Alberta South Transportation reorganizes to accommodate growing portfolio

(left to right: Simon Cook, Derek Blayney, Jeff Belziuk, Jim Zagas, and Nadeer Lalji)

The Alberta South Transportation Division has experienced remarkable and rapid expansion over the past five years, and secured several high profile and significant infrastructure assignments. During this period of growth, the team has responded to our clients needs by increasing to over 40 staff members to keep pace with project demands. In our effort to better serve our valued clients and support our dedicated staff, we are pleased to announce the following managerial appointments.

Simon Cook, P.Eng., Manager, Transportation Structures
Simon joined Associated Engineering in 2008 and has over 19 years of experience designing transportation structures and delivering infrastructure projects. His experience includes detailed design of bridges and underground structures, evaluation and strengthening techniques for existing structures, and on-site construction management. Simon has prepared structural designs for several large scale projects, including the West Calgary Ring Road, Crowchild Trail Bridge Widening, and the Flanders Avenue Interchange. His natural mentoring abilities, experience, and collaborative approach will benefit the team of design engineers in the Transportation Structures group. 

Derek Blayney, P.Eng. PMP,  Manager, Roads & Aviation
Since joining Associated Engineering in 2019, Derek has supported the growth of our national Aviation practice with his strong leadership and ability to understand and respond to client challenges. An accomplished project and client manager with 13 years of experience, Derek has supported the procurement, design, and delivery of airport projects across Canada requiring new systems and upgrades to existing infrastructure. Derek’s previous experience includes working for the Calgary Airport Authority and previous consulting experience. He will lead our team of aviation and transportation design engineers and CADD technologists delivering current projects, while he works to expand the roads, highways, and aviation practices.  

Jeff Belziuk, P.Eng., Manager, Transportation Project Delivery
Jeff joined Associated Engineering in early 2021 and has over 20 years of civil design, construction, and transportation engineering experience. He brings industry knowledge and a technical acumen that stems from his diverse background working for both public and private clients on conventional and alternative delivery projects. Jeff specializes in design, procurement, construction management, and scheduling functions on large scale transportation projects. In his new role, Jeff will oversee the group of professional engineers and technologists dedicated to project delivery, including the West Calgary Ring Road and Deerfoot Trail Improvement Project. 

All three individuals will be instrumental in strengthening our service offering and expanding the Division’s portfolio. Collectively, they bring a diverse set of qualifications and experiences that will elevate our commitment to technical excellence, innovative solutions, and responsive client service in our industry. Simon, Derek, and Jeff will continue to report directly to Division Manager, Jim Zagas. 

In addition to these managerial appointments, several other members of our team have been promoted to new technical and client service leadership roles.

Congratulates Simon, Derek, and Jeff on your new roles!