February 8, 2012

Worrall receives Hamilton-Halton Construction Association young leader award

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

Mohawk College graduate Ron Worrall, senior project manager at Hamilton’s Ira McDonald Construction Ltd., is the recipient of the Hamilton-Halton Construction Association’s (HHCA) inaugural young leader award.

“First and foremost, I am honoured,” says the 38-year-old Worrall, a founding member and past chair of the association’s Young Leaders Group.

“I think this award is going to evolve into a highly respected indication of achievement and leadership in our association and really give young professionals something to shoot for.”

Worrall joined the team at Ira McDonald immediately after graduating from Mohawk College in 1995 with a diploma in architectural technology and construction management. Prior to assuming his current role as a senior project manager, Worrall was involved in estimating and project management.

A LEED-accredited professional who has also achieved Gold Seal certification, Worrall currently oversees other project managers and project coordinators at the company. He is often called upon to provide feedback to the sales and estimating department.

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Worrall also plays an active role on the company’s management team.

“The people side of the industry really intrigued me, considering all of the companies and individuals that touch a project from its conception to completion,” he says of his decision to pursue a career in construction.

“Now, I thrive on leading or playing a key role on those teams responsible for delivering some of the most exciting projects in our area and for my company.”

Since joining Ira McDonald Construction, Worrall has been involved in such high-profile projects as the atrium at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington as well as various projects at the McMaster University campus.

He is currently working on the new McMaster automotive resource centre, a project intended to help university researchers and the automotive industry develop green technologies.

At the HHCA, Worrall was part of the core group of young industry professionals who spearheaded development of the YLG.

The goal was to provide a forum where the emerging generation of business leaders can hone their professional skills and network with their peers.

The group hosts a variety of social and educational events.

Worrall, who chaired the group from 2007 to 2010, says he was eager to be part of something “new and dynamic” that could provide a networking forum for young professionals that previously had not existed.

He is proud that the Young Leaders Group has achieved official committee status at the HHCA and also of the momentum generated by its creation.

Earlier this year, the Grand Valley Construction Association set up a similar group.

“I’d like to think we have created an outlet within our association where (younger) individuals can come out to events, be surrounded by others like them and work together on development of themselves and their companies.”

Outside of the HCCA, Worrall is actively involved in promoting careers in construction at Mohawk College as well as local public and high schools. He also mentors younger personnel at Ira McDonald Construction.

Worrall will receive the award at the HHCA’s 92nd annual general meeting and awards dinner Feb. 9 at Carmen’s Banquet Centre in Hamilton.

The association represents 390 companies engaged in the industrial, commercial and institutional sector within the Hamilton and Halton areas.

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