Local Board Guides Airport for Benefit of Community

1 June 2016

Our Board of Directors of our Nanaimo Airport Commission consists of local people making local decisions.

The nine board members — all of them residents of Central Vancouver Island — are responsible for the airport’s overall function and strategic direction. They represent the various communities within the region, and bring diverse skills to the job of guiding airport operations for today and future generations.

The board elected a new chair and added a new director at its annual general meeting earlier this year.

Lucie Gosselin succeeded John Craig as chair. A retired accountant, she previously chaired Crown corporations in Manitoba and B.C.

Board newcomer Mike Brown, a partner in a local law firm, has been involved with a variety of organizations, including Malaspina University College Foundation and United Way.

Both Lucie Gosselin and Mike Brown represent the community at large.

Returning to the board are:

  • Vice-chair Al Tully (RDN)

A retired air traffic controller, air traffic services manager, and national manager of training delivery at the NAV Canada Training Institute.

  • Past chair John Craig (CVRD)

Spent more than 25 years with major development companies and as President of his own firm. John was Vice-Chairman of the Edmonton Regional Airport Authority.

  • David Witty (Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce)

A vice-president at Vancouver Island University, his background in urban planning includes design work for four B.C. airports.

  • Alex Stuart (Town of Ladysmith)

His background includes technology, environmental management and local government experience as a past mayor of Ladysmith..

  • Mike Kandert (City of Nanaimo)

Mike has more than 30 years of international aviation and business development experience, as well as a background in aviation training.

  • Wendy Clifford (community at large)

A partner in a law firm, she has experience in commercial and property law and a strong business background.

  • Ray Gauthier (community at large)

He is the Chief Executive Officer of Stz’uminus First Nation’s Coast Salish Development Corporation, and has a background in land development and finance.