Check back soon for 2011 speakers.
2010 Speaker Information
Darcy Rezac - Speaker
Managing Director and Chief Engagement Officer
Vancouver Board of Trade
and Bestselling Author
Darcy Rezac is managing director and chief engagement officer, and chief executive, The Rix Center for Corporate Citizenship and Engaged Leadership at The Vancouver Board of Trade. Prior to that he held executive positions with the federal government, Alcan and General Motors. He also writes, speaks and consults on public policy, social capital, leadership, networking and corporate engagement.
Darcy is the author of the best seller, Work the Pond! (Prentice Hall NY, 2005), dubbed “The Connector’s Handbook” by Town & Country magazine. It features his trademarked ethos of positive networking. In its book review, The Financial Post credits Rezac with “taking networking to a new level.” It has also been published in China, Korea and Russia. He is also author of, The Engaged Leadership Matrix™, a corporate leadership capacity model which he launched at the PowerWithin’s Leadership Mastery Conference in Whistler BC, 12 October 07, where he presented with Ram Charan, Malcom Gladwell, Dan Gilbert and others.
He did graduate work at the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser and York universities and holds B.Sc. in psychology from McGill and MBA from the John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, Montreal. He was awarded an army commission in the Royal Canadian Engineers, and a naval commission in 1996 as honorary captain (N), Fleet Pacific. He holds the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the Canada 125 medal and the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD).
Darcy was a founding director of Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR) in 1992 and served for eight years. He is a director of B.C. Bearing Engineers Ltd., and The Vancouver Board of Trade. He is on the International Academic Advisory Board of Quest University, Garibaldi, British Columbia, and the advisory board of Recipco, Inc—the capacity exchange. He has been a frequent delegate to the World Economic Forum since 1989, and a member of the “Davos Circle.” He is a 2005 graduate of the Corporate Governance College of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD). He has served as a volunteer for a number of academic and community organizations including the Segal Graduate School of Business, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia Institute of Technology Business Advisory Council, The Salvation Army, Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival and The Royal Winnipeg Ballet. He is an Ambassador for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games.
He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and was raised in Montreal, Kingston Jamaica (where he attended Priory School) and Goose Bay, Labrador. He has resided in Vancouver, British Columbia, since 1975. He holds a commercial pilot license and enjoys fly-fishing with his wife and family.
Darcy is the author of the best seller, Work the Pond! (Prentice Hall NY, 2005), dubbed “The Connector’s Handbook” by Town & Country magazine. It features his trademarked ethos of positive networking. In its book review, The Financial Post credits Rezac with “taking networking to a new level.” It has also been published in China, Korea and Russia. He is also author of, The Engaged Leadership Matrix™, a corporate leadership capacity model which he launched at the PowerWithin’s Leadership Mastery Conference in Whistler BC, 12 October 07, where he presented with Ram Charan, Malcom Gladwell, Dan Gilbert and others.
He did graduate work at the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser and York universities and holds B.Sc. in psychology from McGill and MBA from the John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, Montreal. He was awarded an army commission in the Royal Canadian Engineers, and a naval commission in 1996 as honorary captain (N), Fleet Pacific. He holds the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the Canada 125 medal and the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD).
Darcy was a founding director of Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR) in 1992 and served for eight years. He is a director of B.C. Bearing Engineers Ltd., and The Vancouver Board of Trade. He is on the International Academic Advisory Board of Quest University, Garibaldi, British Columbia, and the advisory board of Recipco, Inc—the capacity exchange. He has been a frequent delegate to the World Economic Forum since 1989, and a member of the “Davos Circle.” He is a 2005 graduate of the Corporate Governance College of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD). He has served as a volunteer for a number of academic and community organizations including the Segal Graduate School of Business, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia Institute of Technology Business Advisory Council, The Salvation Army, Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival and The Royal Winnipeg Ballet. He is an Ambassador for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games.
He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and was raised in Montreal, Kingston Jamaica (where he attended Priory School) and Goose Bay, Labrador. He has resided in Vancouver, British Columbia, since 1975. He holds a commercial pilot license and enjoys fly-fishing with his wife and family.
Mike Plottel - Speaker
Director, Safety Services
Westjet
Mike Plottel is the Director, Safety Services for WestJet, Canada’s premier low cost carrier and second largest airline. Mr. Plottel’s career in commercial aviation began in 1978, when he joined the British Columbia Government Air Services as a pilot. Over the past 30 years, he has worked in commercial and airline operations as a pilot, manager and civil aviation inspector, and has logged over 6,800 hours of flight time.
Mr. Plottel held positions with the British Columbia Government Air Services, Air BC, Transport Canada, and the British Columbia Air Ambulance Program before joining WestJet in 2001as Flight Safety Officer where he managed development and implementation of Canada’s first Flight Data Monitoring program. As Director, Safety Services Mr. Plottel was responsible for implementing WestJet’s Safety Management System.
Mr. Plottel holds a diploma in Aviation Technology from Selkirk College, an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia, and a graduate degree in Administration from the University of Victoria. Mr. Plottel is based at WestJet’s headquarters in Calgary, AB, Canada.
Mr. Plottel held positions with the British Columbia Government Air Services, Air BC, Transport Canada, and the British Columbia Air Ambulance Program before joining WestJet in 2001as Flight Safety Officer where he managed development and implementation of Canada’s first Flight Data Monitoring program. As Director, Safety Services Mr. Plottel was responsible for implementing WestJet’s Safety Management System.
Mr. Plottel holds a diploma in Aviation Technology from Selkirk College, an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia, and a graduate degree in Administration from the University of Victoria. Mr. Plottel is based at WestJet’s headquarters in Calgary, AB, Canada.
Tracy Medve - Speaker
President
Canadian North Airlines
Tracy Medve is President of Canadian North. Canadian North is headquartered in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and provides scheduled passenger and cargo services to 43 communities in northern Canada through the Southern gateways of Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa. Canadian North also provides extensive contract and ad hoc charter services across Canada with a strong focus on the industrial charter market. The Company operates a fleet of 13 aircraft – nine B737-200’s and four Dash 8-100 aircraft.
Since 1985 Tracy has held various senior airline management positions at Norcanair, Time Air, Canadian Partner and Canadian Regional Airlines. Prior to joining Canadian North Tracy was the co-founder of C.T. AeroProjects, a Calgary based consultancy focused on air transport resource management working with a wide range of public and private aviation clients around the world.
Tracy is a lawyer by training and in 2009 graduated from the John Molson School of Business Global Aviation MBA program at Concordia University. She is the 2007 recipient of the John Molson School of Business MBA Scholarship. Tracy is a member of the board of the Air Transportation Association of Canada and the Northern Air Transport Association. She is also a past member of the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada.
Since 1985 Tracy has held various senior airline management positions at Norcanair, Time Air, Canadian Partner and Canadian Regional Airlines. Prior to joining Canadian North Tracy was the co-founder of C.T. AeroProjects, a Calgary based consultancy focused on air transport resource management working with a wide range of public and private aviation clients around the world.
Tracy is a lawyer by training and in 2009 graduated from the John Molson School of Business Global Aviation MBA program at Concordia University. She is the 2007 recipient of the John Molson School of Business MBA Scholarship. Tracy is a member of the board of the Air Transportation Association of Canada and the Northern Air Transport Association. She is also a past member of the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada.
Captain Kathy Ashton - Speaker
Pilot and Flight Safety Officer
Canada's Air Force
Capt Kathy Ashton is a helicopter pilot with Canada’s Air Force. Since she received her pilot’s wings in 1995, she has served on international deployments and performed domestic operations, as well as a tour teaching students how to fly. She currently works in the Directorate of Flight Safety at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa.
Captain Kathy Ashton joined the Canadian Forces in 1990. She graduated from the Royal Military College in 1994 with a degree in Chemical and Materials Engineering. Upon completion of university, she commenced her pilot training and obtained her Canadian Forces pilot wings in 1995.
She was posted to 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Victoria British Columbia to fly the Sea King helicopter. During this tour she deployed on multiple exercises including one six month deployment on HMCS Regina to the Persian Gulf. She then completed a short tour at 19 Wing Operations in Comox British Columbia followed by a move to Portage-La-Prairie Manitoba where she instructed students on the Jet Ranger helicopter.
Her next posting was to the Directorate of Flight Safety where she was trained as a helicopter accident investigator. She is currently the Promotions Officer at the Directorate of Flight Safety and is the Editor of the Canadian Forces Flight Safety magazine, Flight Comment.
She has two young children, and is married to a fixed wing pilot, Major Chris Ashton.
Captain Kathy Ashton joined the Canadian Forces in 1990. She graduated from the Royal Military College in 1994 with a degree in Chemical and Materials Engineering. Upon completion of university, she commenced her pilot training and obtained her Canadian Forces pilot wings in 1995.
She was posted to 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Victoria British Columbia to fly the Sea King helicopter. During this tour she deployed on multiple exercises including one six month deployment on HMCS Regina to the Persian Gulf. She then completed a short tour at 19 Wing Operations in Comox British Columbia followed by a move to Portage-La-Prairie Manitoba where she instructed students on the Jet Ranger helicopter.
Her next posting was to the Directorate of Flight Safety where she was trained as a helicopter accident investigator. She is currently the Promotions Officer at the Directorate of Flight Safety and is the Editor of the Canadian Forces Flight Safety magazine, Flight Comment.
She has two young children, and is married to a fixed wing pilot, Major Chris Ashton.
Catherine Roome - Award Presenter
Chief Operating Officer
BC Safety Authority
Catherine is Chief Operating Officer for the BC Safety Authority (BCSA) - a risk management company with 280 employees which is committed to public safety, and is a 2007 and 2010 Canadian Top 100 Employer, 2007 & 2008 British Columbia Top 50 Employer and Top 25 Family Friendly Employers in Canada for 2010.
Catherine was Vice President, Engineering when she joined the BCSA in 2005, and as Chief Operating Officer she received Business in Vancouver’s “Influential Women in Business” award in 2008. In 2009, Catherine received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Victoria.
An electrical engineer, married to Bruce, Catherine has two children: Tavia and Rowan, ages 12 and 14. Catherine is inspired by gardening, the performing arts, running and sailing. She believes passionately that our generation’s responsibility is to bring forward new ideas. Her leadership style is to “encourage that unique brilliance and potential that exists in everyone.” Catherine has a fairly unhealthy drive for results, is working on letting go of control, and is a perpetual optimist.
Catherine was Vice President, Engineering when she joined the BCSA in 2005, and as Chief Operating Officer she received Business in Vancouver’s “Influential Women in Business” award in 2008. In 2009, Catherine received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Victoria.
An electrical engineer, married to Bruce, Catherine has two children: Tavia and Rowan, ages 12 and 14. Catherine is inspired by gardening, the performing arts, running and sailing. She believes passionately that our generation’s responsibility is to bring forward new ideas. Her leadership style is to “encourage that unique brilliance and potential that exists in everyone.” Catherine has a fairly unhealthy drive for results, is working on letting go of control, and is a perpetual optimist.
Claude Marchand - Speaker
Director, Safety Services
Conair Group Inc.
Claude started in aviation as a fixed wing pilot in 1980 with a private license and upgraded to a commercial helicopter license in 1982. He worked mainly in Yukon for 8 years before moving back to the lower mainland where he worked for Frontier Helicopters, a division of Conair. Claude stayed with them until they closed their doors in 2001.
Claude then flew as a contract pilot and flight instructor until he started with Transport Canada in 2003. Hired there to fly helicopters as a line and training pilot with the Canadian Coast Guard he was based mainly out of Victoria.
Claude has been back with Conair as Director of Safety Services coming on to two years in May.
Claude then flew as a contract pilot and flight instructor until he started with Transport Canada in 2003. Hired there to fly helicopters as a line and training pilot with the Canadian Coast Guard he was based mainly out of Victoria.
Claude has been back with Conair as Director of Safety Services coming on to two years in May.
Bill Yearwood - Speaker
Pacific Regional Manager
Transportation Safety Board
He started flying fixed-wing aircraft at age 13 on a sugar estate in South America, but evolved to fly rotary-wing aircraft for industry; Operations included: Heli-logging, Med-evac, Corporate, Arctic and Off-shore explorations, Flight training, and LSTC flight testing.
During a stint for Transport Canada, he was an Air Carrier inspector, helped draft the CARs, and managed System Safety. He joined the TSB in 1999, and has worked on several aviation occurrence investigations.
Bill lives in Vancouver, and has given up motor racing for bicycle racing.
During a stint for Transport Canada, he was an Air Carrier inspector, helped draft the CARs, and managed System Safety. He joined the TSB in 1999, and has worked on several aviation occurrence investigations.
Bill lives in Vancouver, and has given up motor racing for bicycle racing.
Jamie Molloy - Panel Moderator
Vice President Aviation and Corporate Safety
Harbour Air Seaplanes
At the age of 14, he began pursuing his passion for flying by achieving his Ultralight Aeroplane Pilots License, arguably one of the youngest pilots in Canada at that time. As he advanced his aviation training, he remained an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary on the Sunshine Coast. Initially starting out as a Dock Hand at Harbour Air, he quickly learned the logistics necessary to support a major seaplane airline. He became Ramp Manager of Harbour Air’s Richmond Base; a position he held seasonally for 3 years. In 2001, he saw an opportunity to expand Harbour Air’s existing schedule cargo service. In November 2001, Harbour Air Cargo Express was established and Mr. Molloy became Freight Services Manager. In 2004, Mr. Molloy was appointed to position of Training and Development Coordinator and Company Aviation Safety Officer.
In 2005, his title was changed to Aviation and Corporate Safety Manager to reflect the company’s focus to safety and to integrate the role of a safety manager into the corporate structure of the company under Operations.
In June of 2007, Harbour Air Seaplanes conducted a corporate reorganization and a stand-alone safety department was created. Mr. Molloy was appointed to Vice President, Aviation and Corporate Safety reporting directly to the President and CEO of the company.
In 2005, his title was changed to Aviation and Corporate Safety Manager to reflect the company’s focus to safety and to integrate the role of a safety manager into the corporate structure of the company under Operations.
In June of 2007, Harbour Air Seaplanes conducted a corporate reorganization and a stand-alone safety department was created. Mr. Molloy was appointed to Vice President, Aviation and Corporate Safety reporting directly to the President and CEO of the company.
Gary Grass
Manager, SMS and Quality
Blackcomb Aviation
With over 30 years in aviation maintenance, flight operations, education and training – Gary holds a CPL, M1 & M2 fixed and rotary wing AME license, teaching credentials and has been involved at all levels of aviation safety, training and operations management for most of his career.
Safety Management credentials were earned in 1986 while serving in the Canadian Air Force. He taught four years in Canada’s most prestigious post secondary aircraft maintenance institution, the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and two years at Canada’s most successful IFR school, Vancouver Pro IFR. He led a very successful team of computer programmers and graphic artists to produce several of Flight Safety International’s current aircraft animated systems used to train the world’s corporate and charter pilots.
He has lectured on Safety Management, Quality Programs and his experience as a Martin Mars pilot and engineer at numerous aviation conferences including Oshkosh 2007 and 2008.
He holds an elected Board position, and is the VP Operations of the Pacific AME Association. He is also a member of COPA, the EAA, and Warbirds of America.
He is Manager, SMS and Quality at Blackcomb Aviation, a western Canadian rotary and fixed wing aircraft management and charter organization.
Safety Management credentials were earned in 1986 while serving in the Canadian Air Force. He taught four years in Canada’s most prestigious post secondary aircraft maintenance institution, the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and two years at Canada’s most successful IFR school, Vancouver Pro IFR. He led a very successful team of computer programmers and graphic artists to produce several of Flight Safety International’s current aircraft animated systems used to train the world’s corporate and charter pilots.
He has lectured on Safety Management, Quality Programs and his experience as a Martin Mars pilot and engineer at numerous aviation conferences including Oshkosh 2007 and 2008.
He holds an elected Board position, and is the VP Operations of the Pacific AME Association. He is also a member of COPA, the EAA, and Warbirds of America.
He is Manager, SMS and Quality at Blackcomb Aviation, a western Canadian rotary and fixed wing aircraft management and charter organization.
Teara Fraser - Master of Ceremonies
Aviation Leadership Forum Founder
After a series of crushing personal losses, Teara traveled to Africa in hopes that she may stumble upon some meaning and clarity. While in a small airplane for the very first time, as she accelerated down the runway her “heart came to life”. She returned to Canada to fly her first solo flight in February of 2002. Within one year her Commercial Pilot’s Licence was in hand. Most recently she has been flying as a First Officer on the Dash 8.
A deep commitment to safety inspired her to found the Aviation Leadership Forum.
Teara recently undertook the comprehensive Conflict Resolution certificate program offered by the Justice Institute of BC and has been facilitating conflict resolution workshops. She has just been accepted into the Masters in Leadership program at Royal Roads University.
Teara believes that “you only get what you give” so is an active member of her community including serving as the President of Women in Aviation Sea to Sky Chapter 2005-2009. She devotes her time to many worthwhile organizations and is committed to bringing the message to youth and those who have lived with adversity, that there are unimaginable possibilities.
She is a member of the Vancouver Board of Trade and the BC Aviation Council.
Teara was born in Hay River, NWT and is a member of the Metis and Cree Nations. She has two children Kiana (15) and Keaton (10).
A deep commitment to safety inspired her to found the Aviation Leadership Forum.
Teara recently undertook the comprehensive Conflict Resolution certificate program offered by the Justice Institute of BC and has been facilitating conflict resolution workshops. She has just been accepted into the Masters in Leadership program at Royal Roads University.
Teara believes that “you only get what you give” so is an active member of her community including serving as the President of Women in Aviation Sea to Sky Chapter 2005-2009. She devotes her time to many worthwhile organizations and is committed to bringing the message to youth and those who have lived with adversity, that there are unimaginable possibilities.
She is a member of the Vancouver Board of Trade and the BC Aviation Council.
Teara was born in Hay River, NWT and is a member of the Metis and Cree Nations. She has two children Kiana (15) and Keaton (10).