Keith Granbois, CFO of the Nanaimo Airport Wins, Airport Council International North America Financial Professional of the Year Award

Media Release
For Immediate Release
Keith Granbois, CFO of the Nanaimo Airport Wins, Airport Council International North America Financial Professional of the Year Award

Nanaimo, BC – June 14, 2024 – Keith Granbois, the Chief Financial Officer & VP Business Development at the Nanaimo Airport (YCD) has been honored with the prestigious ACI North America Financial Professional of the Year Award – Small Airport category. This accolade is a testament to his exceptional expertise, dedication, and contributions to the financial and aviation sectors. The award is issued annual by the ACI-NA (Airport Council International – North America) to 3 professionals based on airport size (small, medium and large) and Keith is only the 3rd Canadian professional to ever be recognized for one of the awards since they began in 2015. This year’s Finance Professional of the year awards went to:
-Large Airport Category – Chris Poinsatte, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
-Medium Airport Category – Chris Wimsatt, Sacramento International Airport
-Small Airport Category – Keith Granbois, Nanaimo Airport.

Keith’s journey to the awards ceremony in Aventura Florda was nothing short of extraordinary. He arrived in Florda on Wednesday, June 12th, just as record rains hit South Florida, causing disastrous flooding. While driving from the Miami Airport, flash flood warnings were issued and he found himself seeking refuge in a parking lot as all road around him were impassable. According to FOX weather, more than 19 inches of rain was recorded in Aventura between Tuesday and Wednesday, with 15 inches falling on Wednesday, the day of the awards ceremony. After being stranded in his car for two hours and no reprieve in the rain in site, (at this point, the rain was falling at 5 inches per hour) Keith set out on foot with his luggage to walk the final distance to the hotel (a bit over a KM). At points along the way, the flood waters were well above his knees. Hopping fences and cutting through restaurant kitchens, he finally arrive at the hotel about an hour before the ceremony with just enough time to try and dry some clothes and get ready.

“I am humbled to be recognized for such a prestigious award and certainly won’t forget this adventure. It’s a reminder that life is all about the journey and not necessarily the destination.

“Keith was born and raised in Duncan, BC, on Vancouver Island and received his Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) designation through the Certified General Accounts Association of BC (CGA-BC) in 2007 and became a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) the following year. He has been the Chief Financial Officer & VP Business development at YCD for 6 years and during that time has helped to lead the airport during the COVID-19 pandemic, implement various new business systems, increased and diversified revenue steams, implemented the first pollinator garden at a Canadian airport, and successfully negotiated with Pacific Coastal Airlines to begin operations at YCD. Keith also revamped YCD’s marking and community engagement initiatives, website and social media accounts and brought in a new logo and branding. YCD’s connect with Canada campaign, is the brainchild of Keith and has been a finalist for airport marketing
awards for two years in a row. Keith started has love of aviation when he was in Air Cadets (744 Cowichan) and his first flight was in a glider at the infield of YCD. Keith was one of the founding organizers of Technical Evacuation Advanced AeroMedical (TEAAM) www.teaam.ca and sits on several not for profit boards and committees.

About Nanaimo Airport (YCD):

Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is a Vancouver Island’s most centrally located airport*. Offering visitors easy access to all island communities and Island residents convenient access to the world. YCD is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible airport experience to its passengers.
*based on population

Media Contact:
Keith Granbois
CFO & VP Business Development
Nanaimo Airport Commission
Phone: 250-619-4897
Email: keith.granbois@ycd.ca