CBAA Seeks Chief Executive to Broaden Advocacy in Canada, Globally

March 28, 2013

The Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA), now in its 52nd year, is searching for a new president and chief executive officer to guide the organization in its expanded role as advocates on behalf of business aviation interests before international aviation bodies, as well as with Canadian regulators.

The CBAA board of directors intends to begin the interview process in early April, said Jean Menard, CBAA’s treasurer and chairman of the selection committee. The new leader will succeed Sam Barone, who stepped down March 17 to become vice chair of the Canadian Transportation Agency.

CBAA is seeking someone who is not only knowledgeable about the business aviation industry in Canada, but also experienced in dealing with government and regulatory agencies.

“We are looking for someone who is obviously comfortable working at the highest executive levels in government and the private sector,” Menard said, “but who is also comfortable and knowledgeable at all levels, from the flight line on up.”

The president and CEO reports directly to the board of the non-profit association and will be expected to travel extensively throughout Canada, as well as internationally, to represent the interests of CBAA members.

CBAA’s advocacy includes representing Canada’s business aviation community before its government. The association also is involved with such global aviation groups as the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

“We have been in a transition period for the past couple of years,” said Frank Burke, CBAA’s chairman. For eight years until April 2011, CBAA was a quasi-regulatory body responsible for the issuance of permits for business aircraft operators across Canada, along with its mission to represent the industry’s interests and promote training and best practices development in operations and safety.

“The regulatory responsibilities [for the private operator certificate program] have been repatriated to Transport Canada,” Burke said. CBAA plans to broaden its role as the principal advocate on behalf of the needs and concerns of Canada’s business aviation community.

The new president and CEO will help lead the association in expanding offerings to members and ensuring that business aviation operates under an appropriate regulatory regime in Canada. The executive also is tasked with ensuring that CBAA is well represented on cross-border issues with the United States, including facilitating customs and border security.

CBAA already enjoys a close working relationship with NBAA on U.S.-Canada border matters, and a host of other international business aviation concerns.

As Menard explained, “We are looking for someone who brings both the Canadian and global perspective to business aviation as we expand our work into the future.”

Interested candidates are encouraged to forward their CV and cover letter to Menard at Jean.Menard@honeywell.com, or fax to (613) 236-2361 as soon as possible. Only candidates who are selected to be interviewed will be contacted.