is an experienced health and safety professional dedicated to preventing injuries and enhancing the workplace health and safety culture wherever she can. In her current role as the Corporate Health, Safety, Environment Manager with Locke’s Electrical Ltd. she supports both management and field workers regarding all aspects of their health, safety and environment program. She has an extensive background in many areas of construction however; her forte is in the powerline/utilities industry where she has worked for more than 10 years. Katrina’s work experience includes working for one of the largest powerline contractors in Canada (in remote locations), a specialized high voltage underground contractor in an urban environment and most recently with Locke’s Electrical here at home in NL. Katrina attained her Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation at the young age of 24, recently achieved her National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) designation and holds a designation specialized for her industry as a Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP). She graduated from her OHS program with honors from Keyin College.

Katrina is committed to giving back to her community; as such, she volunteers with the Girl Guides of Canada and Threads of Life (supporting workers and families who have suffered from workplace tragedy). Currently, she sits as a member on the NLCSA Board of directors as an NLCA representative. She looks forward to becoming more involved with the NLCA, NLCSA and the valuable knowledge to be gained from working with like-minded individuals in the construction industry.

Linda Mansfield holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) Degree from Memorial University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Information Technology. She works with the Parsons Group of Companies as Business Development Director for Parsons Engineering and Steelfab Industries and Managing Director of WH Parsons Limited, a real estate holdings business with residential and commercial properties in St. John’s, Mount Pearl and Paradise. Linda is also President & CEO of Homeworx, an award-winning new home construction and renovation company based in St. John’s.

Linda’s experience with commercial and residential construction goes beyond the office setting. Prior to her current roles with Parsons Group, Linda developed and maintained company safety programs for both the manufacturing facility and construction sites, as well as created fall protection training workshops.

Linda has always believed in giving back through volunteering and as such, has a vast history of serving on non-profit boards. Her most recent appointment prior to becoming Membership Committee Chair with the NLCA board in 2020 was with the Canadian Home Builders Association of NL, where she Chaired the Professional Development Committee and was a productive member of the Policy & Governance and Events Planning Committees.

Linda looks forward to continuing the Membership Committee’s work into the 2023/24 term and gratefully asks for your support in doing so.

Lisa is Vice-President Academic & Chief Operating Officer of Academy Canada, which is one of the largest and most diverse private post-secondary training institutions in the country. Lisa has been an educator for more than 20 years, 17 of those with Academy Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education, all from Memorial University. A proud NLCA member, she has been actively involved in NLCA’s Membership Committee for the past three years. Lisa was also part of NLCA’s Strategic Planning Committee in 2021 and also participated in strategic planning with the Education and Training group in 2022.  Lisa will continue to bring her skills as an educator, strategic planner and collaborator to the table and is very excited to work with and learn from other members.

In addition to her NLCA duties, Lisa is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants NL Board, the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Career Colleges, member of the Town of CBS Tourism Committee and she is a leader for the Girls Guides of Canada.  In her spare time, you will find her hiking, skiing or rock climbing in the great outdoors with her family.