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Former West Jetter appointed to Wasaya board

Aviation industry veteran Stephen Smith was named to the new board of directors of Wasaya Airways at its annual meeting in Thunder Bay.
Wasaya_Cropped
Aviation industry veteran Stephen Smith was named to the new board of directors of Wasaya Airways at its annual meeting in Thunder Bay.

Aviation industry veteran Stephen Smith was named to the new board of directors of Wasaya Airways at its annual meeting in Thunder Bay.

In a July 20 news release, the First Nation-owned regional carrier said the appointments mark the final step in the restructuring process Wasaya entered in September 2014.

Smith, a former president and chief executive of Air Ontario, WestJet, and Air Canada’s ZIP, gave a thumbs-up to Wasaya’s new business model.

“Wasaya is on the right path for success,” he said in a statement. “I am impressed with Wasaya's focus on safety, profitability and support for the First Nations culture and communities as emphasized by the previous board of chiefs.”

Joining Smith on the new board is Adam Fiddler, past chief and councillor of Sandy Lake First Nation; Lakehead University student and Pikangikum member Amanda Sainnawap; Eric Long, owner of Team Build Innovations; Geordi Kakepetum, executive director of Keewaytinook Okimakanak; Ian McCormack, past chair of the Thunder Bay International Airport; Michael Hardy, executive director of Anishnawbe Mushkiki Aboriginal Health Centre; and Sean Davis, co-owner Maintair Aviation Services.

“We are pleased to introduce eight new directors bringing a wealth of experience and ability to our airline,” said outgoing board chair Chief Bart Meekis. “Wasaya has made great progress over the past 22 months. We are confident our leadership together with the new directors will continue to build Wasaya.”

Wasaya president-CEO Michael Rodyniuk gave credit to the chiefs of the communities for initiating a swift and successful restructuring.

“They have selected a professional, skills-based board of directors to continue moving the company forward consistent with our corporate mission, vision and values. This action marks the final step of our corporate restructuring.”