Trace hires Jason Breakey as president and chief operating officer

Trace, a Calgary-based environmental science and engineering advisory firm, has hired Jason Breakey as president and chief operating officer, effective June 9.

The firm described the appointment as a “significant step” in its long-term leadership succession strategy.

Darrell Haight will remain as CEO while current COO Rhonda Smith will transition to executive chair of the board. Haight and Smith co-founded the consultancy in 2006.

“We've always believed in being intentional and proactive about leadership transition," said Haight. "Jason's arrival is a natural evolution of our succession planning, and we're confident he will help lead Trace into an exciting new era."

Breakey is based in Calgary and brings 20+ years of experience in environmental and engineering consulting, with a proven track record of driving strategic growth and completing successful M&A transactions.

He previously spent 15 years with WSP Canada, where he served as VP for integration & operations and VP for earth & environment in the Prairies region. Before that, Breakey was an operations manager with Wiebe Environmental Services and Miller Environmental Corporation.

He has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Manitoba.

“I am thrilled to join the Trace team and contribute to its ongoing growth and success," said Breakey. "I look forward to working closely with Darrell, Rhonda, and the rest of the leadership team to help drive a meaningful impact."

Trace has more than 175 people across eight offices in Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.

The firm works with clients in government, agriculture, industrial, mining, oil & gas, and real estate. Trace’s service offerings include environmental inspection and monitoring, ecology, remediation & risk, solid waste management, emergency management, health & safety, and sustainability.