Amy is a Director in CIMA+’s Energy & Resources sector and is focused on delivering consulting engineering services to industrial clients in northern Ontario. With a Master of Management degree and 29 years of experience in engineering and operations, she is dedicated to helping clients develop technical strategies that drive their business goals.
In her interview, Amy talks about her path into engineering, her team at CIMA+, and the exciting future she sees for industry in northern Ontario.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m from Kenora, Ontario, and feel fortunate to have been raised on the beautiful shores of Lake of the Woods. My entire career has been spent in Northwestern Ontario, and I’m passionate about promoting the opportunities in this unique region of Canada. I’ve worked in pulp and paper mills, project management, telecommunications and now, consulting engineering—and I’ve enjoyed it all.
Following the acquisition of Kozar Engineering Inc. by CIMA+, I joined the team in Sept 2024 and now lead the Thunder Bay office, which is 24 people strong and growing. Our work reflects CIMA+’s core values: Ethics and integrity, Team spirit, Excellence, Entrepreneurship and Social responsibility. Most importantly, I’m a proud mom to three wonderful boys aged 15, 17 and 19—my greatest adventure by far!
What is your area of expertise, and what led you to choose it?
Like many teenagers, I didn’t have a detailed career roadmap—but I did follow good advice! A close friend encouraged me to explore engineering, and I’ve never looked back. At Queen’s University, I gravitated toward Materials & Metallurgical Engineering because of its versatility and practical applications across multiple sectors.
My journey began in the pulp and paper industry, where I developed a deep understanding of industrial operations and project management. Over time, I realized I had a strong inclination for planning, strategy and leadership—strengths that now serve me well at CIMA+, where we take a multidisciplinary and agile approach to problem-solving across sectors.
What are some of your greatest achievements in the industry?
I’ve worked in engineering roles across several industries, but my most memorable projects are always those that made a meaningful difference for others. It’s incredibly rewarding to know a project you contributed to has improved lives.
During my 15 years in telecommunications, I was part of the first fibre-to-home deployment in my community. The multi-year evolution of that project was a tremendous learning experience. I also consider it a privilege to have mentored and managed so many incredible professionals over the years. Watching young engineers and EITs grow into confident, capable leaders is deeply satisfying.
At CIMA+, what is your vision for the future?
This is a new chapter for me. With Kozar becoming part of CIMA+, my vision is to honour and build on the strong foundation and legacy that Kevin Kozar created in northern Ontario. Being part of a larger firm gives us the opportunity to expand our impact, realize long-standing goals, and continue delivering the kind of practical, client-focused solutions that we have championed.
Looking ahead, I truly believe our team has what it takes to become the first choice for engineering services in northern Ontario—not just because of our technical skills, but because of how we work. We lead with collaboration, care deeply about the communities we serve and constantly seek innovative ways to make a real difference—by focusing on what truly matters: strong relationships, a supportive team, and a workplace where people feel valued.
How would you describe your department or sector?
We deliver engineering services to the industrial sector across northern Ontario, with a strong focus on feasibility studies, audits, project management, detailed design, and field work. Our team is unique in that many of us come from industrial backgrounds, so we naturally approach designs with a lens of constructability, operability and maintenance.
This holistic, boots-on-the-ground perspective is something our clients truly value and it aligns perfectly with CIMA+’s multidisciplinary and practical approach.
What do you see as its greatest strength? What sets your team apart from others in the industry?
We are locals and our clients are our neighbours and friends. We believe in building trust, and we see that reflected when we’re recommended by word of mouth or called back for the next project. We also draw on the strength of CIMA+’s national network, collaborating with experts across the country to provide seamless service while maintaining a strong local presence. This integrated approach is what sets us apart.
How important are collaboration and teamwork in your role?
Collaboration is essential—first with our clients, to ensure we meet their needs, and then with CIMA+ experts across the country to deliver the best solutions. It strengthens our local team and expands our capabilities.
What area of the industry do you see as having the most potential for the future?
Mining and mineral processing are a critical driver of economic growth in our region, and will continue to shape northern Ontario’s future. But the ripple effect is just as exciting: improvements in transportation corridors, community infrastructure, and local investment will follow. It’s an incredible time to be living and working in the north, and we’re ready to support that growth with sustainable, forward-thinking solutions.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I see myself continuing to grow within a consulting engineering role, contributing to the success and expansion of CIMA+ in our region. I'm excited to support the development of our local team and to be part of a collaborative environment where we continue to strengthen our expertise and deliver impactful projects.
What excites you most about the future?
The potential. Northern Ontario is poised for transformation, and at CIMA+, we’re in a position to be a catalyst for positive change. Whether it's advancing clean energy, optimizing industrial processes, or improving community infrastructure—we’re engineering for a better tomorrow, and that excites me every day.
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Trust yourself. I remember being intimidated by more experienced engineers early in my career. But when I finally shared a solution and received genuine, positive feedback, it changed everything. Your ideas have value, even when you’re just starting out. And the mistakes? Those are where the most powerful lessons come from. Believe in your potential and stay open to learning every step of the way.
What advice would you give to a young engineer starting their career?
Say yes to new opportunities—even the ones that don’t follow a straight path. My career has taken unexpected turns, but every experience added a new layer to who I am as a leader and engineer. Learn from the people around you, ask questions, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride. At CIMA+, we value curiosity and continuous learning, and that’s what will set you apart.
How do you relax and unwind?
I love to travel and am currently planning several trips. As my boys get older, we’re becoming more adventurous, and it’s so much fun planning our next itinerary together.
What do you enjoy doing on weekends to take your mind off work?
Nothing beats spending time on a lake in northwestern Ontario. Whether it’s boating, paddling, or just enjoying the quiet beauty of nature, being on the water helps me recharge and stay grounded. It’s where I feel most at peace—and it’s also a great way to spend quality time with family and friends. There’s something truly special about northern Ontario weekends that you can’t find anywhere else.
Where does your passion for engineering come from?
It comes from seeing the positive impact of a good solution. When something you’ve built or design improves a process, helps a person, or contributes to the well-being of a community, it’s incredibly rewarding. That feeling—that what you do matters—fuels my passion. Whether it’s streamlining operations, enhancing infrastructure or supporting sustainability goals, knowing that your work has a real, lasting impact is what makes this profession so meaningful to me.