Meet the 2024 Emerging Leader Award finalists
The ACE New Zealand Emerging Leader Award, sponsored by Tonkin + Taylor, recognises consultants who show excellent leadership skills and a strong commitment to their own personal growth. Meet the 2024 finalists – Michelle Brock (WSP), Dilys Fong (Tonkin + Taylor) and Sam Mackay (Aurecon).
ACE Chief Executive Helen Davidson says the Emerging Leader Award acknowledges those with a commitment to advancing the consulting sector and the communities we serve, and promoting diversity and inclusion in their work environment.
"This year, we had the largest pool of applications we’ve ever received for the Emerging Leader Award, with an exceptionally high calibre of candidates. Standing out in such a competitive field is a remarkable achievement.
"Huge congratulations to our 2024 Emerging Leader Award finalists Michelle Brock, Dilys Fong and Sam MacKay – we’re looking forward to celebrating with you at the ACE Awards next month."
Michelle Brock
Michelle is the Service Line Leader for WSP New Zealand’s National Bridge Design Team and also holds the role of Project Manager/Director. In this role she develops company strategies through establishing SMART goals and targets for various project delivery teams and works proactively to grow WSP’s major projects through close collaboration with client relationship managers and other project managers/directors.
Judges said Michelle stood out for her compassion and empathy, which have clearly shaped her approach to leadership and collaboration.
Dilys Fong
Dilys is a Transport Planner and Engineer at Tonkin + Taylor. She joined the consulting industry in 2021 with aspirations to work in people-centred infrastructure. Her passion for transport and its impact on local communities emerged from an unconventional past in classical singing, followed by three years of teaching high school science in a low-decile environment.
Judges said Dilys stood out for her passion and experience – her dedication to working with young people and communities reflected a true calling rather than just a career choice.
Sam MacKay
Sam is a Technical Director and the Ground and Underground Engineering Practice Leader for Aurecon New Zealand. She's passionate about cultivating inclusive teams and providing platforms for aspiring engineers to explore opportunities and develop meaningful careers across the engineering industry.
Judges said Sam stood out for her dedication, versatility and leadership impact – she has invested significantly in face time and relationship development with her team.
Winner announced at 2024 ACE Awards Gala
The winner of the Emerging Leader Award will be announced on Thursday 24 October at the 2024 ACE Awards Gala in Christchurch.
A ticket to the ACE Awards Gala is included in any full registration for the Futurespace conference. Individual tickets are $235 plus GST and tables of ten are $2,350 plus GST. Each ticket includes a three-course meal, drinks and live entertainment.
To get tickets, visit the Futurespace registration page and select 'ACE Awards Gala only' or 'Table of 10 to ACE Awards Gala'.
Ticket sales close on Wednesday 9 October.