There are a number of new faces at the board table of the Nanaimo Airport Commission (NAC) due to the structured rotation of the positions — and one of those new faces is the director nominated by the Town of Ladysmith.
Russ Burke, has taken over the captain’s seat at the NAC, succeeding long-time chair Jerry Pink.
In addition to the new chair, two newly-appointed directors also joined the NAC. Joining the NAC for a three-year term, Joe Burnett is the successful nominee from the Town of Ladysmith and Michael Kandert is the successful nominee from the City of Nanaimo.
“Our Nominating Committee has been working hard over the past couple of months reviewing the short list of nominees provided by the two entities and interviewing the finalists," Pink said in a press release. "Using a skills matrix, the committee has looked to match the talents and experience of the nominees to the board’s requirements to ensure strong depth on the board."
Pink says Burnett’s experience with the Regional District of Nanaimo — he recently retired after two terms as director for Electoral Area A — will be invaluable, while Kandert’s extensive business and management experience at Canadian and international airports, particularly in lands, leasing and development will be utilized as the NAC focuses on the needs of the airport community and responsible airport asset development.
The NAC is comprised of up to nine directors and a past chair, all appointed by the commission. Of the nine directors, four are selected by the commission to represent the community at large, while the remaining five appointments are a result of nominations from the City of Nanaimo, the Regional District of Nanaimo, the Cowichan Valley Regional District, the Town of Ladysmith and the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.
The other directors are John Craig, Al Tully, Dixon Kenny, Lucie Gosselin and Ray Gauthier.