Saint John Airport President And CEO Stepping Down
SAINT JOHN— The president and CEO of the Saint John Airport will be leaving his position, the airport’s board confirmed Tuesday.
Derrick Stanford’s last day on the job is March 10, 2021.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Derrick for his commitment and dedicated service to the Saint John Airport,” said Mark Bettle, chair of the board of directors, in a release. “His leadership and vision have been tremendous assets, benefiting not just the airport but the extended community it serves.”
Since taking on the role in 2016, the Saint John Airport has seen multiple, consecutive years of record-breaking passenger growth, major capital improvements and enhancements to passenger experience, as well as the attraction of new routes and carriers before the Covid-19 pandemic devastated the airline industry country-wide.
“While the global COVID-19 pandemic had a sudden and devastating impact on the entire travel industry, we had been set up to withstand the crisis,” Bettle said. “We are committed to our region. We will continue operating for private air service and medical emergencies and are standing by to fully serve southern New Brunswick as soon as travel returns.”
The airport’s director of finance and administration, Greg Hierlihy, will lead airport operations in the interim, as the board launches a search for the next President and CEO. Stanford will spend the next few weeks working with the board and airport team to ensure a smooth transition. The board of directors will work with an external recruitment firm and start the search for the next president and CEO this month.
“While Derrick’s departure will undoubtedly be felt, we are in good, experienced hands. Greg will lead our recovery strategy to restore operations and help YSJ get back to the good work we were doing providing excellent air service, building our economy and strengthening our region, pre-COVID,” Bettle said. “We wish them both the very best.”