Meet APEGA’s 105th President
Tracey Stock, KC, P.Eng., PhD, FEC, FGC (Hon.), had his message to registrants and permit holders top of mind as he took his place at the annual general meeting of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) on April 26, 2024. “Engineers and geoscientists have done so much for the advancement of our society and the elevation of the human condition. We add value, and we always will.”
As APEGA’s 105th president, Stock is looking forward to seeing this value in action as he connects with professionals throughout the year at events such as his President’s Visits to branches and tours of permit-holding companies.
Priorities for the year ahead
A professional engineer, lawyer, mediator, Alberta Energy Regulator hearing commissioner, and sessional instructor at Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary, Stock will bring a multitude of experiences and a strong work ethic to serving APEGA this year.
During his tenure, Stock will spend time with representatives from the Government of Alberta sharing the value that APEGA professionals bring to the province. This is especially important as the Professional Governance Act, if tabled as expected next spring, will affect APEGA and 21 other non-health professional regulatory organizations in Alberta. “The Act and corresponding changes will establish a fresh landscape to navigate, presenting an exciting challenge and opportunity,” he explains. He plans to leverage the expertise of seasoned statutory board members, Council, and APEGA’s executive team and staff in the transition to the new Act.
Stock is also focused on a seamless transition in leadership as he heads the RCEO Recruitment Task Force in the search for a new registrar and CEO. Jay Nagendran, P.Eng., FCAE, ICD.D, FEC, FGC (Hon.), announced he will be retiring in spring 2025. “Jay has done a remarkable job over the past seven years, bringing us to where we are today. Council is committed to finding someone who can extend that legacy.”
Leading with a community focus
Giving more than 100,000 hours of volunteer service has made Stock a committed community builder. He’s worked with Scouts Canada for more than half a century, filling roles from youth leader to Council Commissioner for Southern Alberta, and now as a foundation board member managing a multimillion-dollar endowment fund for Scouts. He’s also a lifetime donor for Canadian Blood Services. Although his volunteer résumé is impressive, he stresses to anyone thinking of giving back to their profession, “Every moment of volunteerism makes a big difference in supporting the community.” He says giving even a little bit of time reaps many rewards.
This time is also reflective of values that are important to him, such as access to justice, showcased through the legal advice he’s provided to evening clinic clients of Calgary Legal Guidance since 1989. He is also a hearing commissioner for the Alberta Energy Regulator and a practice assessor for the Law Society of Alberta.
He also volunteered with APEGA’s Investigative Committee for almost a decade before joining Council and emphasizes that ensuring public access to the complaints process and giving registrants an opportunity to be heard is paramount. “I was able to serve Albertans by investigating whether registrant practices were meeting APEGA standards.”
Upholding APEGA’s excellence
Whether it’s in a boardroom with professional engineers and professional geoscientists, addressing legal challenges, sharing knowledge, or canoeing with a group of Scouts, Stock comes prepared for his presidency with an extensive set of perspectives and skills.
He is confident in the success of the upcoming year thanks to the excellence of APEGA registrants and permit holders across the province. This will serve Stock well as he and Council uphold APEGA’s more-than-100-year legacy of excellent practice and strong regulation.