Richard Pinder, P.Eng., MASc, FEC

Member of the Order of Honour, 2025 | Grand River Chapter

For 20 years, Richard Pinder has demonstrated a tireless enthusiasm for the profession and a passion to further the development of current and future engineers.

Richard joined the Grand River Chapter board in 2004, and has served as treasurer, vice chair and chair (2011), as well as AGM, licence presentation and engineer-in-residence coordinator. As the chapter’s AGM coordinator for over 10 years, Richard organizes Grand River’s largest event each year, arranging speakers, venue logistics, food and programming for more than 150 members. 

He has also served as the chapter’s licence presentation ceremony coordinator since 2014, welcoming an average of 80 new engineers to the profession every year, over three annual ceremonies. All told, Richard has helped recognize over 800 new licence holders since taking on the role. He is known for taking the time to speak to each new recipient during ceremonies, personally welcoming them to the profession and encouraging them to participate in chapter life as members and volunteers.

Richard also took the lead as Grand River’s Engineer-in-Residence (EIR) coordinator, visiting local schools to promote STEM education and careers to children. He relates to kids in a fun way and has built strong relationships between classroom teachers and local engineers.

He also encourages collaboration with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists’ (OACETT) Grand Valley Chapter, initiating shared activities between the two groups.

Last but not least, Richard runs the Grand River Chapter PEO Golf Tournament with another OOH member and has done so for 10+ yrs. This yearly tournament is jointly held with ACEC/OACETT and gathers almost 100 other engineers and colleagues in an afternoon of fun and engagement.