The Canadian Airports Council, a division of Airports Council International, North America, appointed Monette Pasher as its interim president, effective January 24, 2022.

Pasher has 20 years of executive leadership and tourism marketing experience, explains Canadian Airports Council (CAC), and possesses extensive knowledge of Canada’s airports and policy landscape. She previously served as executive director of the Atlantic Canada Airports Association.

“We are delighted to welcome Monette,” said RJ Steenstra, chair of the CAC and president and CEO of Fort McMurray International Airport. “She is coming in at a critical time, as we deal with the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. Thanks to her knowledge of airport issues and proven track record as an industry advocate, she will be able to hit the ground running and maintain our high level of engagement with government.”

In December 2021, CAC announced its current president Daniel-Robert Gooch was leaving to pursue other opportunities. After serving with CAC for 16 years, his last day with the organization is January 31, 2022.

“With so many cross border and common issues, our offices in Ottawa and Washington are always in close communication,” said Kevin Burke, president and CEO, Airports Council International, North America. “I personally know Monette from our work in Canada, and know that she will make a great addition to our team in Ottawa as the search for a permanent president gets underway.”

CAC explains its leadership team has engaged an executive recruitment firm to help with the selection of a new president, which is expected to take between three to six months.

“I am pleased to join CAC to help move the national airport agenda forward and ensure we have the tools to both survive the pandemic and build a stronger and more resilient sector for the future,” said Pasher.