Zlatko Joseph Podrebarac, P.Eng., PMP, FEC

Member of the Order of Honour, 2026 | Ottawa Chapter

Over his 16 years as a PEO Ottawa Chapter volunteer, Joe Podrebarac has been an exceptional ambassador for the profession and a leader for the chapter.

Joe has held a variety of executive positions with the Ottawa Chapter, including multiple stints as chair, as well as service as vice chair, treasurer, by-laws chair, awards and scholarship committee chair.

He has also contributed leadership, an innovative approach and peer collaboration on many committees—GLP, Innovation/Entrepreneurship, Licensure Assistance Program, 30 x 30 and New Members Licensure—always ensuring all voices are heard. 

Joe led new initiatives expanding the impact of activities within the chapter and beyond. His passion for continuous improvement and innovation has created several unique efforts, including obtaining special funding for Ottawa’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program Committee, which promotes innovation and entrepreneurship among area engineers/students for the economic and employment benefit of the community.

Joe also liaised with OSPE and Engineers Canada to collaborate on aligned activities highlighting the complementary roles and mission of each organization.

In addition, Joe has made enduring contributions to the chapter, such as implementing operational and organizational changes around succession planning, directors’ skill development and constructive teamwork that have become established best practices. To support this, he organized retreats to train incoming executives in fiduciary responsibilities and how to execute the duties of a director. These sessions helped align the directors’ perspective and focused on the mandate, mission and values of PEO and the chapter. These sessions highlighted teamwork, engagement, and improved the board’s overall effectiveness.