September 2007 Issue
Several Departments Reorganized,
Member Affairs Manager Hired
 |
ALLAN BARTOLCIC |
A new APEGGA manager is heading up events and services for members, and he plans to be here awhile. Allan Bartolcic, who has a master of arts degree in leadership and training, said the number of longtime employees with the Association is one of the position’s big attractions.
“The employment stability really appeals to me. A number of staff have been here for 20-plus years, and people are happy and positive about their jobs,” said Mr. Bartolcic, Manager, Member Affairs. “I can see this being a career for me — somewhere I’ll stay for the next 20 or 25 years.”
Member Affairs is a new department, created after the transfer of Ross Plecash, P.Eng., into a more regulatory role. Mr. Plecash remains responsible for permit registration, and adds investigations to his responsibilities.
Outreach and volunteer management move to Member Affairs. Mr. Bartolcic’s portfolio will also include the Honours & Awards Committee, sale of Summit Awards sponsorships, the annual salary survey, resumé referral, technical society listings, and APEGGA’s member discount programs for products and services. He’s the staff point manager for the branches and for Iron Ring and Earth Ring workshops and luncheons, and he’ll manage Member Induction Ceremonies.
“It’s a steep learning curve,” Mr. Bartolcic concedes. “I’ve been hitting the pavement, so to speak, and asking a lot of questions.”
Mr. Bartolcic reports to Len Shrimpton, P.Eng., Director, Internal Affairs. Mr. Shrimpton said the new department will balance management responsibilities, put related matters under the proper umbrellas, and make operations more efficient.
“Over a period of years, we’ve ended up with a few mixed bags, “ he said. “Member events and services were spread across three departments. This reorganization should improve focus and efficiency by putting them where they belong: together.”
The new portfolio fits well with Mr. Bartolcic’s experience and education. He’s managed and worked with volunteers and staff with Skills Canada, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Alberta Community and Cooperative Association.
He received his master of arts degree from Royal Roads University in Victoria, and he has a diploma in recreation management from Mount Royal College in Calgary.
The Spruce Grove resident said he’s comfortable working with diverse groups of volunteers and staff, and working towards synergies among them and their activities.
His first impression of APEGGA? “Wow,” Mr. Bartolcic says. “I
didn’t realize how big APEGGA
is and how many Association initiatives there are. I’m really impressed
with the leadership this Association demonstrates.”
He does have some experience with the membership, before coming to APEGGA. A family member is an engineer.“I told him I was being hired by APEGGA. ‘Now you work for me,’ he said.”
When he’s not in the office, Mr. Bartolcic likes to workout in the gym and golf. He and his family recently joined the recreational vehicle crowd by purchasing a trailer.
Mr. Bartolcic has three boys, aged 14, seven and two, and his wife is Suzanne.
“Allan’s a great fit for this job,” said Mr. Shrimpton, “and we’re happy he sees long-term potential here.”