Mark Atchison: Leading SMJV's Infrastructure Team while Embracing the Energy Transition to a Low-Carbon Future

Surerus Murphy (SMJV) is embracing the energy transition to a low-carbon future and is positioned to take on more and more infrastructure projects that will be the backbone of western Canada’s move to being a carbon capture, utilization and storage and hydrogen energy hub.

To ensure SMJV is at the helm of energy’s low-carbon future, Mark Atchison has been hand- picked to lead the organization’s new business unit of subject matter and construction experts who are ready to deliver these multi-dimensional projects.

Mark brings over two decades working hands-on as a journeyman structural steel and plate fitter, iron worker, and a welder. Combined with significant senior management experience overseeing project development where he represented companies to regulators, investors, and business partners alike, makes Mark Atchison the right person to take on the task.

Mark has worked across the energy and mining industries, as well as in commercial construction where he guided several aspects of multi-billion-dollar projects. Throughout his career, he has looked for new and alternative ways to construct both large- and small-infrastructure projects involving cost-effective, strong – yet equally safe – materials, techniques, and processes. ?

His experience includes building diamond, uranium, gold and oil sands mines, gas plants, pump and compressor stations across Canada. With this experience, Mark has been involved with all aspects of a project lifecycle, including pre-feasibility studies, detailed engineering, construction, pre-commission through to commission. In all stages, he has experiencing with evaluating multiple scenarios that drive efficiencies without compromising on safety.

“I love what I do…all of it. I love leading a great team. I love working for SMJV. I love the challenge of starting a new business unit. I love the opportunity to work on infrastructure construction that is complex and remote,” says Mark. “I gain great satisfaction in knowing that I had a part to play in building something exceptional.”

Joining Mark at SMJV is a team of subject matter experts that have followed him over.

“These people are the best in the field. We’ve worked together for years and have an ability to collaborate at a deep and transparent level that I have rarely experienced. Because we have the tough conversations and have faith in each other that every concern, every detail, every challenge is on the table and discussed, we work really well together and – better than any team I’ve worked with before – have an assurance to deliver quality, safe projects.”

Blaire MacNeil is the new senior construction manager. Kevin MacDonald has come on board as the quality manager, and Sheldon Stachiw has joined SMJV as the HSE manager.

Mark and his family run a horse farm outside of Edmonton, and he grows his own hay to feed his horses. In his personal life, he is looking at how technology can drive efficiencies to make operating a farm innovative and sustainable.

“I plant my own hay, nurture it and harvest it to feed our horses. Over the years, I have found efficiencies to make this process easier and faster, and that limits my footprint. As I think about the importance of leading a team that is focused on supporting infrastructure projects that tackle Canada’s low-carbon future, I am reminded that if you take care of the land, it will take care of you.”