Recently, three members of our team celebrated 25 years working at KGS Group!

Their unwavering commitment and exceptional expertise have been invaluable to our team, and we’re so proud to celebrate them.

You can learn a little bit about each of them below.

Bruno Arpin
Geotechnical Assistant Department Head

Bruno’s penchant for fieldwork, his expertise in flood protection and his ability to effortlessly collaborate with contractors set a tone of trust and expertise early on in his career.

Today, Bruno serves as Geotechnical Assistant Department Head, where he’s known for his ability to turn a single project opportunity into a million-dollar success story. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone at KGS who works as hard as Bruno.

Over the years, Bruno has evolved into a mentor and leader for junior staff members and fellow managers. He has guided staff through complex projects and career growth, shaping the next generation of engineers at KGS. He’s the kind of leader who doesn’t just teach; he inspires.

Petra Deffner
Design and CAD Lead

When Petra first joined KGS, she brought with her a quiet determination and a keen eye for detail and a love for math and drawing. Now, more than 25 years later, Petra has become an indispensable part of the geotechnical team, leading with grace, precision and a smile that never fades, even under pressure.

While her technical excellence and dedication have helped shape many successful initiatives, it’s Petra’s leadership and approach to mentorship that truly sets her apart from the rest. Calm under pressure, quietly dedicated, and always approachable, Petra leads by example and inspires those around her to do their best work.

Her adaptability has allowed her to thrive in her role, where she now guides an exceptional team with professionalism and care. Petra is the type of colleague who makes the workplace better simply by being in it.

Allan Wolotko
Senior Project Manager

Allan Wolotko is a seasoned Senior Project Manager with nearly four decades of experience in the consulting field. He has successfully led numerous building envelope and roof replacement projects for clients such as Ontario Power Generation, SaskPower and the City of Thunder Bay.

Allan is known for his collaborative approach, working closely with his colleagues to deliver exceptional results and elevate those around him. A graduate of Confederation College’s Architectural Technologist program, he has held senior roles at KGS since 2000, where he continues to oversee complex design and construction initiatives with precision.

Allan’s colleagues and clients value his expertise and professionalism, making him an indispensable member of the KGS team.

We are happy to announce that Pooya Shariatahmadi has joined KGS Group as the Electrical Department Head in our Mississauga office.

Pooya brings over 30 years of experience leading engineering teams and delivering award-winning and high-impact energy and industrial projects globally. She has been a registered professional engineer in Canada (Ontario and Alberta) since 2006, as well as a licensed professional engineer in the U.S. states of Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

Pooya has a wealth of experience leading strategic engineering initiatives for mining and mineral processing projects across multiple regions. This includes managing cross-functional teams of engineers, overseeing capital expenditure estimates for major sustainable energy and mining projects and leading technical proposals for integrating battery energy storage system solutions into mining operations to improve energy efficiency.

Please join us in welcoming Pooya to KGS!

From delivering technical excellence to demonstrating leadership, mentorship and collaboration skills, our Purple Carpet Awards highlight team members that go above and beyond, and embody our mission, vision and values.

We’re thrilled to share the winners of our first annual awards.

The award categories and their winners are:

• Excellence in Action – Matthew MacKay, Mechanical Engineer-in-Training, Winnipeg
• Extra Mile – Amber Brasher, Water Resources Engineer-in-Training, Mississauga
• Rookie of the Year – Natasha Chiesa, Administrative Assistant, Saskatchewan
• Outstanding Leader – Carmen Anseeuw, Solid Waste Lead, Winnipeg
• Mentor the Future – Nathan Bruce, Solid Waste Lead, Regina

We want to extend our congratulations to all the winners and their exceptional dedication to KGS. Watch the video below to learn more about why they were chosen!

At KGS, we are proud to have a Women of KGS Committee that works towards maintaining a supportive and equitable workplace by building community through events, education and professional development.

Take a look below at some of our recent initiatives!

2025 30 by 30 Conference

In line with the goal set by Engineers Canada to have 30% of newly licensed engineers be women by 2030, KGS is committed to increasing the representation of women in engineering, technical and management roles at KGS Group.

To support this goal, we were a Trailblazer Sponsor of the 30 by 30 conference this past May, which brings industry leaders together to address barriers, share solutions and promote accountability in advancing women and marginalized groups in the profession.

Ten staff members from across KGS attended to:

• Network and share knowledge with engineering peers
• Hear from world-class, cutting-edge speakers and presenters on equity, diversity and inclusion topics
• Receive and share important resources to address barriers to recruitment, retention and advancement of women in engineering

WinSETT Professional Development

Last fall, we partnered with WinSETT to offer a virtual professional development session. This course, called Self Promotion: Your Way, provided training and resources on how to authentically and effectively shine a light on accomplishments and improve career prospects through meaningful discussions, self-reflection and experience-based learning.

PPE for Women

We worked with our Health & Safety Department to update our internal resources to include a section dedicated to Personal Protective Equipment designed for women.

KGS Women Who Lead

Last summer, we hosted the KGS Women Who Lead panel discussion. The panelists shared their experiences on a variety of topics, including why they chose a career in consulting engineering, their experience with transitioning from a technical to a leadership role and how to support other women in our industry.

Cupcakes and Conversations

Every year, we host Cupcakes and Conversations, an event designed to bring together women from across KGS (not just engineers!) to connect, spark conversations and build relationships beyond their usual teams.

At KGS, one of our strengths is the people who lead with purpose, passion and a deep commitment to excellence in engineering. Today, meet three members of our U.S. leadership team who are helping shape the future of hydropower across North America.

Andi Bogdanovic
U.S. General Manager

Andi has over 22 years of experience in civil and structural engineering and project management. His expertise spans everything from dam safety reviews to powerhouse superstructures, and he’s a certified FERC Part 12D Independent Consultant.

Andi’s journey with KGS began over two decades ago in Winnipeg. After five years working in our head office, he moved to Seattle, Washington.

“As I said goodbye, I imagined how great it would be to continue working with KGS Group. However, at the time, that wasn’t an option,” shared Bogdanovic.

After many years, because of his experience, Andi was asked to rejoin KGS and establish our U.S. office in 2017.

Today, Andi leads business development, recruitment and strategic growth across the U.S. He’s passionate about creating a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where engineers can thrive and make a real impact.

“KGS is a place for self-starters who want more than just a day-to-day job. It’s for people who want to make a difference in the hydropower and dam safety communities and be part of a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.”

Amy Deakyne
Regional Director, California

Amy didn’t just join KGS — she helped build our California office. With over two decades of structural engineering experience, Amy leads our Sacramento team, focusing on mentorship, collaboration, culture and fostering personal growth. She saw in KGS a rare opportunity: to start a new office, shape its direction and create a workplace where people genuinely want to be.

“I was excited to launch and lead a new office where I could help shape its direction,” says Deakyne. “It’s a unique opportunity I couldn’t pass up – being able to foster a vibrant culture and build a workplace I’m genuinely excited to be part of.

Amy thrives on the dynamic energy of multidisciplinary teamwork and believes the best solutions come from diverse perspectives working together. She finds it energizing to work alongside talented engineers who are passionate about their disciplines.

Looking ahead, Amy envisions a thoughtfully expanding team that maintains its supportive, connected culture. She wants to preserve the collaborative, supportive culture that makes KGS a place people want to be.

“We’re growing with intention,” she adds, “and that’s what makes this place special.”

Nathan Rockwood
Regional Director, Washington

Nathan joined KGS last year, drawn by our hydro legacy, technical depth and the opportunity to work with a team that shares his passion for water infrastructure. “I enjoy the people I work with, the flexibility of leadership and the company’s growth mentality,” says Rockwood.

Nathan is helping to shape the future of hydropower in the region and he sees KGS continuing to grow, expanding into new states while staying nimble and client focused.

He has more than 25 years of civil and structural engineering experience, with a special focus on seismic design for hydroelectric structures. He is also the President-elect of the Northwest Hydroelectric Association, an organization that unites passionate hydro power leaders through knowledge sharing and collaborative networking in the Pacific Northwest.

“I enjoy the people that I work with, both at KGS and our clients. I enjoy having the resources and experience to call upon to answer our clients’ problems,” adds Rockwood. “I enjoy the flexibility and trust of upper leadership and the KGS culture.”

At KGS Group, leadership isn’t just about titles — it’s about vision, collaboration and a shared commitment to building something meaningful. As our U.S. operations continue to grow, we’re not just building infrastructure, we’re building careers with exciting projects, a supportive culture and professional growth opportunities.

Take a look at our open opportunities and join our team: www.kgsgroup.com/careers

KGS Group has acquired MORR Transportation Consulting Ltd. – a respected Manitoba-based firm specializing in transportation engineering and planning. The MORR team brings with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will create new opportunities for our clients, our teams and the communities we serve. 

“The MORR Transportation team will enhance our ability to deliver integrated, end-to-end transportation solutions to our clients across Canada,” said KGS Group President Rick Martin. “With established relationships in Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia, MORR’s reach and capabilities will support our growth in the transportation market.” 

MORR is widely recognized for its work in road safety, active transportation, traffic operations, traffic and travel monitoring, and freight systems. Like KGS Group, they share the same commitment to delivering high-quality services and pursuing engineering excellence. 

“Our journey, which began with a commitment to research-based solutions, continues today with KGS Group,” said Dr. Jeannette Montufar-MacKay, Founding Partner & CEO at MORR. “We are excited to combine our expertise to tackle increasingly complex challenges while continuing to provide exceptional value for our clients.” 

We are delighted to have Nicholas Kaminski take over the role of Structural Department Head in our Saskatchewan offices.  

Nicholas joined KGS back in 2014 as a Structural Engineer-in-Training. Most recently he served as Assistant Department Head for the structural engineering team and as the Industrial Market Lead for Saskatchewan.

Outside of his practice, Nicholas has served as a director and trustee on boards of professional, regulatory and public sector organizations including as a Senator with the University of Saskatchewan and as a trustee with the Saskatoon Public Library. Currently he serves as a Board Director with Montessori School of Regina and as President-Elect of APEGS.

Nicholas is a well-respected leader and has guided many internal initiatives, multi-disciplinary projects and young engineers across KGS Group. I am excited to see him step into this role and continue to share his valuable knowledge.

Please join us in congratulating Nicholas on his new position!

We are pleased to announce that Carmen Anseeuw has recently become the Solid Waste Market Lead for KGS Group!

Carmen joined KGS in January 2023 as a Senior Project Manager and stepped into a leadership role within the Winnipeg Environmental Department, managing numerous solid waste and other environmental projects.

With over 17 years of experience, Carmen specializes in environmental consulting, solid waste management, environmental impact assessment, regulatory permitting and compliance and public and Indigenous engagement. With her extensive experience and passion for all things garbage, she has been a key player in expanding our solid waste services.

Carmen is also the Manitoba Director on the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Northern Lights Chapter Board of Directors.

Please join us in congratulating Carmen on her new role at KGS!

We are happy to announce that Brent Tombs has been made the Geomatics Department Head in our Winnipeg office. Even before this advancement, Brent had been taking on leadership work. He is a strong supporter of leading by example and prioritizes mentoring junior team members.

Brent’s ability to manage geospatial data has been instrumental in the success of many KGS projects, beginning with the Red River Floodway Expansion project and continuing with the Pointe du Bois Replacement and PTH 75 River Model.

Outside of work, Brent is always on the go. Whether racking up kilometres on his bike, exploring the outdoors or going on walks with his family, he never seems to sit still.

Please join us in congratulating Brent on his new role!

KGS Group brought home two Awards of Excellence and an Award of Merit from the 2024 Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Manitoba (ACEC-MB) Awards! 

Congratulations to the teams who worked on these projects.

Read more about the work our team did below.

KGS Group partnered with the Royal Canadian Mint to design and oversee construction of a cutting-edge, open-loop geothermal cooling system for their new coin-making process — a first for the Mint.

Our work on the Royal Canadian Mint’s Geothermal System won an Award of Excellence.

Learn more about this project.

Photo taken by Lindsay Reid

KGS Group designed the newest addition to the University of Manitoba’s Taché Arts Complex – the Desautels Concert Hall. This world-class 407-seat, 1,332 square metre facility hosts diverse events, from solo acoustic performers to operas complete with an orchestra pit.

Our work on the Desautels Concert Hall won an Award of Excellence.

Read more about this project.

KGS Group spearheaded remediation efforts of the Central Manitoba Mine, an abandoned mine site containing acid-generating tailings, waste rock, abandoned infrastructure and unsafe mine openings.

Our work on the Central Manitoba Mine won an Award of Merit.

Learn more about this project.

Earlier this month, KGS Group was recognized at the Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of Saskatchewan’s awards banquet. We were the proud winners of the Environmental Excellence Award for our work on the Davis Diversion Coanda Fish Exclusion Screen and Fishway project.

Alongside the Water Security Agency, KGS Group helped deliver a novel solution to the WSA’s water management objectives, while protecting the area’s sensitive aquatic environment and bringing infrastructure into regulatory compliance.

The APEGS Awards recognize Saskatchewan engineers and geoscientists for their contributions to the professions and the public interest, showcasing exemplary competence and conduct.

This is a major achievement for KGS and everyone who worked on this project. Well done team!

You can learn more about the project from some of the minds behind it by watching the video below.

Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 4, 2025 — KGS International, a leading provider of hydropower engineering solutions, is proud to announce the continued growth of its U.S. operations, with an expanding presence in Sacramento, California, and Seattle, Washington. These strategic expansions reinforce the company’s commitment to supporting the nation’s renewable energy infrastructure.

In the fall of 2023, KGS International opened its second U.S. office in Sacramento, California. Just over a year later, under the leadership of Phillip Cantarinha, Regional Director of Power and Energy and Amy Deakyne, Regional Director of Hydro Structures and Dams, the office has grown to over 20 employees and established more than a dozen master service agreements (MSAs) with local hydropower clients. Sacramento, a key hydropower and water resource management hub, offers an ideal location for KGS International to provide responsive and custom engineering solutions to California’s energy sector.

KGS International’s expansion is not limited to California. The company’s Seattle office, initially established in 2017 under the leadership of Andi Bogdanovic, has also experienced significant growth. KGS recently relocated its Seattle operations to a larger office space to better serve the increasing demand for hydropower engineering services in Washington and Oregon. Adding Nathan Rockwood as a co-leader alongside Bogdanovic further strengthens KGS’s position as a key player in the Pacific Northwest’s energy market.

“KGS International is committed to supporting the hydropower industry with innovative engineering solutions that enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of energy infrastructure,” said Adam Pawlikewich, Principal at KGS. “Our growing teams in Sacramento and Seattle are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our clients and contribute to the long-term success of renewable energy initiatives.”

Hydropower Engineering Expertise

KGS International specializes in a comprehensive range of hydropower engineering services, including:

• Hydropower Plant Design and Upgrades – Enhancing efficiency and reliability in existing facilities.
• Dam Safety and Rehabilitation – Ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while improving infrastructure resilience
• Structural Inspections and Assessments – Providing detailed evaluations to support maintenance and long-term planning.
• Power and Energy Solutions – Delivering innovative strategies for optimizing power generation and grid integration.
• Construction Material Testing and Oversight – Providing quality assurance and compliance oversight, particularly for FERC-regulated projects.

With California’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2045 and the increasing demand for renewable energy in the Pacific Northwest, KGS International remains dedicated to partnering with utilities, government agencies, and private sector clients to ensure the efficiency and longevity of hydropower assets.