Published: March 9, 2026
McElhanney is proud to share that Michelle Cooke, our Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Operations Lead, has been recognized as one of Canadian Occupational Safety’s 2026 Top Women in Safety: a national recognition that honours influential leaders advancing workplace safety and strengthening safety culture. Michelle was selected for her steady leadership, technical expertise, and meaningful contributions to health and safety – both within McElhanney and across the industry.
Michelle’s path in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) began at the University of Alberta, where she completed her formal training. Prior to completing her university studies, she achieved her NCSO (National Construction Safety Officer) designation and later earned her CRSP (Canadian Registered Safety Professional) credentials.
Over her 20 years at McElhanney, Michelle built a reputation for consistency, sound judgement, and a deep commitment to supporting people. As Executive Vice President of Culture, Strategy & Governance, Tanya Sadlo shares: “Michelle exemplifies what it means to live our core values: not just in words, but through consistent action, integrity, and care. Her passion and unwavering dedication are palpable. She embodies the heart of McElhanney.”
Recently, Michelle led the development of an accelerated mentorship and training program for new HSE team members, many of whom were early in their careers. This initiative strengthened team capability and further supported McElhanney’s strong safety culture. HSE Manager, Rob Dhillon, adds: “Michelle creates a safe space where everyone participates to improve safety and more deeply integrate it into operations. She doesn’t just lead, she elevates those around her.”
Michelle also contributes to safety leadership across the industry through her active membership in the Women in Occupational Health & Safety Society (WOHSS) and Health & Safety Professionals Canada (HSPC), where she supports professional development initiatives and sector-wide conversations on inclusive safety practices. She also contributes to the ACEC-BC Health & Safety Leaders Working Group, where she collaborates with peers to advance safety standards across the consulting engineering sector.
Alongside her industry advocacy, Michelle plays a meaningful role in advancing McElhanney’s culture of inclusion. As a long-standing contributor to the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee, she leads Indigenous-focused learning modules and guides discussion groups. Outside of work, Michelle brings her leadership and compassion into the community as an executive member and appointed treasurer on her local school council, and through her volunteer work with the Edmonton Food Bank.
Michelle’s recognition as a Top Woman in Safety reflects the leadership, mentorship, and care she brings to her work each day, as well as the influence she continues to have in strengthening McElhanney’s culture of safety. We are proud to celebrate this well deserved honour and grateful for the lasting impact she has across our organization and the broader safety community.
To read the full list of this year’s honourees, visit the 2026 Top Women in Safety Special Report: https://www.thesafetymag.com/ca/best-in-safety/top-female-safety-leaders-in-canada-top-women-in-safety/547305#winnersListSection