Edmonton, AB (April 14, 2026) – Every leadership journey starts somewhere. For Ashley, it began with a last-minute summer job in the field after her first year of university. At the time, she was pursuing structural engineering and had hoped to land a role with Manitoba Highways. When that opportunity didn’t come through, she joined a surveying crew instead, working alongside her dad and his business partner.
That summer turned out to be a defining moment. She was exposed to a wide range of projects, from subdivisions and building certificates to wellsites, flow lines, and construction work. The variety, hands-on experience, and time spent outdoors quickly sparked her interest.
It wasn’t until after I made the decision did I truly appreciate the opportunity and connection. My dad was a Manitoba Land Surveyor, but his dad also surveyed, as did my dad’s brother and my mom’s.”
Choosing Geomatics
Motivated by that early experience, Ashley transferred into the geomatics engineering program at the University of Calgary. While completing her degree, she continued working as a summer student each year, building both technical skills and real-world experience.
After graduating, she began articling in 1999, receiving her professional land surveyor commission in 2001, and earning her P.Eng designation in 2002.
Building a Career
Ashley’s career quickly expanded as a project manager working in construction, upstream oil and gas, and land development. Over time, her focus evolved beyond technical work into leadership, where she found opportunities to build teams, improve processes, and support operational growth.
She went on to play a key role in leading teams through change, implementing new technologies, and growing survey services within engineering environments. Through industry challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped guide teams while continuing to deliver strong results.
Joining GeoVerra
In 2024, Ashley joined GeoVerra as Chief Operating Officer, a move she describes as coming full circle.
The culture and team is so aligned with geomatics excellence. It feels like home.”
Today, she brings a unique combination of technical expertise and operational leadership to the role, along with a strong commitment to supporting the people behind the work.
Overcoming Challenges
Her path has not been without its challenges. Early in her career, Ashley was often one of the only women in the room, whether on job sites or in leadership discussions. That experience pushed her to continually prove herself and helped shape her resilience and drive.
I’m competitive by nature. Having to prove myself at every turn became a motivator.”
Looking Ahead
Ashley’s journey is a strong example of how a career in geomatics can evolve, from an unexpected start in the field to leadership at the highest level. It also reflects the growing opportunities for women in surveying and the impact they continue to have on the future of the industry. Her advice to those starting their careers:
“Be authentic and surround yourself with great people in both your work and personal life. While the path may require grit and determination, there is a growing network of support for those entering the industry today.”
