Red Deer Regional Airport Authority did not have to look far to find its new CEO.
Nancy Paish, former airport business development and communications director and the airport's interim CEO since April, was officially announced as the airport's top executive on Tuesday.
“Nancy's leadership ushers in an exciting new era for the Red Deer Regional Airport,” said airport authority chair Iaian Park.
"We are confident that she will further elevate the airport's role as a driver of economic growth for Central Alberta, while ensuring it remains a valued asset to our community."
Paish expressed her enthusiasm for her new role at what she called a "pivotal time" for the airport.
"The airport is a vital asset to the region, and I look forward to working with the talented team, local businesses, and community leaders to enhance our services, expand our reach, and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of central Alberta."
Paish will be guiding the airport at an important point in its growth
A $3.5-million terminal expansion project was officially opened last week and construction on a new $18-million access road to the north is well underway.
The expansion includes a 10,000-square-foot addition with space for security, baggage pick-up area, future customs area and space to handle the 189 passengers from a full 737-800.
The terminal upgrade is the second phase of the airport’s ambitious plan to create a transportation hub with passenger service and to turn 200 acres of airside land into a centre for aviation-related industries from manufacturing and maintenance to cargo and flight training.
First phase work included widening the runway to allow for 737-sized passenger jets to land. An apron and taxiway were also refurbished.
The airport got a $30 million boost from the provincial government in its April 2023 budget.
Paish has deep roots in central Alberta. She graduated from Red Deer Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2003 and went on to get an Executive MBA in global leadership from the University of Fredericton.
She joined Westerner Park in 2004 and spent nearly 17 years there and was business development manager when she left to join the airport as business development and communications manager in May 2021.
The CEO job came open when Graham Ingham left after seven years at the helm to become CEO of Thunder Bay Airport in Ontario in April.
