Stantec Appoints New Leaders For Buildings And Water Businesses

Jon Sylvie and Kari Shively bring decades of operational excellence and industry experience to leadership roles

Edmonton, AB - Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has appointed new leaders for two of its North American business units, further strengthening the firm’s leadership and positioning these businesses for continued growth.

Jon Sylvie will lead the firm's Buildings practice, and Kari Shively will oversee its Water business. Both leaders bring decades of industry experience, business acumen, and a track record of building high-performing teams and delivering value for clients.

Jon Sylvie named Buildings leader

Sylvie now leads Stantec’s North American Buildings business, a team of architects, engineers, designers, and specialists delivering high-performance spaces across advanced manufacturing, airports, arts & culture, civic, commercial, education, federal buildings, health, industrial, mission critical facilities, science & technology, and workplace sectors. The business includes more than 5,500 employees in North America and has a net revenue target of C$1.69 billion.

A 21-year Army veteran with more than 14 years in A/E practice, Sylvie has leadership experience in business development, project delivery, client relationships, and team development. His appointment comes as demand continues for buildings that are more sustainable, resilient, adaptable, and responsive to evolving client and community needs.

“Buildings shape the way people live, work, learn, and connect every day,” said Sylvie. “We have an opportunity to bring Stantec’s wide-ranging expertise together to create beautifully designed places that perform well today and are ready for what’s ahead. I’m excited to partner with our teams across North America to keep building on our strengths and delivering even more value for our clients.”

Kari Shively to lead Water

Effective October 1, Shively will oversee Stantec’s North American Water business, one of the firm’s largest and most diverse practices. The team provides planning, engineering, design, and advisory services to help communities and industries address water supply, treatment, wastewater, stormwater, flooding, and resilience challenges.

Her experience includes more than 33 years in the water sector, and a strong track record of leading complex, multidisciplinary teams that address growing demands on water infrastructure and water resources. Shively has held leadership roles within Stantec spanning project management, business development and growth, and operations. In her new role as business unit leader for Water, Shively will direct 2,500 employees with a net revenue target of C$970 million.

“Water is at the heart of every community. Whether securing a new supply, creating energy from waste streams, or advancing leading practices in water reuse, we help communities steward one of their most essential resources,” said Shively. “Stantec has an incredible depth of technical expertise and collaborate approach. I’m looking forward to working with our people and clients to deliver reliable water solutions that shape resilient, sustainable communities.”

Leading for growth

The appointments reinforce Stantec’s commitment to strong leadership and multidisciplinary expertise as clients navigate complex challenges—from climate change and aging infrastructure to population growth and technological advancement.