R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited (Burnside) has named Lorena Niemi as its next President. Niemi, only the fifth President since the firm’s founding, has built her career at Burnside, advancing through roles marked by technical excellence, collaborative leadership, and a strong commitment to the communities served by her projects.
“From day one, Burnside has believed in people-first leadership—and Lorena embodies that completely,” says John Burnside, past President and current CEO. “Her professional and project record speaks for itself, but equally important is the way she leads—with heart, humility, and a true connection to the communities we serve–which reflects our values.”
As part of this leadership transition, Ian Drever, outgoing President, will become Chief Growth Officer, focusing on strategic business and people initiatives. “By taking a values-driven approach, we’ve ensured a smooth leadership transition, both for our teams and our clients, setting us up for continued success,” he shares. “I’m excited to continue collaborating with Lorena and to support her in furthering our values-first approach that serves us so well, now and in the future.”
Reflecting on her journey, Niemi notes, “I’m deeply honoured to serve as Burnside’s next President. This company helped shape not just my career, but who I am as a leader. I’m proud to continue that tradition—and to show the next generation, especially women entering engineering fields, that there are positive spaces to learn, grow, and lead with authenticity.”
Crediting her growth to leaning in, asking questions, taking feedback, and always letting the firm’s values guide her decisions, Niemi is grateful for the mentorship of John Burnside, Ian Drever, and others, as well as the ongoing support of her colleagues and clients.
An employee-owned, values-driven firm, Burnside has long prioritized integrity, service, and local impact. Internal mentorship and succession planning have prepared leaders like Niemi to step into roles of increasing responsibility. John Burnside adds, “Investing in our leadership has enabled us to maintain stability and grow purposefully. Lorena’s journey—from a young graduate to President—is a powerful reflection of what can happen when organizations invest in people and align growth with purpose.”
Niemi’s appointment signals the next chapter in Burnside’s story—one rooted in community while boldly looking ahead, with a continued focus on technical excellence, collaboration, and values-driven impact nationwide.