Oliver Browning

Class of ’98
Young Alumni Achievement Award 2009      

Born and raised in Truro, Nova Scotia, Oliver Browning knew at an early age what his career would entail. Right after high school, Oliver attended NSAC just as both his parents, David and Rayona, had done. There, he followed in his father’s footsteps and began his engineering education, graduating in 1998 with his Degree Diploma in Engineering. He then went on to complete his Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from the University of New Brunswick in 2001.  In 2008, Oliver completed a Masters Certificate in Project Management at Saint Mary’s University.  

At the very beginning of his career, Oliver gained practical hands -on experience in engineering practice while working at his father’s consulting firm, D A Browning & Associates Inc.  He also worked as a structural engineer and project manager for RKO Steel Limited and subsequently for Eastern Canadian Structures Limited. Oliver has since settled in as an Engineering Associate at Horner Associates (ADI) Limited in Truro.
Oliver has excelled early in his engineering career by tackling some ambitious projects. These include his recent work as the structural engineer and construction contract manager for the state of the art $4.5-million Clare Health Centre in Meteghan, Nova Scotia and a 24,000 square-foot, $2.2-million operations facility for the Public Works Department for the Town of Truro.  He was also deeply involved this past year with the Truro Skate Park, providing engineering for the reinforced concrete used to build the heart-stopping vertical ramps used by the skateboarders.
 Throughout Oliver’s career, his engineering and project management work has included a plethora of buildings, civil works, municipal works, structural designs, and design-build projects all over the Atlantic Provinces.  As an internationally certified Project Management Professional and a Professional Engineer, his skills, abilities and experience make him an asset to any design team.
Despite the demanding career path Oliver has taken, he still finds time to play an active role in his home community of Truro.  He dedicates time to fundraising events for the Canadian Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the United Way of Colchester County.  He also has volunteered time with the Truro and Area Minor Hockey Association and the Central Colchester Soccer Association in coaching capacities.  Oliver is also the Colchester County representative for Engineers Nova Scotia where he serves as liaison between the society and the professional engineers in Colchester County, as well as NSAC’s engineering students.  Oliver also organizes activities and events for the local grade nine students during National Engineering Week and takes time to give talks to NSAC students about the engineering profession and potential career opportunities after graduation. 

In 2008, Oliver was awarded the Nova Scotia Young Engineer of the Year, by Engineers Nova Scotia for his significant engineering accomplishments.  It is because of Oliver’s outstanding success already in his career, the active role he plays in his community and his ongoing connection to NSAC's engineering students that he is also very deserving of NSAC’s Young Alumni Achievement Award for 2009.