KEYNOTE - 6th May 2025 | 9:15 - 9:50AM
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President, Boeing Canada and Boeing Canada Operations Ltd.
Al Meinzinger
Al Meinzinger joined Boeing in June 2024 as President of Boeing Canada and Boeing Canada Operations Ltd., leading the company’s national business interests, including nearly 2,000 employees and 500+ suppliers.
A former Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the longest-serving in 60 years, Meinzinger brings decades of leadership in defence, strategy, and international operations. His priorities at Boeing include defence procurement, supplier growth, sustainable aviation, and innovation partnerships across Canadian industry and academia.
Future of Airports: Innovation & Leadership Perspectives - 6th May 2025 | 10:00AM - 10:50AM
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President and CEO, Calgary Airport Authority
Chris Dinsdale
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General Counsel, Compliance & Governance Officer
Edmonton Regional Airports Authority
William (Bill) Wright
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Chief Executive Officer, Red Deer Regional Airport
Nancy Paish
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Alberta AAAC Board Member, Airport Committee Chair
Doug Francoeur
Chris Dinsdale is President and CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority, joining in August 2023. With over a decade in the aviation sector, he previously served as CEO and CFO of Budapest Airport and held leadership roles in airport fuel services and security operations. Chris holds an engineering degree from Queen’s University and an MBA in Finance from York University.
Bill has served as legal counsel at Edmonton Airports since 2009, focusing on commercial leasing, real estate, and corporate governance. A former RCAF pilot, he holds law and undergraduate degrees from the University of Alberta and University of Manitoba, and was called to the Alberta bar in 2001.
Nancy plays a key leadership role at Red Deer Regional Airport, driving strategic growth and operational excellence. With strong financial skills and a talent for building relationships, she is also active in Alberta’s aviation and tourism communities through various boards and events.
Doug is a senior airport specialist with Tetra Tech, bringing over 30 years of experience in airport operations, safety, and regulatory compliance. A former director at Calgary International Airport, he has worked closely with Transport Canada and currently serves as Mayor of the Summer Village of Gull Lake.
Navigating Complexity in Airline Operations - 6th May 2025 | 11:10AM - 12:00PM
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Gandeephan Ganeshalingam is Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at WestJet, leading engineering, maintenance, and technical supply chain for a fleet of 192 aircraft. Since joining in 2018, he has held key roles in transformation, procurement, and operations. He previously served as GE Canada’s Chief Innovation Officer and holds degrees from the University of Waterloo and University of Toronto.
Gandeephan Ganeshalingam
Senior Vice President Technical Operations, WestJet
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Alberta AAAC Board Member, Air Operators Committee Chair
Michael Stimac
Michael is the founder of Attune Aviation Ltd., a tech-driven air charter brokerage serving an exclusive member community. With 25+ years in aviation, he’s a licensed private pilot, aircraft owner, and lifelong general aviation enthusiast.
Wings of Opportunity: Uncommon and Exciting Aviation Careers - 6th May 2025 | 1:00PM - 1:50PM
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Mayor, Sturgeon County
Mayor Alanna Hnatiw
Mayor Alanna Hnatiw, first elected in 2017, is a dedicated leader focused on building a prosperous, self-sustaining future for Sturgeon County. With a background in small business and agriculture, she champions innovation, supports local industry, and leads regional aviation growth through the Villeneuve Landing Network.
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Vice President, Aviation
STARS
Jason Arthur
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Airports manager,
Falcon Environmental Inc.
Jason Botting
Jason Arthur is Vice President of Aviation at STARS Air Ambulance, leading critical air medical operations across Western Canada. A former RCAF pilot with over 20 years of flight experience, he has served in Afghanistan and flown with Cougar Helicopters and AirSprint.
Jason Botting has over 25 years of experience in airport wildlife management, specializing in risk mitigation, staff training, and program development. He currently manages wildlife programs at major military and civilian airports across Canada for Falcon Environmental, promoting safety and human-wildlife coexistence.
Insights from Transport Canada Safety Board: Enhancing Safety and Standards - 6th May 2025 | 2:00PM - 2:50PM
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Regional Manager, Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada
Jonathan Lee
Jonathan Lee is the Regional Manager for Western Canada at TSB in Edmonton, with over 20 years of experience in aircraft accident investigation. He has worked on international investigations and has flown over 6,700 hours in various operations. Jon holds an Airline Transport Pilot License and Class 1 Flight Instructor Rating.
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Regional Senior Investigator, Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Jeremy Warkentin
Jeremy Warkentin joined the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) in 2017 as a Regional Senior Investigator, in the Aviation Investigations Branch, at the regional office in Edmonton, Alberta.
Mr. Warkentin is a licensed pilot, and a graduate of the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) program. He has more than 20 years of aviation experience working for several fixed wing operations as a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Quality Assurance Manager and Base/Production Manager. He holds both an M1 and M2 license, and has experience on aircraft ranging in size from the Cessna 152 to the Airbus A321.
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Secretary, Alberta AAC
Sophia Wells
Sophia is an experienced pilot, former Chief Flight Instructor, and Transport Canada Pilot Examiner. At Elevate Aviation, she supports women entering aviation through mentorship. A Top 20 Under 40 and Outstanding Alumni awardee, she now balances aviation and family life.
Recruitment & Training The Next Generation of Aviation - 6th May 2025 | 2:00PM - 2:50PM
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Director of Strategic Growth, HeavyAero Maintenance Centre
Nicole Holinaty
Nicole is Director of Strategic Growth, HR & Systems Safety at HeavyAero Maintenance Centre. With nearly 10 years in aviation and a background in business development, HR, and airport expansion, she drives sustainable growth and strong corporate culture. Nicole also supports the Alberta AAC and the Canadian AME Competition.
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Regional Manager - Calgary Region , Careers Next Generation
Shane Mckay
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Chief Strategy Officer, Elevate Aviation
Nova Andrews
An experienced Regional Manager with a strong background in non-profit organization management. Skilled in workforce development strategy, coaching, volunteer management, team building, and public speaking. A dedicated community and social services professional and a graduate of the University of Lethbridge.
Nova has held leadership roles in aviation and workforce development, including at Canada 3000 Airlines, Edmonton Airports, and Women Building Futures. Now at Elevate Aviation, she develops inclusive, career-focused programs and leads workplace culture initiatives to support safety and retention in the aviation industry.
Driving Innovation: How Manufacturers Can Propel Alberta’s Aviation & Aerospace Industry - 6th May 2025 | 2:00PM - 2:50PM
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Business Development Manager for Aerospace and Logistics, Calgary Economic Development
Amy Smith
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President and Co-Founder, Fidelity Manufacturing Group
Jeff Lister
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Amy Smith is the Business Development Manager for Aerospace and Logistics at Calgary Economic Development. She works with partners to grow Calgary’s aerospace sector and serves on the INSAT Board. Passionate about economic development, Amy also volunteers with the Calgary Stampede and enjoys mountain sports.
Jeff Litster is the president and co-founder of Fidelity Manufacturing Group in Calgary. With roots in automotive and injection mouldmaking, he co-founded Fidelity in 2007. The company now employs around 75 people and is a leader in Aerospace and Defence, specializing in complex, high-precision components.
Dr.-ing Robert Martinuzzi is a Professor of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Calgary and a Fellow of ASME. His research focuses on turbulent flows, bluff-body aerodynamics, and flow control using advanced experimental and machine learning methods. He leads the Laboratory for Turbulence Research in Aerodynamics and Flow Control (LTRAC) and has contributed to aerospace and energy applications for over 30 years.
Dr-Ing. Robert Martinuzzi
Professor of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary
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Chioma is an aircraft maintenance engineering analyst at De Havilland Canada and holds a PhD in Aviation Transport. She began her journey through a scholarship to study in Ukraine and believes in predictive maintenance for efficient aircraft operations. A private pilot, she serves on several aviation boards and has earned recognition from ICAO, the Royal Aeronautical Society, and Elevate Aviation.
Dr. Chioma Onyedikachi Okoro, PhD
Board Member, Manufacturing Committee Chair, Alberta AAC
Integrating Indigenous Business Procurement Systems: Navigating Relationships, Nuances, and Opportunities - 6th May 2025 | 2:00PM - 2:50PM
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Chief Executive Officer
Strat First Inc.
Kenneth Letander
Ken Letander, BSW, MBA, is the founder of Strat First Inc., an Alberta-based firm specializing in Indigenous procurement, supply chain integration, and risk mitigation. With experience across government, First Nations, and industry, Ken supports clients nationwide and contributes to academic and advisory boards, including NAIT’s JR Shaw School of Business.
Advancing Aviation Education: Innovative Facilities and Training Approaches - 6th May 2025 | 3:10PM - 4:00PM
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Chief Superintendent, Prairie Rose School DIvision
Reagan Weeks
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Business Development Lead F35, CAE
Tony White
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Foresight Manager, Calgary Economic Development
Rachelle Bugeaud
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Director, Alberta AAC
Professor, Mount Royal University
Dr. Elizabeth Evans
Reagan Weeks is a seasoned education leader with 9 years as a superintendent. She holds a Doctorate in Education, an MBA, and a B.Ed., and is known for her innovative, award-winning leadership. Reagan also serves on the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society board.
Tony is a retired RCAF officer with 27 years of service and seven years as a Senior Press Officer at NATO. With a background in strategic communications and international deployments, he now works in business development at CAE Defence & Security, focusing on F-35 and NORAD modernization programs
Rachelle Bugeaud is the Foresight Manager at Calgary Economic Development, where she explores global trends to guide strategic planning. A professional futurist and designer, she brings creative insight and has worked with clients from Silicon Valley to federal departments.
Dr. Elizabeth Evans is a Senior Strategist at Mount Royal University, where she was the Founding Dean of Business and Communication Studies and served as Interim Provost. With a background in retail and consulting, she holds a PhD in International Marketing and an MBA from Queen’s. She now supports MRU’s growing aviation programs, including a new Aviation Management degree launching in 2024.
Soaring Together: Uniting Canada's Aviation & Aerospace Sectors for a Thriving Future - 6th May 2025 | 3:10PM - 4:00PM
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CEO, Chinook Helicopters
Cathy Press
Cathy Press is CEO of Chinook Helicopters and a trailblazing aviation leader. She grew the company from two to 30 aircraft and was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women. Cathy holds an Honorary Doctorate and serves on several aviation boards, inspiring the next generation of aviators.
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Executive Director, Northern Air Transport Association
Bernard Gervais
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Chair, Alberta AAC
Kendra Kincade
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Director – Growth Pillar, Aéro Montréal
Marie-Claude
Bernard Gervais is Executive Director of the Northern Air Transport Association and a long-time aviation leader. A private pilot and aircraft owner, he previously led COPA and holds a B.Sc. in Physics and PMP certification. He serves on the NAV CANADA Advisory Committee and co-chairs GASP.
Honorary Colonel Kendra Kincade is an Air Traffic Controller with NAV Canada and the founder of Elevate Aviation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering women through careers in aviation. A public speaker, philanthropist, and trailblazer, she’s led national mentorship programs, opened learning centres, and received numerous awards for her work advancing women in the industry
Marie-Claude, a mechanical engineer, brings over a decade of experience in aerospace and five years in construction entrepreneurship. At Aéro Montréal, she leads strategic initiatives and collaborations to drive innovation and strengthen Quebec’s aerospace industry.
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Senior Advisor, Alberta Council
Richard Gotfried
Richard Gotfried is a former MLA and business leader with over 20 years of experience. He chaired Alberta’s Strategic Aviation Advisory Council and served in senior roles at Cathay Pacific and The Trico Group. Richard is now a Senior Advisor at Alberta Counsel.
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President & CEO
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC)
Mike Mueller
Mike is a seasoned leader with extensive government experience, having advised federal Ministers across key departments. Before joining AIAC, he held senior roles at Employment and Social Development Canada, Public Safety Canada, Foreign Affairs, and Treasury Board. He also serves as Vice-Chair and Financial Controller for the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations.
Securing the Skies: Cybersecurity Challenges and Innovations in Aviation & Defence - 6th May 2025 | 3:10PM - 4:00PM
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Chief Information and Security Officer, Protexxa
Deryck Greer
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Lead CMMC Registered Practitioner (RP), StreamScan
Christopher Augoustis
Protexxa is a fast-growing Canadian cybersecurity firm offering AI-driven cyber issue resolution, training, and consulting. Deryck Greer, Executive Leader at Protexxa, brings 18+ years of experience from Scotland Yard, specializing in cyber intelligence, security risk, and breach readiness.
Christopher Augoustis is the Lead CMMC Registered Practitioner at StreamScan, a Canadian cybersecurity firm. He helps aerospace and defense firms meet CMMC and CPCSC compliance through secure systems, audit-ready documentation, and tailored strategies. Chris specializes in aligning cybersecurity with business needs and operational realities.
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Board Member, Director Governance, Alberta AAC
Kevin Wong
Kevin is a Barrister & Solicitor, tech entrepreneur, and software developer with decades of experience in SR&ED and R&D tax credits. He has filed millions in claims and founded a law firm focused on these programs. Kevin is licensed in Alberta and in England and Wales.
Keynote- 7th May 2025 | 9:15AM - 9:50AM
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President and CEO Lufthansa Technik
Max Schramm
Max Schramm is the President and CEO of Lufthansa Technik Canada, where he brings a unique blend of operational expertise, strategic vision, and people-first leadership. He began his aviation career as an apprentice with Lufthansa Cargo in Frankfurt, gaining hands-on ramp experience before advancing to a Product Sales Manager role at Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg. His passion for aviation and innovation led him to Canada, where he became Director of Sales and played a key role in establishing Lufthansa Technik Canada. A highly motivated leader with a proven track record in negotiations, stakeholder engagement, employee development, and strategic execution, Max excels at bridging diverse interests and breaking down complex challenges into actionable solutions. Today, he leads Lufthansa Technik Canada with a clear vision: to unite German excellence with Canadian ambition in shaping the future of aircraft engine services across North America and beyond.
Future of Air Traffic with NAV CANADA - 7th May 2025 | 10:10AM - 11:00AM
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Director ACC Operations West
Scott Williams
Scott Williams joined Nav Canada in 2000 as an IFR Air Traffic Controller. After 17 years in operational and union roles, he moved into management, becoming Director of ACC Operations West in 2023, overseeing the Vancouver and Edmonton control centres.
Regulating by Exemption: Issues Surrounding the Canadian Helicopter Industry - 7th May 2025 | 10:10AM - 11:00AM
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Helicopter Association of Canada
Trevor Mitchell
Trevor Mitchell is the President and CEO for the Helicopter Association of Canada. He brings 30 years of Aviation experience to HAC. Trevor’s career has spanned a broad cross section of the helicopter industry in Canada and also globally. Career experience consists of piloting of VFR and IFR helicopters, planning heliport and airport infrastructure and multiple roles as mid and senior management within the fixed and rotary wing aviation segment.
People-Centered Best Practices - 7th May 2025 | 10:10AM - 11:00AM
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Director, Industry Culture Development, Elevate Aviation
Emily Reiman
Emily holds degrees in Sociology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and Equity Studies, with over a decade of aviation experience in public and military sectors. A certified Change Management expert, she focuses on workplace culture, inclusion, and leadership development to drive organizational success.
Chief Strategy Officer, Elevate Aviation
Nova Andrews
Nova has held leadership roles in aviation and workforce development, including at Canada 3000 Airlines, Edmonton Airports, and Women Building Futures. Now at Elevate Aviation, she develops inclusive, career-focused programs and leads workplace culture initiatives to support safety and retention in the aviation industry.
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Executive Director, Canadian Aviation Pride
Fadi El Masry
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Executive Assistant & Mentorship Program Coordinator, Elevate Aviation
Ilianna Thasitis
Fadi El Masry is Executive Director of Canadian Aviation Pride, leading efforts to foster inclusion for LGBTQ+ professionals in aviation. With 15 years in public and private sectors, he became a pilot in 2024 and is dedicated to building people-centered, inclusive workplaces.
Ilianna is a licensed Private Pilot working toward her Commercial Pilot’s License at the Edmonton Flying Club. She is the Mentorship Program Coordinator and Executive Assistant at Elevate Aviation, where she supports initiatives that empower others in aviation. Her journey reflects resilience, passion, and a commitment to mentoring future pilots.
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President, Urban Pilots and Professionals Network
Warren Holt
Warren Holt is a Captain at Air Canada flying the Boeing 767, with 20 years of experience across multiple fleets. A Seneca College graduate, he began as a flight instructor and flew for Wasaya Airways and Air Jamaica. Warren also leads the Urban Pilots & Professionals Network, mentoring the next generation of aviators.
Navigating Sustainability in Aviation: Fuel, Technology, and Beyond - 7th May 2025 | 11:10AM - 12:00PM
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Executive Director, Canadian Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuels
Geoffrey Tauvette, P. Eng
Geoff is a senior aviation leader with 25+ years of experience in fuel procurement, climate risk, and sustainability. He plays a key role in advancing sustainable aviation fuels in Canada and shaping climate policy. Geoff holds degrees in civil engineering and serves as an ambassador for Alberta Energy Futures Lab and a board member of the Clean Resource Innovation Network.
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AVP Research and Scholarship, MRU
Connie Van der Byl
Dr. Connie Van der Byl is the Associate VP of Research at Mount Royal University. With a PhD in Energy Management, she has a background in Alberta’s energy sector and focuses her research on how organizations respond to environmental challenges.
Elevating Black Voices in Aviation and Aerospace - 7th May 2025 | 11:10AM - 12:00PM
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Coneil Campbell
Coneil Campbell is a Training Captain at Air Liaison and VP of the Urban Pilots and Professionals Network (UPN), where he champions diversity in aviation. He’s pursuing a Master’s in Aviation Management and is committed to breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.
​Training Captain, Air Liaison
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Tonya Yearwood
Tonya, born in Toronto to Trinidadian parents, built a diverse career before finding her passion in aviation IT. Seeing a lack of diversity, she founded the Black Aviation Professionals Network (BAPN) to support Black professionals, raise awareness of aviation careers, and empower the next generation.
Senior IT Project Manager, Air Canada
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Dr. Chika B. Onwuekwe, KC, ICD.D, is VP, Legal, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Trican Well Service Ltd. With a background in top law firms, government, and academia, he also serves on the boards of ENMAX and CPAB. A strong advocate for diversity, he was the inaugural Chair of BlackNorth’s Alberta Chapter and founded the Kadibia Leadership Foundation to support emerging leaders.
Dr. Chika Onwuekwe, KC, ICD.D
Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Trican Well Service Ltd.
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Jane Eruchalu is EVP of Production & Operations at Mojek Resources Inc., with 25+ years of global oil and gas experience. A Petroleum Engineer and patent co-author, she’s worked with top firms like CNRL and Husky. Jane holds ICD.D and GCB.D designations and is a passionate advocate for women, youth, and community empowerment.
Jane Eruchalu, P.Eng
Executive Vice President, Production & Operations, Mojek Resources Inc.
Chioma is an aircraft maintenance engineering analyst at De Havilland Canada and holds a PhD in Aviation Transport. She began her journey through a scholarship to study in Ukraine and believes in predictive maintenance for efficient aircraft operations. A private pilot, she serves on several aviation boards and has earned recognition from ICAO, the Royal Aeronautical Society, and Elevate Aviation.
Dr. Chioma Onyedikachi Okoro, PhD
Alberta AAC Manufacturing Committee Chair
Advancing Safety and Security in Aviation - 7th May 2025 | 11:10AM - 12:00PM
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Shannon Martens is Director of Service Delivery for Prairies Region at CATSA, with 30+ years in aviation and security. A strategic leader, she excels in building high-performance teams and driving operational improvements. Shannon holds a BA in Sociology, an MA in Leadership, and is a certified HR and coaching professional.
Shannon Martens
Director of Service Delivery, Prairies Region – Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)
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Brian is a longtime educator and former Associate Dean at NAIT with over 35 years in teaching and leadership. He has 40+ years of aviation involvement, including Air Cadets and air shows, and helped develop national aviation curriculum for Canadian high schools.
Brian Andrus
Director of Operations, Alberta AAC
Drones, Counter Drones & Integrated Solutions: The Evolution and Innovation cycle in Defence & Security - 7th May 2025 | 1PM - 1:50PM
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Denean Tomlin is Head of VP/ITB (Offsets) at SkyAlyne Canada, leading the company’s Industrial and Technological Benefits strategy and Canadian Value Proposition. With over 17 years in defence and 30 years in business development and trade, she also serves on several industry boards and co-hosts the SHE SHOOTS podcast focused on women in shooting sports.
Denean Tomlin
Head of VP/ITB (Offsets), SkyAlyne Canada Inc
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Michael Jackson
Michael A. Jackson of Fortem Technologies is a UAS detection expert with 30 years in high-tech industries, including aerospace and supercomputing. He specializes in counter-drone systems and layered threat mitigation for protecting critical infrastructure worldwide.
Director of Channel Management Fortem Technologies
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Vincent Malley is Vice President of Business Development at UVAD Technologies, leading UAV defence programs including the Alpine Swift and Falcon Supersonic. A CPA with over $150M in defence contract wins, he brings global experience in aerospace, strategic sales, and cross-industry collaboration.
Vincent Malley
Vice President Of Business Development UVA Dynamics Inc.
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Spencer Fraser
Founder & CEO, Landing Zone
Spencer Fraser is Founder & CEO of Landing Zones Canada, with over 40 years of experience in aerospace, marine, and defence. Known for leading major uncrewed systems and naval projects, he now pioneers sustainable tech with the Gitpo drone—Canada’s first reusable alternative to single-use weather sondes.
AI: Humanity’s Greatest Tool or Existential Threat? - 7th May 2025 | 2:10 PM - 3:00 PM
Tony is a retired RCAF officer with 27 years of service and seven years as a Senior Press Officer at NATO. With a background in strategic communications and international deployments, he now works in business development at CAE Defence & Security, focusing on F-35 and NORAD modernization programs.
Tony White
Business Development Lead F35, CAE
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Dr. Henry Leung is a Schulich Industry Research Chair and professor at the University of Calgary, specializing in signal processing, data fusion, and machine learning. A former defence scientist with DND, he has authored 350+ journal papers, holds 20+ patents, and is a Fellow of multiple engineering academies.
Henry Leung
Schulich Industry Research Chair and Professor, University of Calgary
Honorary Colonel Kendra Kincade is an Air Traffic Controller with NAV Canada and the founder of Elevate Aviation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering women through careers in aviation. A public speaker, philanthropist, and trailblazer, she’s led national mentorship programs, opened learning centres, and received numerous awards for her work advancing women in the industry.
Kendra Kincade
Alberta AAC Chair
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Ray Townsend is Head of Strategy and Growth at Lockheed Martin Canada, following a 23-year career in the RCAF, where he served as a CP-140 Aurora pilot and Director of Air Force Readiness. He now leads strategic initiatives aligned with Canada’s defence goals and builds key partnerships. He holds degrees from the Royal Military College, including a Master’s in Defence Studies and Security Management.