Devana Is A Leader And Innovator
NANAIMO – Nanaimo Airport’s new President and Chief Executive Officer is an innovator with a focus on environmental stewardship and economic development.
Dave Davina is Nanaimo Airport’s new President and CEO
Dave Devana assumed the airport’s top management position Monday, succeeding the retiring Mike Hooper. For more than 20 years Devana led organizations as a chief administrative officer and chief financial officer in local government. He’s also a resident of north Nanaimo, where he lives with his wife.
“Dave is a motivational leader with a wealth of senior management experience,” says Wendy Clifford, chair of the Nanaimo Airport Commission. “His background makes him uniquely suited to fulfill our vision of being ‘Your Island Gateway to the World’.”
“I am looking forward to working with the Board and the staff to provide a safe, efficient and expanded airport service to our customers,” Devana says. “I also see a great opportunity to apply my skills to partner with local governments, First Nations, non-governmental organizations and business to expand the economic impact of the airport. I am eager to get started working with our partners to enhance our communities.”
Devana is very familiar with the airport after spending seven years as chief administrative officer for the nearby District of North Cowichan. He held a similar position with the Town of Cochrane in Alberta before accepting the top job at Nanaimo Airport.
Davina also served as director of finance and deputy chief administrative officer in both Sooke and Yellowknife. His peers in local government regard him as an innovator and leader, says Clifford.
Devana has a broad and extensive skillset. He’s a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) whose background includes land use and environmental stewardship, government relations and funding, financial management, strategic planning, and human resources and labour relations. He’s also developed expertise in information technology, innovation and leadership. negotiations, bargaining and communications.
As President and Chief Executive Officer, he will oversee Vancouver Island’s second busiest airport and lead a team of 28 employees.
Devana will help execute Nanaimo Airport Commission’s strategic plan, which includes developing vacant airport land to help diversify revenue and sustain operations and fulfilling the region’s air services needs for the next generation.
“He brings land development experience that will assist us in implementing long range commercial development and bring economic and employment opportunities to the region,” adds commission vice-chair Dave Witty.
Last year airport operations generated an estimated $486 million in economic impact felt throughout all corners of the region, including some 2,750 jobs that support Central Island families.
Hooper retired after 14 years at the helm. During his tenure, Nanaimo Airport became one of the province’s fastest growing regional airports. Earlier this year it opened an expanded Airport Terminal Building, a $14-million investment funded by the Commission and the federal and provincial governments.
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