Fort McMurray’s RJ Steenstra and Kelowna International’s Sam Samaddar became Chair of the Canadian Airports Council Policy Council and Chair of CAC, respectively

Source: Canadian Airports Council

The Canadian Airports Council started this year with a new leadership team.  RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority, became Chair of the Canadian Policy Council (CPC) and a member of ACI-NA’s Executive Committee.

Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authority, is the new Vice Chair of the CPC. Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal, has become Chair of the Large Airports Caucus.  Gene Cabral, Executive Vice-President of the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, is the Chair of the Small Airports Caucus.  Reg Wright, President and CEO of the Gander International Airport Authority, has also joined the CPC.

“We have faced unprecedented challenges over the past two years,” says Steenstra,  “but, thanks to our team in Ottawa and members of the CPC, we continue to push through and move forward. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our outgoing Chair, Joyce Carter who kept us focused and united throughout our discussions with government.

“This year will be another challenging one for Canadian airports, but we’re optimistic and continue to work towards a bright future for our industry.” says Steenstra.

Prior to this appointment, Steenstra has been an active member of the association’s CPC, holding several positions, most recently Vice-Chair. Steenstra’s industry contributions have also included serving as Director for the American Association of Airport Executives – NW Chapter, Director of the International Civil Aviation Organization and Airports Council International (ACI) – World, Community of Practice and Vice Chair for the International Association of Airport Executives Canada.

As well as Steenstra’s appointment, Kelowna International Airport Director Sam Samaddar became Chair of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) on January 1, 2022. Samaddar was elected to the position in November 2021 and succeeds outgoing Chair Lew S. Bleiweis, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority.