A New Chapter: Iona Thomas Steps Into Leadership at ACEC/NC

It’s exciting to share that Iona Thomas, AICP, has been chosen as the new President of the American Council of Engineering Companies of North Carolina (ACEC/NC). She’ll officially step into this role during the 2024 ACEC/NC Summer Membership Conference on August 9th at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville.

Iona isn’t new to leadership within ACEC/NC—she’s been on the organization’s Board for several years, making her the perfect candidate for this new role. Currently, she serves as the Chief Growth + Strategy Officer at McAdams, a role where she channels her passion for planning and engineering to drive progress at McAdams.

Her dedication to enhancing our recreational trail infrastructure led her to co-found the Great Trails State Coalition. One of her major accomplishments? Helping secure a $25 million NC grant program to fund trails and greenways across the state—a true testament to her vision and determination.

Liz Phipps of NV5, the outgoing ACEC/NC President, couldn’t be more thrilled about Iona taking the helm, saying, “Her passion and strategic planning expertise will undoubtedly elevate our organization and pave the way for future successes.”

Congratulations, Iona!