Right of Way - January/February2019

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Prince Edward Island • Certificate in Public Sector Leadership from the University of Prince Edward Island • Information Management Certificate from Holland College • Completed additional coursework through IR WA, achieving the SR/ WA Designation in 2008

Employment

• Supervisor Provincial Roads, Government of Prince Edward Island, Department of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy, 2007-Present.

IRWA Activities

• International Treasurer, 2017-Present • CLIMB Certified Instructor, 2017-Present • International Secretary, 2016-2017

• Canadian Right of Way Education Foundation, President, Vice President and Secretary Treasurer,

2008-2010

• International Governing Council Member, 2014-Present • International Finance Committee, 2014-Present • International Ethics Officer, 2014-2016

• Region 8 Chair, 2014-2016; Vice Chair, 2012-2014

• Region 8 Professional of the Year, 2013

• Canadian Right of Way Education Foundation Director, 2013-2016

• Chapter 65 President, Vice President, and Secretary, 2006-2012

• Chapter 65 Membership Chair, 2004-2006, Education Chair, 2010-2014, Professional Development Committee Member,

2008-2011

Other

• Financial Management Institute of Canada, 2012-2015

• New Haven Riverdale Community Council, 2004-Present • PEI Provincial Government Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Strategic Planning Group, 2010-2012

SHARON N. SLAUENWHITE, SR/WA
Candidate for IRWA International President-Elect

In just 15 years, the International Right of Way Association will celebrate 100 years of supporting right of way professionals.

What does the future hold? Change. Increasing use of renewable energy, greener transportation options and innovative urban planning all mean more change for our industry. The world is not standing still, and neither should the IRWA.

Climate change impacts us all, bringing engineering, environmental and planning professionals closer than ever before. Project management requires an integrated approach that encompasses the expertise and insight of many industry professionals before a survey stake is in the ground. The IRWA prepares members for taking a seat at the project table to offer innovative solutions and skilled expertise.

Social media and real-time access to information impact our world and our profession by rapidly changing how and what we communicate. These changes mean the role of the right of way professional must adapt and be more engaged in our communities to anticipate needs and concerns. We must be adept at understanding those issues and be able to clearly communicate solutions in a wide variety of ways.

But one thing that will not change is IRWA’s standing as trusted industry experts regarded as the best in the business.

In the coming year, I hope to continue working to keep the IRWA relevant and moving forward. It is important to provide our members with learning opportunities that help them adapt to change. This will require innovation in how we deliver our services to our members, networking opportunities to share advances in technology and best practices, as well as a new education curriculum to better prepare our members for those future projects. Our young professional members are an important partner in helping to shape our future and their input and energy will help grow the Association.

What will the IRWA look like 15 years from now? I know that the Association will continue to embrace our core mission of empowering infrastructure professionals by elevating ethics, learning and a standard of excellence that is recognized across the globe. An important goal now and in the future should always be to strive to be an organization that is responsive to the needs of its members; innovative in the services and education we provide in the ever-changing landscape of our profession. The year 2034 will be here before we know it, and I want to help ensure we are prepared for it. I ask for your support as I submit my candidacy for International President - Elect, so that I may work towards that important goal as a member of the International Executive Committee.