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

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!

We’re thrilled to announce that Nathan Rockwood will be stepping up to lead our Seattle office as Regional Director. This exciting development reflects the continued growth of our teams and projects in the United States.

Nathan brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the hydroelectric industry to this leadership role. While his early career as a structural engineer saw him designing office and warehouse buildings, his true calling lay in the world of dams and hydro structures. In 2007, he made a pivotal career shift and has since become a recognized leader in the field.

Nathan built relationships with hydro clients in California before expanding his influence to the Pacific Northwest. His commitment to the industry is further exemplified by his current role as president of the Northwest Hydroelectric Association.

Since joining KGS Group in February 2024, Nathan has enjoyed building relationships with many exceptional professionals at KGS. He is eager to lead the Seattle office and contribute to the continued growth and success of KGS Group in the Pacific Northwest. We are confident that the team will thrive under his guidance.

Please join us in congratulating Nathan on his new role.

A pioneer in hydroelectric performance testing

Albert Mikhail, P.Eng. has over 48 years of experience in the hydropower sector and is regarded as a leader in the field of hydroelectric turbine testing. He has performed over 600 efficiency tests using various methodologies, many of which he developed himself. Albert was involved in developing the testing methods for the International Water Sharing Agreement between Canada and the United States at Niagara Falls.

A journey into performance testing

In 1982, performance testing was an entirely manual process. This is when Albert was approached to modernize the process. To do so, Albert had to understand how the measurements were currently done. He was astonished at how comprehensive the test procedure was.

Albert observed the testing methods, which required anywhere from a dozen to nearly 30 people, depending on the test methodology and the number of measurements required. To gather simultaneous measurements, a system of light bulbs was placed at each measurement point so the individual supervising the test could flick the light on and off. If one person didn’t see the light in time, it would affect the results.

Within two years, Albert developed a new system using a computer the size of a sewing machine. Today, performance testing has evolved drastically. Instead of a team of a dozen or more, only two personnel are typically required. A chief of test and a technician work together to calibrate and operate the current meter or the acoustic flow measurement.

The importance of accurate measurements

Albert is renowned for his meticulous approach to data collection. When asked why precision is so critical, he explains, “Comparing a turbine’s design specifications to its actual performance reveals critical insights. Achieving accuracy demands rigorous adherence to procedure. The tolerance for error is zero for data collection. Redundancy and verification are essential. A single invalid test or improper procedure can compromise the entire process. Simply put, there’s only one chance to get the data right.”

Advancing the industry

Albert’s work has not only improved turbine performance testing in North America but has also contributed to the optimization of hydroelectric power generation. His efforts have helped utilities maximize power output while conserving water resources, ensuring a sustainable and efficient energy future.

Join Albert at his next session

Join us at CEATI on Wednesday, March 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Session B4.1 for a case study on field performance testing using intake current-meter flow measurement at Muskrat Falls Generating Station, presented by Albert Mikhail. Discover valuable lessons learned and project conclusions, and learn how to apply these practices to your own operations.

We are delighted to have Dylan Antunes join KGS Group as Geotechnical Department Head in Saskatchewan.

Dylan has over 15 years of geotechnical engineering experience across Canada. Over the course of his career, Dylan has gained experience executing work at all project levels including materials testing, construction supervision, quality control and quality assurance, reporting, geotechnical design and project management.

Dylan has had the opportunity to work on some major project across North America. Some notable ones include the Fargo Moorhead Flood Diversion Channel, the Saskatoon Freeway Feasibility Project, and the Eglington Crosstown Light Rail Transit Project.  

With Dylan providing a solid foundation for the growing department, we are excited to see what heights the geotechnical team will reach.

Please join us in welcoming Dylan to KGS Group and congratulating him on his new position!

We are pleased to announce that Craig Rowbotham has been appointed as Transportation Department Head in our Winnipeg office. 

Craig joined KGS Group in 1999 and has been a dedicated and tireless member of the team, always looking for opportunities to mentor junior employees.

Craig’s career has revitalized neighbourhoods and cities and has brought life to areas that were all but forgotten. His persistent work ethic has been fundamental in helping shape our transportation and municipal teams over the years.

For many years, Craig worked as the Assistant Department Head in the Municipal Department before he transitioned over to the same role in the newly minted transportation group in Winnipeg. In addition to his leadership contributions, Craig is an invaluable technical resource for many of our key clients and projects.

Please join us in congratulating Craig on his new role!

We are happy to announce that Soni Proctor has joined KGS Group as the Electrical Department Head in our Vancouver office.

Soni is a highly motivated leader with a passion for problem-solving and implementing effective strategies. She excels at technical project management, engineering, and cross-functional collaboration. Her performance-driven approach consistently delivers impactful and beneficial organizational change.

Soni has over 14 years of demonstrated expertise in project management and process improvement, resulting in increased revenue, reduced costs, enhanced efficiency and elevated customer satisfaction. 

Please join us in welcoming Soni to KGS Group.

We are pleased to share that Ashton Richter will be taking over the helm for our Mechanical Department in Saskatchewan.

With over 23 years of experience in the industry, Ashton has been involved in a wide array of complex projects, primarily focused on the industrial sector. Ashton started with KGS in 2010 and took on the role of Assistant Department Head in 2022.

During that brief stint, Ashton helped build up our mechanical group to its current state, with a team of competent and self-driven engineers and technologists. Along with his exceptional attention to quality and client service, I am confident Ashton will continue driving this department with that same momentum and culture that he helped develop over the past year.

Please join me in congratulating Ashton!

We extend a warm welcome to Tori Liu, who recently joined KGS Group as Municipal Department Head in our Vancouver office.

Tori has over 25 years of experience in engineering design and project management, specializing in stormwater management, hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, highway drainage design as well as municipal and environmental engineering.

We are looking forward to seeing the new heights our Municipal Department will reach with Tori leading the charge. She has already proven herself to be a knowledgeable and hardworking addition to the team. With her many years of experience, we know she’s ready to take on this new challenge.

Please join us in welcoming Tori to KGS Group, and congratulating her on her new position!