WOMEN’S WORK

LEADERSHIP
WOMEN’S WORK
In recognition of International Women’s Day ReNew Canada highlights just
a few of the remarkable women in the Canadian construction industry
LISA LARONDE
MARY VAN BUREN
AFTER SIX SUCCESSFUL YEARS as the president of the
Canadian Construction Association (CCA), Mary Van
Buren announced that she will be stepping down.
As the 昀椀rst female president in the association’s
more than century-long history, she guided CCA
into a new era that is digital 昀椀rst and inclusive.
Her focus on modernization was critical in CCA’s
ability to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, while
advocating on behalf of the industry and continuing
to deliver member value in the face of a global crisis.
Under her leadership, CCA developed an
expanded focus on innovation and best practices,
and is currently piloting a digital contract service,
which rolled out earlier this year.
“The construction industry is essential to Canada’s
economic success and quality of life, yet it doesn’t
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RENEW CANADA – MAY/JUNE 2024
always get the credit it deserves. I am so proud to have
brought more attention to an industry that has such a
profound impact on our country and a昀昀ects positive
change in our communities every day,” said Van Buren.
“To see the growth in member engagement in
advocacy and the resulting e昀昀ects that a strong,
uni昀椀ed voice for the industry has, is especially rewarding. I am so fortunate to have an excellent
team who are committed to advancing the industry’s interests across the services we provide.”
“The Board of Directors sincerely thanks Mary for her
stewardship of the association over the last few years.
Through her commitment to advancing member issues,
she has raised the industry’s pro昀椀le, and her legacy of
leadership will be long lasting. While we are sad to see
her move on, we understand she is interested in taking
on new challenges and wish her all the best in this next
stage of her career,” said Brendan Nobes, chair of CCA.
RENEWCANADA.NET
LARONDE: RSG INTERNATIONAL, VAN BUREN :CANADIAN CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION
LISA LARONDE, the 昀椀rst woman president of RSG International, a global leader
in road safety infrastructure, has been named to the Board of Directors of the
Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA).
“I believe this is an indication that the industry is changing. Although I
might be the only woman on the board today, we must start somewhere. I
have a voice, and I will use it,” explained Laronde at ORBA’s 97th annual convention. “I think this is the beginning of something extraordinary.”
“We are excited to welcome Lisa Laronde to ORBA’s Board of Directors,
where she joins leaders of Ontario’s transportation infrastructure industry,”
said Walid Abou-Hamde, CEO of ORBA. “Lisa’s versatile skillset and experience will support the Association in implementing its strategic plan and
advancing its members’ interests.”
Laronde was recently recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful
Women; is the president of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) and is widely known as a 昀椀erce advocate for women in leadership. Laronde is passionate about building psychologically safe work environments where diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of any organization
she’s a part of.
“Lisa is a trailblazer who breaks barriers and paves the way for others to
follow; her appointment to the Ontario Road Builders’ Association is a testament to her exceptional leadership and a beacon for the future of women in
the industry,” stated Jamie West, board director for CAWIC and president of
Peninsula Construction, a division of RSG International.

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