Flying Schools Committee

Chair: Sophia Wells
sophia@albertaaviationcouncil.com

This committee works closely with Alberta’s flight schools to address challenges such as instructor shortages, regulatory compliance, and training standards. It also encourages collaboration and best practice sharing to strengthen Alberta’s pilot pipeline and training excellence.

Aircraft Maintenance Competition Committee

Chair: Nicole Holinaty
nicole@albertaaviationcouncil.com

This Committee organizes a hands-on event showcasing the skills of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers while engaging students and the public. The committee oversees competition planning, team and judge recruitment, and logistics, while also coordinating school tours and interactive activities to inspire youth and promote careers in aviation.

Manufacturing Committee

Chair: Chioma Onyedikachi Okoro, PhD
chioma@albertaaviationcouncil.com

Supporting Alberta’s aerospace and aviation manufacturing base, this committee works on supply chain development, advanced manufacturing practices, and innovation. It seeks to elevate Alberta’s competitiveness in domestic and international aerospace markets.

Governance Committee

Chair: Kevin Wong
kevin@albertaaviationcouncil.com

This committee provides leadership on the overall structure, operations, and accountability of AB AAC. It ensures the committee’s bylaws, terms of reference, and strategic initiatives remain transparent, inclusive, and aligned with Alberta’s aviation goals. It also supports succession planning and operational continuity.

Scholarships and Endowments Committee

Chair: Hannah McKay
hannah@albertaaviationcouncil.com

This group is committed to breaking down financial barriers for aspiring aviation and aerospace professionals. The committee develops, promotes, and administers scholarships and endowment programs that support youth, underrepresented groups, and career changers entering the sector.

Airports Committee

Chair: Jeff Vader
jeff@albertaaviationcouncil.com

Focused on the province’s aviation infrastructure, this committee addresses regional and community airport operations, funding, regulatory issues, and development projects. It also explores opportunities to increase capacity, improve safety, and position Alberta’s airports as economic drivers.

Education and Labour Force Committee

Chair: Elizabeth Evans
liz@albertaaviationcouncil.com

This committee provides leadership on the overall structure, operations, and accountability of AB AAC. It ensures the committee’s bylaws, terms of reference, and strategic initiatives remain transparent, inclusive, and aligned with Alberta’s aviation goals. It also supports succession planning and operational continuity.

Air Operators Committee

Chair: Vacant

Representing the voices of commercial and private aviation operators, this committee focuses on operational, safety, and regulatory matters. It creates a platform for dialogue with Transport Canada, NAV CANADA, and other regulatory bodies to advocate for practical, industry-informed policies.

Aerospace, RPAS, Defence and Security Committee

Chair: Kimberly Van Vliet
kim@albertaaviationcouncil.com

This forward-looking committee explores innovation and strategic growth in unmanned systems (RPAS), aerospace technologies, defence sector engagement, and aviation security. It supports Alberta’s positioning in national security, R&D, and emerging aerospace sectors.

Community and Stakeholder Relations Committee

Chair: Mel Cornelius
mel@albertaaviationcouncil.com

This committee nurtures relationships with municipalities, Indigenous communities, local organizations, and industry stakeholders. It aims to strengthen public understanding of the aviation sector’s economic and social value while building collaborative partnerships.

Associate Board Committee

Chair: Nicole Holinaty & Sophia Wells
nicole@albertaaviationcouncil.com
sophia@albertaaviationcouncil.com

This committee supports the engagement of associate members—individuals or organizations with a vested interest in aviation—by facilitating collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing across AB AAC’s broader initiatives. It acts as a connector between technical experts, operators, and educators.

Membership and Youth Engagement Committee

Chair: Vacant

This dual-purpose committee focuses on expanding AB AAC’s network and increasing youth involvement in aviation careers. It supports school outreach, mentorship programs, and youth-friendly events while developing value propositions to grow and engage the membership base.

Social Media / Marketing Committee

Chair: Vacant

Designed to manage AB AAC’s public-facing communication and digital presence, this committee will lead content creation, outreach campaigns, and sector storytelling. Its role is crucial in raising awareness of Alberta’s aviation ecosystem and AB AAC’s ongoing impact.

Government and Grants Committee

Chair: Kendra Kincade & Nicole Holinaty
kendra@albertaaviationcouncil.com
nicole@albertaaviationcouncil.com

Focused on public policy and funding opportunities, this committee identifies provincial and federal grant programs, tracks legislative developments, and ensures AB AAC speaks with a united voice on regulatory issues. It also supports advocacy efforts to unlock new resources for Alberta’s aviation sector.