Meet our 2026 Speakers

Colin Cox is the founder of Cox Consulting, a leadership advisory practice for CEOs, and co-founder of The Work Smarter Company, which helps organizations put AI to practical use. Before starting his own firms, he spent more than 25 years in senior leadership roles across Canada, the UK, and Ireland, including seven years as COO of Demonware, the Activision studio behind Call of Duty. He holds an MBA and is a Certified Executive Coach. This is his second time speaking at the FLN Conference.

Darryl Matson is a world-renowned structural engineer and bridge industry leader with a distinguished career spanning more than three decades. He joined Buckland & Taylor as a junior engineer in 1989 and ultimately served as President and CEO before going on to lead COWI’s North American bridge business. His expertise has contributed to landmark infrastructure projects including the Golden Gate Bridge, Lions Gate Bridge, and Pattullo Bridge. Darryl is equally recognized for his dedication to mentoring future leaders and advancing diversity within the profession through programs such as COWI’s Early Career Network and PromoteHer. His lifelong contributions to engineering were recognized with ACEC-BC’s Meritorious Achievement Award in 2024.

Harvie Buitelaar is a civil engineer and senior business leader who co-leads Hatch’s Defence business in Canada. With 27 years of consulting experience, including 23 years with Hatch, he has delivered complex transportation and aviation infrastructure projects while helping grow and strengthen the business. Harvie is recognized for his collaborative leadership, commitment to mentorship, and active involvement in the engineering profession. He is passionate about developing future leaders, sharing knowledge, and embracing new challenges. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors with his family and is the proud father of two.

Jesse Unke is a senior infrastructure and construction executive focused on driving growth, expanding markets, and enhancing organizational performance. Known for his emotionally intelligent leadership style, he combines long-term strategic vision with disciplined execution to deliver results. He holds numerous professional designations, including P.Eng., PE, PMP, RMP, LEED AP, ENV SP, MMCD CCA, CMC, and CCIP. Jesse has served in board leadership roles with ACEC-BC, PMI, MMCD, the Business Council of BC, and the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, and chaired the BC Construction Roundtable for three terms. He was recognized as one of Canadian Construction's 40 Under 40.

Coming Soon!

Jennifer Price is President and CEO of McElhanney, one of Western Canada’s largest employee-owned engineering and geomatics firms. An engineer and business leader with nearly three decades of experience, she has held executive leadership roles with Buro Happold, GHD, AECOM, and CH2M (now Jacobs), leading growth, innovation, strategy, and operational transformation across North America. At McElhanney, Jennifer is guiding the firm’s strategy with a focus on sustainable growth, digital innovation, and empowering people to deliver lasting impact for clients and communities. She is a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and talent development, has served on global diversity and inclusion councils, is a Past Chair of Leadership Tomorrow, and holds an MBA from the University of Washington.

Simon Church is a senior transportation infrastructure leader who has helped shape the delivery of some of British Columbia’s most significant transportation projects. As leader of Binnie’s Major Projects group, he provides Owner’s Engineer and project delivery services for complex infrastructure programs across the province. Simon joined Binnie as employee number two and played a key role in growing the organization into a successful multidisciplinary practice. His project experience includes the Pattullo Bridge Replacement, Roberts Bank Terminal 2, Taylor Bridge Replacement, and Alex Fraser Bridge Capacity Improvement. He is recognized for his technical expertise, collaborative leadership, and industry contributions, earning awards from ACEC-BC, ITE, and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.

Tijana Smiljanic is a senior infrastructure leader with McElhanney’s Alternative Project Delivery team, bringing 20 years of experience in engineering, design, and project delivery. She has supported some of Western Canada’s most complex Alliance, Progressive Design-Build, and Design-Build projects, working closely with owners, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver major transportation and utility infrastructure. Tijana is recognized for her collaborative leadership, ability to build alignment among diverse stakeholders, and commitment to developing high-performing teams. She is passionate about mentorship, organizational growth, and creating the conditions for successful project outcomes.

Wendy Itagawa is a senior infrastructure leader with more than 25 years of experience delivering complex transportation projects. As Vice President, Major Projects at TI Corp, she has led some of British Columbia's most significant infrastructure investments, including the $1.637 billion Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project, and is advancing delivery of the Broadway Subway Project. She is known for her collaborative leadership, commitment to project excellence, and ability to unite diverse teams around shared goals. Wendy is a strong advocate for mentoring emerging leaders, supporting the advancement of women in engineering, and creating inclusive, high-performing organizations.