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Stefanie Beck

Deputy Minister of National Defence

Stefanie Beck has been Deputy Minister (DM) of National Defence since June 2024.

Prior to joining the Department of National Defence (DND), Stefanie Beck held the position of Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Previous to that, she held the position of Associate Deputy Minister for DND for 13 months. Between October 2020 and January 2022, DM Beck served as Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Alternate Representative to the International Maritime Organization. Prior to that, she was the Assistant Secretary to Cabinet, Priorities and Planning at the Privy Council Office, where she led work on Whole of Government priority setting and policy development, including through transitions to new mandates and through the COVID-19 crisis. DM Beck has also held leadership roles at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Global Affairs Canada.

DM Beck joined the Department of External Affairs in 1990, working abroad as a political officer and an ambassador in various missions. She served in Senegal and Australia, and as an ambassador in Cambodia and Croatia.

DM Beck grew up on several continents, attended high school in Singapore and St. Catharines, Ontario, and has a Bachelor of Arts in German and Italian from McGill University.

Jonathan Bisson

President, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)

After graduating from Université Laval's School of Architecture, Jonathan Bisson founded BISSON | Associés - now CIRCUM.ARCHITECTURE - in 1997. For over 26 years, the firm has built a solid reputation for maintaining its traditional practice and for the quality of its projects in which Jonathan is involved in the planning, design, and organization phases.

His professional commitments reflect his deep-seated belief in the development of architecture. Since 2011, he has mentored students as a lecturer at the ULaval School of Architecture. He has sat on the Board of the AAPPQ (Québec Association of Architects in Private Practice) since 2014, and also participates in the economic and legal development of the discipline. Jonathan served as a member of the OAQ (Québec Order of Architects) admissions committee from 2007 to 2015, and continues to be an evaluator for the BEFA (Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect) program introduced by the CACB.

He joined the RAIC Board of Directors in 2016, first as Regional Director for Québec, then as Treasurer, and finally as President-Elect in 2022. Jonathan Bisson was recently named a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and is widely recognized for his sustained commitment to the advancement of the profession and the quality of his work, making him a role model for the entire architectural community.

Derrick Cheung, LL.M, MBA, MA

President and Chief Executive Officer, Defence Construction Canada

Prior to his appointment as ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿â€™s President and CEO, Derrick has held high-level positions with large publicly-traded, private and public complex organizations. With expertise in the defence (infrastructure, equipment, materiel, environment and real property), transportation (air, rail, marine, road and public transportation), infrastructure (roads, bridges, and public works), real estate and energy industries, he has demonstrated proficiency in realizing strategic outcomes, optimizing performance, maximizing productivity and championing operational excellence. Derrick is a Chartered Director (C.Dir.) and holds master’s degrees in Laws (International Business), Business Administration, and Arts (Leading Innovation and Change). He is also Vice-Chair of Canadian Water Network and former Advisory Committee member of the University of Waterloo’s Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics.

Nicolas Forget, MSc

Vice-President, Operations—Procurement, Defence Construction Canada

Nicolas joined ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ in 2001 as Coordinator, Environmental Services, in the Quebec Regional Office. He moved to Ottawa three years later to, among other things, support various projects across the Arctic. With Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from the Université de Montréal and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Technician Level 1 certification, Nicolas also developed ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿â€™s UXO practice area. Returning to the Quebec Region in 2008, he served as Operations Manager and led the region’s Project and Program Management Services and Real Property Management Services service lines. Nicolas became Quebec Regional Director in 2017, a position he held until 2022. After exploring opportunities in the private sector, Nicolas returned to ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ in December 2023 to take up his current role.

Brigadier-General E.J.J.S. Fortin, CD

Commander Real Property Operations Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence

Brigadier-General Éric Fortin joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1994.

During his career, he has held several tactical, operational, and strategic positions in both combat and construction engineering.

BGen Fortin’s postings have taken him to Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, and Australia. He was the 25th Commanding Officer du 5e Régiment du Génie de Combat and he also served with Canadian Joint Operations Command, the Chief Military Engineer, Canadian Army Land Warfare Centre, and Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment).

He has deployed on domestic operations, and abroad in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Afghanistan, Haiti and finally in Kuwait, serving with the US Forces as Deputy Director Directorate of Strategic Communication.

BGen Fortin has a bachelor’s degree from Laval University, and he completed a Master’s Degree in Defence Studies at the Royal Military College in Kingston, and he has second Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategy (War Studies) through Deakin University (Australia). He is a Fellow of the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Australian Defence College.

In addition, he has been the Director of the Canadian Army Land Warfare Centre in Kingston, the Chief of Staff of the Canadian Forces Military Police Group in Ottawa, Branch Advisor for the Canadian Military Engineers, and the last Commander of the Canadian Forces Real Property Operations Group as a Colonel.

Promoted in 2026 to his current rank, he is currently serving as the Commander of Canadian Forces Real Property Operations Group.

John Gamble

President and CEO, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC)

An internationally recognized expert and thought leader in the areas of consulting engineering and related public policy issues, John Gamble is president and CEO of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies–Canada (ACEC). In that role, he represents firms that deliver engineering and other professional services for the built and natural environment across Canada and abroad. Before joining ACEC, he held senior executive roles in several professional and industry associations, and was a senior advisor to Ontario Cabinet ministers. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University and is a licensed professional engineer. Throughout his career, he has championed the vital role of engineering in improving quality of life, socially, economically and environmentally. He is a frequent contributor to public policy dialogue, regularly engaging with government, academia, industry and civil society. In 2019, he was recognized by the Queen’s University Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations.

Rodrigue Gilbert

President, Canadian Construction Association (CCA)

Rodrigue Gilbert is the President of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA). Since joining CCA in February 2018, he has led CCA’s internal and external communications, government relations and membership management, and the industry practices group.

Prior to CCA, Rod worked for over 21 years, both with and for the federal government. During this time, he worked for 10 years as a political advisor to several federal ministers. After leaving government, he spent four years working for a Crown corporation investment fund in Montreal. He later founded a government relations firm specialized in developing and executing strategic public affairs plans tailored to small and medium-sized businesses.

Rod holds a degree in political science (BA) from Laval University and is fluently bilingual.

Peter Hammerschmidt

Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment), Department of National Defence

Peter Hammerschmidt was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment) in August 2024.

Prior to assuming his current duties, he was Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy). During this time, he was instrumental in advancing several National Defence and government priorities in the context of an increasingly strained and deteriorating international security environment. Mr. Hammerschmidt led the development and launch of Canada’s defence policy,ÌýOur North, Strong and Free, which secured additional funding and new capabilities for DND/CAF and laid out a new policy vision for the Defence Team. Furthermore, he led the establishment and deepening of key bilateral Defence relationships, including in the Indo-Pacific. He ensured that Defence continued to maintain productive and positive relationships with key domestic and international policy stakeholders within government and academia.

Previously, Mr. Hammerschmidt was Director General Policy Coordination at National Defence, Director General National Cyber Security at Public Safety and Executive Assistant to the Clerk of the Privy Council. He also held the following positions within the Government of Canada: Senior Director Planning and Information Management at the Treasury Board Secretariat, Director Cabinet Liaison at National Defence and First Secretary for Financial and Military Affairs at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in New York.

He began his career in the Public Service with the Policy Officer Recruitment Program and held various positions at National Defence from 1998 to 2001.

Kevin Horgan, P.Eng

Vice-President, Operations—Service Delivery, Defence Construction Canada

Kevin joined ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ in OctoberÌý2023 following a 35-year career with the Canadian Armed Forces. His extensive leadership experience in defence infrastructure and environmental projects includes serving overseas in Germany, Haiti and Afghanistan, and in Canada in such positions as Commander Real Property Operations Group, Chief Military Engineer, and Chief of Staff to the Assistant Deputy Minister Infrastructure and Environment. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and a Masters of Defence Studies from the Royal Military College. He retired from the military at the rank of Major-General.

Mary Karpavicius

Executive Director, National Defence

Mary Karpavicius is an Executive Director at National Defence, leading Real Property Portfolio Planning and Programming since 2024 within the Assistant Deputy Minister Infrastructure and Environment. She drives integrated infrastructure planning and capital investment strategies that align Canadian Armed Forces capability needs with long-term portfolio objectives and national frameworks such as the National Real Property Portfolio Plan. Mary oversees master real property development, portfolio analysis and capability infrastructure planning ensuring mission-ready, sustainable, and strategically positioned assets. Her leadership bridges operational requirements with investment decision-making, enabling agile, evidence-based infrastructure programming across the defence enterprise.

From 2022 to 2024, as Director of Municipal Transfers and Project Development at Assistant Deputy Minister Infrastructure and Environment, National Defence, Mary Karpavicius led the development and approval of major capital infrastructure projects supporting Canadian Armed Forces operational capabilities. She oversaw strategic planning, governance, and interdepartmental coordination for initiatives aligned with defence priorities. Her portfolio included multi-billion-dollar infrastructure development work on projects such as the Canadian Surface Combatants, Strategic Tanker Transport Capability, Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft, and Sherbrooke Armouries.

Mary also managed the Infrastructure Capital Assistance Program, fostering provincial and municipal partnerships through funding off base dual use infrastructure. She represented Infrastructure and Environment at senior-level boards and contributed to data-driven decision-making. Previously, she held project leadership roles at DND and Public Services and Procurement Canada, advancing real property modernization and project delivery.

She holds a Master of Business Administration and a BASc in Mechanical Engineering.

Jorgen Kvist

Director, Industry Practices and Procurement, Canadian Construction Association

Jorgen Kvist joined the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) in 2021, where he leads the development of industry standard documents and Best Practices Services. His focus is on creating educational content and promoting fair procurement through balanced contract frameworks.

With over 20 years of global leadership experience in business development, supply chain, and project management—including five years as a C-suite executive—Jorgen has driven transformation across sectors such as mining, legal, public, and high-tech industries. Originally from Sweden, he relocated to Ontario in 2011.

He holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering, NISCL and CIPS designations, and an MBA from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University.

MGen Nicolas Pilon, MSM, CD

Chief of Staff Infrastructure and Environment, Department of National Defence

MGen Nicolas Pilon was commissioned into the Canadian Military Engineers in 1996. He served with both 5 and 2 Combat Engineer Regiments, commanding the latter. He was also senior instructor at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, and later served as Commandant of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, overseeing its full return to university status. Between 1999 and 2015, MGen Pilon deployed to East Timor, Afghanistan (twice) and Haiti, on this last mission serving as Chief of Staff of the United Nations Military Forces. Prior to being appointed Chief of Staff, Infrastructure and Environment, he was Director General, Strategies, Effects and Readiness, supporting the Chief of the Defence Staff in providing military advice to the Government of Canada. MGen Pilon is the Canadian Armed Forces’ Chief Military Engineer. He holds a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada and is a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario.

Mélanie Pouliot

National Director, Contract Services, Defence Construction Canada

Mélanie began her career in the private sector as an engineer. She joined ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ in 2007 as a Contract Coordinator for the National Capital Region in Ottawa. In 2009, she was promoted to Team Leader, Contract Services where she led a team responsible for procurement plans for DND's capital infrastructure program. Mélanie subsequently transferred to Head Office as Technical Specialist, Procurement where she was focussed in delivering public-private partnerships. She was promoted to National Director, Contract Services in 2017. Mélanie holds a bachelor's degree in Applied Science, Chemical Engineering from the University of Ottawa and is a member of Professional Engineers Ontario.

Saleem Sattar

Director General Infrastructure and Environment Engineering Services, Department of National Defence

Saleem Sattar was born and raised in Ottawa. He has undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering from the University of Ottawa and has more than 25yrs of public service experience.

Saleem spent the early part of his career at Transport Canada where he occupied positions of increasing responsibility primarily in the field of real property and environmental management. He worked with airport and port operators, international civil aviation authorities, led R&D Partnerships with the US and managed programs supporting the automotive and freight sectors.

Saleem joined the Department of National Defence in 2010 where he joined ADM(IE) to advance priorities in environmental management. In 2013, Saleem became an Executive and lead the Environment Program in Army HQ. In 2017, Saleem re-joined ADM(IE) as Director General, Environment and Sustainable Management where he led DND/CAF efforts on climate change, compliance, contamination and conservation. In June 2025, he moved to Engineering Services to develop and deliver large infrastructure projects to enable mission success.

David Thompson

Director General Portfolio Requirements, Department of National Defence

As Director General, Portfolio Requirements at Assistant Deputy Minister Infrastructure and Environment, National Defence, David Thompson leads real property investment, planning, and portfolio management to support Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operational readiness. He drives innovation in energy strategies, smart buildings, public-private partnerships, and oversees real property advisory services, including natural resources, divestments, accommodations, cyber mission assurance, and emerging defence infrastructure.

Previously, as CEO of the Canadian Forces Housing Agency, he enhanced CAF members’ quality of life and led the agency to Platinum Level recognition from Excellence Canada.

David also served at the Department of Justice as Director, Business Management for the Public Safety, Defence, and Immigration portfolio, supporting legal services across nine departments and the War Crimes Unit.

Paola Zurro

Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Forces Housing Agency, Department of National Defence

Paola Zurro was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Forces Housing Agency in July 2022.

Prior to this appointment, Paola served as the Senior Director, Architecture and Engineering Services, Real Property Services, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) where she led a client service cost recovery organization. Paola was also the Director of Public Works & Infrastructure, Municipality of Chelsea (Québec) from 2014 to 2018.

Paola has contributed to the improvement of infrastructure, promoted the use of renewable energies and the advancement of sustainability, accessibility and digitization as an executive in the public sector and also in her previous roles at the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Austria), the Spanish Embassy to Belgium, as well as for the Inter-Agency Procurement Services Office / United Nations Development Programme (IAPSO/UNDP) (Denmark).

Paola is a professional engineer licensed in Quebec and Ontario, and holds a Master’s degree in International Business Management and a Master’s degree in International Relations and Communication. During her career, she has also obtained multiple professional certifications including the IPWEA Professional Certificate in Asset Management Planning and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation (LEED AP:BD+C).