TORONTO – Gillam associate director Melissa Ruck was recently honoured with the Field Operations Excellence Award during the inaugural Women in Construction Awards, presented by the Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA).
The award recognizes her performance, professionalism and leadership in field operations and her ability to deliver high-quality work, navigate complex challenges and contribute to safe and efficient jobsites, states a release.
“Thank you to my mentors, sponsors, colleagues and friends who have gotten me to where I am. Your support over my last almost 20 years in the industry is so greatly appreciated,” said Ruck, who accepted the award at the annual Women in Construction Gala at Universal EventSpace in Vaughan, Ont. recently.
“Construction is an industry that challenges you every day – and field operations especially requires resilience, accountability, teamwork and the ability to stay calm under pressure.”
Ruck started at Gillam 13 years ago and has held the positions of project co-ordinator, assistant project manager and project manager. She was recently promoted to associate director, operations for Gillam for consistently exceeding performance expectations.
She is the first female to serve on the operations management team, the release adds.
Some of her most notable projects include a major expansion and renovation of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ont.; the Barrie-Simcoe Emergency Services Campus; and the LOFT Bradford House, a supportive housing development for seniors and older adults.
“What makes this recognition so meaningful is knowing it reflects not only the work I’ve done, but the incredible teams, mentors, trade partners and colleagues I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside,” said Ruck. “One thing this industry has taught me is that leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room, it’s about building trust, solving problems collaboratively and consistently showing up for your team.”
