The Concrete Society of Southern Africa (CSSA) has elected Hanlie Turner as its first ever female president. Turner, the Technical Information Services Specialist at PPC, has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the construction industry. She plans to use her tenure to drive the society forward in four key ways.
A member of the Concrete Society for many years, Hanlie Turner has held several voluntary positions in the organisation including Chairperson of the Inland Branch and, more recently, that of National Vice-President. Her new role as President of the CSSA will include heading up the Board of Directors and co-ordinating the work of the Society at national level. She will also be responsible for formulating the policy for the Society that will be implemented nationally.
“This role will provide me with an opportunity to give back to an industry that I have been part of my entire life. I am excited about working with society members to find ways for players in the sector to rise above the challenges of a weak economy, a decline in civil construction confidence and crippling cement imports,” says Turner.
During her two year term as president, Turner will take a four-tiered approach to move the organisation forward: by analysing everything critically; being open to and implementing change where necessary; developing an innovative value offering for members; and implementing necessary succession planning.
“I can think of no better person to lead the Concrete Society into the future. Hanlie is incredibly passionate about all things concrete (including cement, of course) and this, together with her extraordinary leadership skills, augers well for the Society as it builds its image and relevance in the built environment sector,’’ comments John Sheath, CEO of CSSA.
Turner is the fourth employee from PPC Ltd and the only woman to be elected as president of the CSSA in the organisation’s history. As a leading cement solutions provider, PPC has a long-standing relationship with CSSA providing a solid platform to operate from while bringing about positive change for the benefit of the Society.
Formed in 1969, the CSSA’s mandate is to promote excellence and innovation when using concrete, while also providing a forum for networking, sharing of knowledge and information on concrete. “I’m inspired to be a part of a Society and industry that is shaping our skyline and defining civilisation. I look forward to working with the Board and partnering with members to take the Society forward,’’ says Turner.
