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WAA welcomes new leadership to Board of Directors

January 26, 2024

Categories: At YWG

An aerial photo of the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport terminal and surrounding buildings with the city skyline in the background.

Winnipeg Airports Authority is excited to announce the appointment of Susan Dawes as Chair and Ian Smart as Vice Chair of its Board of Directors. The change in leadership comes following the conclusion of Brita Chell’s term, which included the role of Chair over the past four years.

Dawes has been a member of WAA’s Board of Directors since 2018, having most recently held the position of Vice Chair and Chair of the Human Resources & Compensation Committee. A partner at Myers LLP practicing exclusively in labour and administrative law, Dawes is counsel in arbitrations and Labour Board matters, and has appeared before superior courts across the country, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

“I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair of WAA’s Board of Directors, and I can’t thank Brita enough for her invaluable leadership, which was instrumental during the pandemic,” said Dawes. “This is an exciting time for the organization. I’m eager to continue the bold journey we’ve embarked on and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Smart moves into the role of Vice Chair in his fourth year on WAA’s Board of Directors. After spending 20 years as an executive with the NFI Group and StandardAero, Smart now owns and operates his own small business.

In addition to the appointments of Chair and Vice Chair, WAA’s Board of Directors is also pleased to welcome four new members:

  • Karlene Debance, CEO Health Transformation of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc.
  • Carol Bellringer, former President & CEO of the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation
  • Jodi Carradice, former SVP and Chief People & Culture Officer of Wawanesa Mutual Insurance
  • Kelly Fournel, CEO of Tech Manitoba
A portrait of new WAA Board Chair Susan Dawes.

WAA’s Board of Directors is made up of 14 individuals, the majority of whom are nominated by government and community partners. A complete list of all the members can be found under the Corporate section of WAA.ca.