OUR TEAM
EXCELLENCE FROM THE GROUND UP
The Backbone of our Operations
John Lougheed
President
John serves as the President of LEIF, bringing over 20 years of extensive experience in infrastructure construction. His career began as a labourer, where he developed a solid foundation in the industry, gradually advancing to senior management roles.
In his leadership position, John is responsible for setting strategic direction, monitoring industry trends, ensuring effective client relations, and cultivating a positive company culture. His commitment to fostering a collaborative environment has been crucial in motivating teams and driving performance.
John's expertise in planning and foresight has been instrumental in guiding LEIF towards innovation and growth, solidifying the company’s position as a leader in the infrastructure construction sector.
Jeff Van Olst
Finance Manager
Jeff leads LEIF’s Finance and Administration team and brings over 25 years of industry experience to his role. Jeff is responsible for overseeing LEIF’s financial operations including budgeting and reporting, project controls, payroll, human resources, and treasury functions.
Committed to accuracy, integrity, and innovation, Jeff delivers financial insights that support smart business decisions and long-term success.
Rob Westling
Operations Manager
Rob is the Operations Manager of LEIF and comes with over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. He has been involved with many projects across western Canada serving in a leadership role. Rob has proven expertise in overseeing field operations, managing large construction budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering projects safely and on time.
Rob is responsible for strategic planning and team leadership, with a focus on operational excellence, and improving efficiency. Rob is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational efficiency while driving continuous improvement and client satisfaction.
Chasen Gernack
PMO Manager
Chasen is LEIF’s PMO Manager and with alomst 25 years of industry experience, his journey from labourer to leadership gives him a comprehensive understanding of both the practical challenges and the strategic demands of large-scale project delivery. Chasen provides a valuable combination of hands-on experience and strong leadership to every project.
As PMO Manager, Chasen oversees critical PMO processes, including estimating, project selection and initiation, as well as the overall governance and standardization of PMO procedures. His leadership fosters alignment, efficiency, and accountability from initiation to execution, supporting the completion of projects to scope and on schedule.
Chasen inspires trust and motivates others to deliver top-quality work while maintaining a positive, solutions-focused environment.
Justin Van Parys
Business Development
Justin is LEIF’s Lead Business Development Specialist. Driven by curiosity and a passion for connecting, Justin is committed to discovering mutually beneficial market opportunities and transforming them into profitable partnerships. He dives deep into understanding what clients need, their pain points, and how to solve these challenges.
With over 15 years’ experience in both leading and supporting business relationships and operations, Justin consistently seeks to build bridges between organizations, guiding clients to solutions that enhance performance and meet their goals. When not with clients, Justin can be found golfing or coaching his son's minor hockey team.