Fred Desjarlais

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT FRED DESJARLAIS

I began my career in 1984, working for the Government of Alberta, specifically with Alberta Transportation in highway maintenance. Throughout my career in the government, I had taken on a number of leadership opportunities, which undoubtedly prepared me for my leadership roles later in life.In 1995, Volker Stevin approached me to lead their efforts in developing our highway maintenance program and contributing to the Provincial Highway Privatization and Maintenance Outsourcing. Our efforts were successful, and in 1996, Volker Stevin began maintaining four Contract Maintenance Areas in Southern Alberta with me as the General Superintendent. As our work maintaining Alberta’s highway network progressed, so did my career. I became an Operations Manager in the Calgary region, and after four years in that position, I became the General Manager of the highways division in 2005. From 20••••09, I served on the Board of Directors for the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association, including Chairman for 20••••09, providing a voice for the industry. In 2009, I became Vice President taking on roles that included leading some of our new acquisitions. During this time, I led the Safety Excellence Program with Volker Stevin, providing direction for our culture of Safety Excellence and ensuring our corporate goals mirrored our commitment to safety at all levels. In 2014, I was the recipient of an Honorary Degree from SAIT in business administration; I was humbled by SAIT’s recognition of my efforts at Volker Stevin and in the community. Receiving this degree ranks as one of my top professional experiences. I was the Vice President of our Highways team until 2019 when I became Chief Operating Officer. As the Chief Operating Officer, I led the strategic direction for our Canadian companies. In January 2023, I took over as President and CEO of Volker Stevin, and it has been an honour to lead this diverse team of individuals committed to improving the lives of all community members where we operate. I believe that supporting the community is an integral part of what we do as a company, extending beyond our highway maintenance and construction services. I have been on the Board of Directors with Kids Cancer Care since 2015. Seeing Kids Cancer Care and its Kids Cancer Camps’ commitment to giving children with cancer a safe place to be themselves and create communities of strength is truly inspiring.