Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Womenโs Infrastructure Network (WIN) has honoured leaders in the infrastructure sector at its 11th annual awards ceremony.
Angela Clayton, interim president and CEO of Infrastructure Ontario (IO), received the Outstanding Leader award. Clayton has more than 25 years of experience in Canadaโs infrastructure industry, spanning both public and private sectors.
Known for her pragmatic leadership, Clayton has overseen complex infrastructure projects across multiple sectors. In her current role, and previously as president of project delivery at IO, the organization has completed 13 hospitals, nine transit or transportation projects, seven justice facilities and five public works projects in Ontario.
She has promoted innovative procurement models to deliver major projects in a changing market. Since returning to IO in April 2021, Clayton has led the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic and helped guide one of Canadaโs largest infrastructure investment programs.
Clayton is also a member of the Future of Infrastructure Group, which advises Ontarioโs minister of infrastructure on sector-related issues, including the evolution of IO. A strong advocate for diversity in the sector, she has served on WINโs Toronto chapter steering committee for eight years.
Her previous roles include group head of buildings at Plenary Group from 2015 to 2021, where she oversaw design, construction, operations and maintenance of projects across North America. Earlier in her career, she worked in property and asset management with Brookfield LePage Johnson Controls.
Holynde Smiechowski, project manager at PCL Construction, received the Emerging Leader award. She has more than 12 years of industry experience across the health, commercial, private and civil sectors.
Smiechowski is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, strategic thinking and commitment to technology adoption. She is also a dedicated mentor and advocate for inclusive team environments.
This year, 66 women were nominated across both award categories.
Finalists for the Outstanding Leader award included:
- Krista Hill, partner and co-head, infrastructure and energy practice, Torys LLP
- Brenda Ireland, executive director, Indigenous relations and the Respectful Onsite Initiative, BC Infrastructure Benefits
- Sophie Morin, executive vice-president and chief legal officer, Pomerleau
- Stephanie Smith, chief nuclear officer, AtkinsRรฉalis Canada
- Lisa Sparrow, president and CEO, Corix
- Finalists for the Emerging Leader award included:
- Dani Delaloye, principal engineer, Mott MacDonald
- Maisie Fichuk, operations manager, Kiewit
- Laurie Juneau-Paradis, senior project manager, urban infrastructure and northern engineering, CIMA+
- Anne-Marie Langlois, vice-president and head of engineering, Canada, COWI North America