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Victoria Airport Authority Board Announces New Board Chair and Board Members
Feb 4, 2015
For Immediate Release
February 4, 2015
The Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the election of the new Board Chair and the appointment of new members effective January 1, 2015.
Mel Rinald was elected the new Board Chair, replacing Lindalee Brougham who served in the position since 2012. Ms. Brougham’s eight year term on the board expired on December 31, 2014. Nominated by the Town of Sidney, Mr. Rinald joined the VAA Board of Directors in 2010 and has served as Vice-Chair since 2013.
“The Victoria Airport Authority has been well served under Lindalee’s leadership over the past three years, and we are grateful for her service”, said Rinald.
Rod Dewar is nominated by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Dewar is past President and Chief Executive Officer of Island Savings Credit Union, past Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer for the BC Automobile Association and past Vice-President of the North American Airports for Canadian Airlines International. He currently serves on a number of boards including BC Life/Pacific Blue Cross, NEI Investments and the BC Ferry Authority. He also chairs the Bayview Place/Island Savings Open PGA Golf Tournament.
“I have been an admirer of the excellent work that the Board and Management team have done over the years, and it is a privilege to be invited to contribute to the airport’s future success,” said Dewar.
Frank Leonard is appointed by the Government of Canada. Mr. Leonard was Mayor of Saanich from 1996 to 2014 after serving as Councillor since 1986. Mr. Leonard is past Director of the BC Chamber of Commerce, past President of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and a former board member on a number of local tourism and economic development groups.
“I appreciate the appointment by the Government of Canada and look forward to contributing to the VAA's continued success”, said Leonard.
Marilyn Loveless is appointed by the Government of Canada. Ms. Loveless is a former Councillor with the Town of Sidney, past Alternate Director and member of the Arts and Housing Committee at the Capital Regional District, past Chair of District 63 School Board. She also served on the National Senior’s Council, providing advice to the Minister of Employment and Social Development, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of State for Seniors. She has served on a number of community service groups and was honoured with the Governor General’s Award for Community Service. Ms. Loveless has been inducted into the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame.
As an avid sports enthusiast, she commented on one particular project recently completed by the Victoria Airport Authority. “We really like the Flight Path”, she said referencing the 9.3 km bike and walking trail that encircles the airport. “I look forward to representing the Government of Canada and continuing my commitment to the community. It is a privilege to participate in the ongoing success of the Victoria International Airport.”
Sharlene Smith is nominated by the District of Saanich. Smith is the owner/operator of CommPlan Canada, a local communication management consulting firm. She has held leadership positions with national, provincial and local organizations. She is currently the past-chair of the Broadmead Care Society and the vice-chair of Lymphoma Canada.
“The Victoria Airport Authority is a progressive, community-minded, environmentally-conscious organization. I welcome the opportunity to support their long-term success and vision for the future,” said Smith.
“As Chair, I am delighted to have such accomplished members of the community willing to serve on our Board. Many of our new members are graduates of the Institute of Corporate Directors program, so they bring fresh insight to the organization. Their diverse expertise and depth of knowledge will represent their nominators and the community well. We look forward to their contributions over the coming years”, said Rinald.
About Victoria International Airport
Victoria International Airport (Airport Code: YYJ) is the 10th busiest airport in Canada with over 1.64 million passengers per year. Victoria is well served with more than 120 daily flights throughout North America. YYJ was rated among one of the top ten most-loved airports in the world by CNN Travel and is a past winner of ‘Best Regional Airport in North America’ by Airports Council International.
Media Contact Victoria Airport Authority Board of Directors
Mel Rinald, Chair
Telephone: (250) 953‐7500
