Succession in technical leadership – bridging the next generation

Don Kennedy M.A.Sc., P.Eng., has officially retired on June 3rd to spend more time with his family, at their cottage in Ontario, on the golf course, and on the ski slopes. Don retires after a distinguished career that has spanned 38 years, the last 25 years with Associated Engineering. With John Fussell, David Harvey, Alfred Kao, and Bala Balakrishnan, Don was instrumental in Associated’s growth and development as one of Canada’s preeminent bridge engineering firms. A specialist in bridge design and earthquake engineering, Don worked on the design and construction of major bridge and seismic rehabilitation projects across Canada and in New Zealand. He participated in developing and updating bridge design standards, including the introduction of performance-based seismic design and, recently, the Climate Change adaptation provisions for CSA S6:25 Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code—standards that will result in more resilient designs.

We are pleased to announce that Mike Paulsen, M.Sc., P.Eng. from our Edmonton office has accepted the role of Vice President, Transportation Structures, and has taken over from Don as of June 6th. A graduate of the University of Alberta, Mike’s career has taken him to Denmark and New Zealand, before settling back home in Edmonton. Mike joined Associated in 2005 for three years, and then returned to the company in 2010 as a Structural/Bridge Engineer. Over the years, he has taken on roles of increasing responsibility, most recently, Division Manager, Transportation in Alberta North. His 20 years of experience includes the analysis, design, management, and assessment of a wide variety of transportation structures, including pedestrian, roadway, heavy rail, and LRT bridges. 

Mike’s resume includes award-winning projects such as the NU Girder Bridge Design and Detailing Manual, Saline Creek Drive Pedestrian Bridge, and the Dunvegan Bridge Deck Replacement. He also led the design of the erection scheme for an elegant 280 metre-long, three-span stress ribbon bridge — only the second application of a stress ribbon structure in Canada. Mike has presented his projects at local, national, and international conferences. He is the Chair of the Transportation Association of Canada Structures Committee and Vice-Chair of Section 8 Concrete Structures of CSA S6: Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code. Mike’s local and international experience and involvement on technical committees will be an asset to his new role, as we continue to expand our bridge engineering capabilities.

Please join us in thanking Don for his leadership and contributions to the company and the industry, and congratulating Mike on his new role!