Board of Directors

The community-based Nanaimo Airport Commission is comprised of nine Directors. They are nominated by the City of Nanaimo, Regional District of Nanaimo, Town of Ladysmith, Cowichan Valley Regional District, and the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

The Directors are responsible for the airport’s corporate mandate, its overall function and strategic direction.

The Nanaimo Airport Commission (NAC) was incorporated in August 1990 as a not-for profit authority under the Canada Corporations Act – Part II. In April 1992 the Commission assumed management and operation of the Nanaimo Airport under a 30year lease from the federal Ministry of Transport.

In December 1996 the Commission was granted fee simple title to the Nanaimo Airport lands through the National Airports Policy transfer initiative.

Board of Directors at a Glance

Representative

Title

Nominating Entity

Term

Expiry

Representative

Colleen Johel

Title

Chair

Nominating Entity

Cowichan Valley Regional District

Term

3 Years

Expiry

2026

Representative

Garth Busch

Title

Vice-Chair

Nominating Entity

Member at Large

Term

3 Years

Expiry

2026

Representative

David Witty

Title

Past-Chair

Nominating Entity

Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce

Term

3 Years

Expiry

2024

Representative

Alex Stuart

Title

Secretary

Nominating Entity

Town of Ladysmith

Term

3 Years

Expiry

2024

Representative

Janna Gillick

Title

Director

Nominating Entity

City of Nanaimo

Term

3 Years

Expiry

2024

Representative

Harpreet Minhas

Title

Director

Nominating Entity

Regional District of Nanaimo

Term

3 Years

Expiry

2025

Representative

Mike Brown

Title

Director

Nominating Entity

Member at Large

Term

3 Years

Expiry

2025

Representative

Mark Taylor

Title

Director

Nominating Entity

Member at Large

Term

3 Years

Expiry

2024

  • Colleen Johel

    Chair

    NOMINATED BY: Cowichan Valley Regional District

    Colleen is a lifelong resident of the Cowichan Valley who joined the Board in 2017. Colleen is the Managing Partner of the law firm Ridgway & Company in Duncan, B.C. where she practices corporate and commercial law along with real estate development and wills and estates. She is a member of the Law Society of British Columbia, the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association and has served as the Cowichan Valley Bar Association President and as the President of the Nanaimo County Bar Association. Colleen has also served on the Board of Directors of the Island Savings Credit Union for 13 years in many positions, including as Chair and Vice-Chair. Her past experience and knowledge will be an asset in serving on the Nanaimo Airport Board of Directors.

  • Garth Busch

    Vice-Chair

    Member at Large

    Garth brings a financial and aviation background to the board in his role as a community-at-large representative. A Nanaimo resident, Garth is a retired partner of MNP LLP, Canada’s fifth largest accounting and business administration firm. He’s been a comptroller for chartered and scheduled aircraft operators. He co-chairs the All Island Equity Real Estate Trust and is past chair of the Vancouver Island University Enterprise Trust. His community service includes work with the Optimists club, tourism sector and the Chamber of Commerce.

  • David Witty

    Past-Chair

    NOMINATED BY: Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce

    David joined the Nanaimo Airport Commission Board of Directors in April 2015. David, the former Provost at Vancouver Island University, has a strong background in urban planning and design. He’s been part of planning work for four BC airports, including YVR, and brings to the NAC extensive planning knowledge.

  • Alex Stuart

    Secretary

    NOMINATED BY: Town of Ladysmith

    Alex joined the Nanaimo Airport Commission Board of Directors in April 2015. Alex brings a wealth of talents, including a background in technology, environmental management and local government. His experiences are valuable assets to the NAC.

  • Janna Gillick

    Director

    NOMINATED BY: City of Nanaimo

    Janna is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional. She joined the Nanaimo Airport Commission Board of Directors in 2021. She runs her own business and has experience in various sectors. They include oil, gas and energy; pulp and paper; and regulated utilities. Janna graduated from the University of Waterloo, where she was an Academic All-Canadian. She’s a former national master women cyclo-cross champion. She’s also a recipient of the City of Nanaimo’s outstanding master athlete award.

  • Harpreet Minhas

    Director

    NOMINATED BY: Regional District of Nanaimo

    Harpreet Minhas joined the Board in 2022. A local business owner in the transportation sector, he holds an MBA with specialization in human resources. His governance experience includes a Co-operative Director designation from the University of Saskatchewan and a seat on the board of Mid-Island Co-Op. Harpreet and his family live in Nanaimo. They immigrated to Canada in 2015 and have become Canadian citizens. Harpreet joined Nanaimo Airport Commission to help give back to the community.

  • Mike Brown

    Director

    Member at Large

    Mike joined the Nanaimo Airport Commission Board of Directors in 2016. Mike has practiced law in Alberta and BC for many years and has extensive experience in business and commercial matters. Mike grew up in an aviation background and has had a strong interest in aviation throughout his life.

  • Mark Taylor

    Director

    Member at Large

    Mark is a Professional Engineer (non-practising) and project manager. He joined the Nanaimo Airport Commission Board of Directors in 2021. Mark owns a construction advisory firm. He has 30 years of experience in commercial, institutional, residential, renewable energy, civil and industrial sectors. He’s been involved with projects of up to $1 billion across Canada. His community service includes Scouts and the Rotary Club. Mark also volunteers on the Emergency Support Services team in Lantzville, where he lives with his family.

  • Vacant

    Director

    Vacant