Published: June 4th, 2025
A legacy, recognized: McElhanney is proud to share that our former President and CEO, Allan Russell – who retired in 2024 and continues to serve on our Board of Directors – has received the 2025 Meritorious Achievement Award from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of British Columbia (ACEC-BC). Presented at the awards gala in Vancouver, BC on May 23rd, this honour recognizes Allan’s outstanding lifetime contributions to the consulting engineering profession in British Columbia.
Allan joined McElhanney in 2011 as Vice President of Vancouver Region Engineering and served as President and CEO from 2013 to 2024. During this time, he led our company through a period of transformational growth: tripling in size, expanding into new markets, and earning recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, and one of BC’s Top Employers. Allan was also named one of Glassdoor’s Top 25 CEOs in Canada in 2021 – just one of many reflections of his people-first leadership style.
Allan’s influence on infrastructure delivery in British Columbia is both foundational and future-focused. He helped pioneer the province’s adoption of alternative delivery models, contributing to some of BC’s earliest Design Build and P3 projects – including the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvements, Canada Line, the Golden Ears Bridge, and South Fraser Perimeter Road. Under Allan’s leadership, McElhanney significantly expanded its role in Canada’s largest infrastructure projects, recently earning us Platinum status on ReNew Canada’s 2025 Top 100 Projects list.
Beyond McElhanney, Allan has made meaningful contributions through senior roles with ACEC-BC and ACEC-Canada, advocating for procurement innovation and mentoring the next generation of leaders. He is a familiar face in educational forums at University of British Columbia, British Columbia Institute of Technology, and through ACEC-BC’s Young Professionals group, regularly sharing insights and guidance with students and emerging professionals. Allan has also been a frequent speaker at industry events, sharing his expertise at conferences like the ACEC National Executive Leaders Conference, BC Construction Roundtable, and AEC CEO Summit.
“Receiving this recognition is an honour, and I’m grateful to have worked with many exceptional individuals throughout my career,” said Russell. “Lasting impact comes from making decisions that not only elevate the profession but also strengthen our communities. I’ve always focused on supporting efforts that build a foundation for future generations, empowering others to carry those efforts forward.”
Allan’s commitment to to future generations is reflected in initiatives that support both emerging talent and local communities. He championed the launch of McElhanney’s M-POWER Scholarship Program and oversaw investments in post-secondary infrastructure, including at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and the University of Victoria. He also introduced McElhanney Cares: a company-wide giving program that has supported hundreds of employee-nominated causes.
Beyond his professional work, Allan dedicated over 13 years to volunteering with the Dunbar Soccer Association and Vancouver United Football Club, coaching youth teams, serving as Age Group Coordinator, and playing a key role in the 2009 merger of three westside youth soccer clubs. His lasting impact on youth development and community-building earned him both Coach of the Year and Lifetime Service Awards: hallmarks of a leader who leads with purpose, passion, and heart.
Congratulations, Allan, on this well-deserved honour. Your legacy continues to inspire across the industry and beyond.
Learn more about Allan’s career journey here: https://acecbcawards.com/meritorious-achievement-award-allan-russell/