Director of Client Services at Synergy Enterprises

Arctica Cunningham is Director of Client Services at Synergy Enterprises, a Victoria-based sustainability consulting firm specializing in emissions-intensive industries including aviation, marine, and resource sectors.

Arctica is one of Canada’s few approved Airport Carbon Accreditation verifiers, having supported airports from regional gateways to major international hubs including YVR, YYC, and YYJ. That work has given the team a firsthand understanding of what it means to manage emissions in an industry where much of your footprint is outside your direct control.

It’s that experience Arctica brings to the HAC stage. The conversation she’s opening is about the operational data most helicopter businesses don’t yet have, and the margin and competitive advantage waiting on the other side of it.

Kim Jones is a senior lawyer with over 25 years of legal experience and more than a decade of executive leadership in the ski and recreation industry. As the former Vice President & General Counsel at WinSport, Kim advised the President & CEO and executive team on legal, risk, and governance matters, while overseeing public and workplace safety and managing the organization’s insurance portfolio.

Kim recently launched her own practice, Tyndall Point Law, where she focuses on contract drafting and negotiation, proactive risk and incident management, and general counsel services. Much of her work serves the ski and outdoor adventure industry, including ski resorts, heli and cat skiing operators, guides, backcountry lodges, and rafting companies. Known for her practical, business-oriented approach, Kim delivers legal solutions that enable operational success within a sound risk framework.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors and Risk & Safety Committee of the Canada West Ski Areas Association.

Investment Counsellor 

Luke works with a select group of high-net-worth clients, helping them grow and preserve their wealth responsibly so they can focus on what matters most to them. He provides comprehensive wealth management, customized portfolio strategies, and holistic financial planning tailored to each client’s unique goals.

Collaborating with in-house specialists in tax, legal, insurance, and business owner planning, Luke delivers the integrity, professionalism, and depth of expertise his clients and their families expect. Working as part of a cohesive RBC team, he also supports business owners in developing thoughtful strategies for the transition and succession of their businesses.

A graduate of the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce and a Certificate in Real Estate, Luke took full advantage of his Western Hockey League scholarship to pursue both his academic and athletic ambitions.

Luke is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder — recognized globally as the gold standard in investment management. He also holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation from FP Canada, reflecting his commitment to the highest standards of financial expertise and ethical practice.

Vice President of Underwriting – AVRO Insurance Managers

Krista has more than 20 years of experience in the aviation insurance industry, with a background that includes both underwriting and brokerage roles. At AVRO Insurance Managers, she works closely with brokers and operators across Canada, providing creative insurance and risk management solutions for helicopter and fixed-wing operations. Her experience includes evaluating aviation risks, understanding regulatory frameworks, and keeping current with emerging trends in the industry. Krista’s work continues to bridge the gap between insurers, brokers, and aviation clients to address the evolving needs of the Canadian aviation sector.

Bob discovered helicopters in 1973 when working on an Ontario geological mapping crew. Seven years later he started his career as a commercial helicopter pilot.  He flew light, intermediate & medium helicopters, and served as chief pilot, flight & ground instructor and safety officer.  He fought fire extensively in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and the Northwest Territories.  He has been on the Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan Aviation Council for over 30 years.

 Bob became the Provincial Aviation Services Coordinator in the Saskatchewan wildfire program in March 1998 and retired in December 2024. In that position, he was associated with the provincial duty desk and was responsible for aviation services & procurement, staff training in aviation supervision & safety, and supervising wildfire airspace.

 In his spare time he is a civilian instructor with the local air cadet squadron and the coach of the Prince Albert fencing club.

BOARD MEMBER, TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD OF CANADA

Dr. Leo Donati joined the TSB in 1997 as a Senior Human Factors Investigator, contributing to over 100 investigations, including the Swissair 111 in-flight fire. He later served as Manager, Human Factors and Macro Analysis, and Director of Operational Services. While at the TSB, Dr. Donati represented Canada at the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization, advising on human factors and accident investigation. Prior to joining the TSB, he served as a Bioscience Officer with the Canadian Forces. Dr. Donati holds a Doctorate in Human Factors from the University of Toronto. He was appointed Member of the TSB in December 2023.

Lauren is a Partner at Emond Harnden LLP, where she advises employers in federally regulated industries on all manner of human resources and labour relations issues. Lauren’s expertise is a cornerstone of the Firm’s Aviation Practice Group, where she represents clients across the country, including fixed and rotary wing operators, flight training units, airports, and other organizations across the operational spectrum. She also has firsthand experience working in the sector, having completed two secondments that provided her with invaluable insight into the operations of two big players within the industry and allowing her to address clients’ challenges with a deep understanding of their operational realities. Lauren was also included in the Wings Magazine 20 under 40 list for 2024.

In supporting her clients, Lauren provides services in a wide range of areas, such as statutory compliance, averaging and modified work, privacy and access to information, human rights, and pay equity. She also provides management training on a variety of topics and regularly represents clients in front of labour arbitrators and administrative tribunals. Lauren’s commitment to her clients also extends to government relations work, including advocacy efforts relating to flight and duty time regulations and exemptions to the Canada Labour Code’s hours of work provisions.

Terry Miyauchi is the Public Safety Segment Manager for Bell.  His responsibilities include the development, growth, and influence of the global police and fire helicopter industry.  He delivers consultancy-based services geared toward greater operational success, expansion, efficiency and safety. 

Terry served more than four decades in public safety service.  He started his aviation career in the mid-1980s as a U.S. Army AeroScout pilot. Through the years, he has worked as a pilot, instructor pilot, standardization pilot, safety officer, aviation manager and leader.  He most recently retired as an Aviation Commander, overseeing a statewide fleet of parapublic helicopters and airplanes. 

Terry holds a Bachelor’s in Aeronautics and a Graduate degree in Aviation Leadership, from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.  He has amassed more than 7000 public safety command pilot hours in multiple helicopter types. He currently serves on various Boards and Advisory Committees in the furtherance of the airborne public safety segment.

Steven Sitcoff is a highly experienced lawyer with a unique combined expertise in both private aviation and corporate taxation matters, and he is a leading expert on the Canadian luxury tax.  Steven is frequently consulted by aircraft owners, aircraft manufacturers and brokers, aircraft finance firms, and aircraft management firms on matters including tax-efficient acquisition structures for aircraft, aircraft-related tax audits, and reviewing existing structures for tax risk.  Steven is a frequent speaker and writer on tax matters for aircraft owners.  Steven is called to the Bars of both Quebec and Ontario, and he is a partner with the national Canadian law firm McMillan LLP.

Jamie-Lee MacDermid has been appointed to the position of Director, Standards, Transport Canada, effective February 13, 2025, and will officially assume the position as of October 31, 2025, following Linda Kovacic’s retirement.
Jamie brings 24 years of experience in the aviation transportation field, with a diverse background across both the private and public sectors. Throughout her career, she has held a number of management and leadership positions, leading multi-disciplinary teams in complex regulatory environments.
Jamie joined TC in 2008 and has since occupied various positions with increasing responsibilities in the Atlantic and Pacific Regions, such as Civil Aviation Safety Inspector, Cabin Safety & Aviation Occupational Health and Safety (AOSH) and Technical Team Lead of the Specialties Division. More recently as the Associate Director of Operations, she provided leadership and operational direction on the delivery of the Civil Aviation safety regulatory program to regional employees who are responsible for safety, service, validation, and oversight activities for civil aviation enterprises such as air carriers, airports, heliports, manufacturers, flight schools, and maintenance organizations. Overall, she possesses extensive experience in various leadership roles providing oversight and ensuring regulatory compliance within the aviation transportation sector regulated by TC.
Jamie holds a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from the Royal Roads University.

Jamie-Lee MacDermid a été nommée au poste de Directrice, Normes, à Transports Canada, à compter du 13 février 2025. Elle assumera officiellement ses fonctions à partir du 31 octobre 2025, à la suite du départ à la retraite de Linda Kovacic.
Jamie a plus de 24 ans d’expérience dans le secteur de l’aviation et le secteur privé, où elle a occupé plusieurs postes de direction qui incluaient des responsabilités relatives à la gestion d’un service de sécurité des cabines, à la supervision de personnel, de budgets, de formation et de projets d’acquisition d’aéronefs et, surtout, à la gestion de la conformité réglementaire d’un grand transporteur aérien.

Board Member, Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB)

Paul Dittmann began his aviation career with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, obtaining his glider license in 1985. After joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986, he flew the Sea King helicopter in operational and instructional roles before commanding 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School. Mr. Dittmann’s roles at National Defence Headquarters include aircraft accident investigator, Chief Investigator for the Canadian Armed Forces, and several director positions. He has 4,000 flight hours, qualified as a naval diving officer, and holds a Masters of Defence Studies. He joined the TSB in 2017.

Board Member, Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB)

Dr. Leo Donati joined the TSB in 1997 as a Senior Human Factors Investigator, contributing to over 100 investigations, including the Swissair 111 in-flight fire. He later served as Manager, Human Factors and Macro Analysis, and Director of Operational Services. While at the TSB, Dr. Donati represented Canada at the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization, advising on human factors and accident investigation. Prior to joining the TSB, he served as a Bioscience Officer with the Canadian Forces. Dr. Donati holds a Doctorate in Human Factors from the University of Toronto. He was appointed Member of the TSB in December 2023.

Lead Partner, Aircraft Financing

Andrew is McMillan’s Lead of Aircraft Finance, focusing on aircraft and equipment financing, leasing, secured lending, and project financing. He is sought after nationally and internationally for his unparalleled expertise in aviation finance, regularly advising a full spectrum of aircraft lessors, operators, financial institutions and governmental entities. His expertise also extends to aircraft and equipment acquisitions, charter and operating agreements, secured and unsecured credit facilities, public-private partnerships, asset-based lending and debtor-in-possession (DIP) lending.

Andrew is repeatedly recognized by Chambers Canada in Transportation: Aviation (Finance); by Best Lawyers in Canada in Aviation Law, Transportation Law and Project Finance Law; by the Canadian Lexpert Directory in Aviation (Regulation & Liability) and Asset Equipment Finance / Leasing; and by the Lexology Index: Transport Report as a Global Leader in Transportation.

Operational Duty Manager, Vancouver Area Control Centre – NAV Canada

Thomas has extensive experience in and knowledge of the aviation industry. He has spent much of his career within flight operations with various airlines. Thomas joined NAV Canada in 2020 and holds a key role in various aviation industry working groups including the Pacific Regional Wildfires and Traffic Management best practices.

Owner & Chief Client Officer – Coast Communications & Public Affairs

Tamara brings 20+ years’ experience in corporate communications, public affairs and government relations to her clients, including 15 years consulting and seven years owning and running Coast Communications and Public Affairs. Before that she spent 11 years in public service advising Ministers and Mayors in B.C. municipal and provincial governments.

Tamara’s main interest is how to bring an integrated set of solutions to help clients communicate with audiences and achieve broad support and build profile and reputation. She is an expert in issues management and crisis communications, in which she frequent trains clients. As a trained social scientist (Anthropologist), Tamara is committed to using research and insights on which to base programs.

Tamara’s clients have included some of B.C.’s largest companies and organizations, including marine shippers, terminals and ports, business and industry associations, regulated utilities, the energy sector, including clean energy, natural gas and LNG projects and associations, forestry and mining companies, universities, transportation organizations, municipal governments, Indigenous Governments, not-for-profits and others. 

Tamara spent seven years in B.C. Government communications, in Manager and Director roles, leading all communications for the Ministries of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources, Transportation and the Treaty Negotiations Office. She also served as communications, government relations and marketing director for Partnerships BC (now Infrastructure BC), the provincially-owned company responsible for public capital project procurement. Before that she ran a B.C.-wide consultation program for the Legislature on treaty negotiations, and spent four years advising Mayors and City Managers on Aboriginal relations and treaty negotiations.

Tamara has honours Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees in Anthropology from UBC, focused on B.C. Indigenous Nations and contemporary and historic political and cultural issues; she worked collaboratively and lived on the lands of the Stó:lō people. Her Master’s research was focused Stó:lō cultural education programing.

Tamara grew up in small-town B.C. in Penticton, and lives in East Vancouver with her husband and son. She is an avid creator, including painting, sewing and calligraphy and loves to read. 

She has a passion for community volunteering and governance. She sits on the BC Parks Foundation board. She is the former Chair of the Kettle Friendship Society Board, a mental health care and housing organization; the former Chair of the Kitsilano Neighbourhood House as well as its Fundraising Committee; the former chair of the Public Affairs Association of Canada BC Chapter, of which she is a member. She is also a member of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, Canadian Public Relations Society, International Association of Business Communicators. She is trained in public engagement and consultation through the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2), of which she is a member.

Tamara is the co-founder of Middle Ground, a safe, user-friendly AI consultation and engagement tool that provides a simple way for the public to get clear, accurate answers about projects being built that require complex consultation and include a lot of technical and scientific information.

Director VP Operations – Bailey Helicopters

Shawn is a co-owner and the Vice President of Operations at Bailey Helicopters. With over two decades of experience in the aviation industry, he has been a licensed helicopter pilot since 2002. Throughout his career, Shawn has held a variety of leadership roles including Base & Safety Manager, Transport Canada Approved Check Pilot, Training Pilot, and Operations Manager.

He is highly regarded for his ability to foster strong client relationships, enhance team effectiveness, and promote leadership development across all organizational levels.

Consultant – True Course Solutions

Jamie Molloy is the President of True Course Solutions, an aviation consulting firm based in the Vancouver area. Jamie started flying over 30 years at the age of 14 and his career spans both fixed-wing and helicopter commercial operations.

In 2010, Jamie founded True Course Solutions (TCS), specializing in aviation consulting, auditing, aerial construction, training, safety and risk management. TCS has worked with diverse aviation sectors, including airlines, helicopter operators, air ambulance services, mining/exploration, heliskiing, and powerline utilities.

Chief Pilot – Rotary Wing – Helijet International Inc.

Mike’s aviation career has spanned 38 years predominantly muti-engine, multi crew in a variety of roles having flown SK76, SK61, AW139, EC225, AS332, EC120 & Bell 206 both domestically and internationally.

Mike has been involved in flight crew training and checking throughout majority of his career covering such disciplines as IFR & Type training on complex aircraft types, NVG training and Crew Resource Management instruction. Mike also holds a current Approved Check Pilot delegation from Transport Canada in addition to his present position of Chief Pilot, Helijet International

Allison Smit started her flying career 2007, working in Alberta and British Columbia. Allison originally joined GSH in 2014 where she worked on many large projects for oil/gas and mineral exploration customers, including production long lining, Forestry, camp mobilization, drill moving, high arctic flying and west coast/mountain flying. Allison carried on to expand her experience adding heli-ski support and power line construction/maintenance with the AS350, AS322 and Bell 212. Allison was previously Director of Safety in her last two Pilot roles, and joined GSH as the Chief Pilot in July 2023. Allison’s extensive field experience is valuable in her role as Chief Pilot where she works closely with the pilots and engineers to ensure each job runs smoothly. Allison has extensive knowledge and experience and passes this on efficiently in training to the pilots of GSH.

BC Hydro

Bio coming soon.

CEO Chinook Helicopters

Cathy Press is the CEO of Chinook Helicopters in Abbotsford. Beginning her flying journey at age 11, she was Canada’s first female helicopter flight instructor and remains the only person in Canada certified as a Transport Canada Pilot Examiner in both airplanes and helicopters. She currently holds flight instructor ratings issued by Transport Canada (TCCA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Under Cathy’s leadership, Chinook has grown from a fleet of 3 helicopters to 15, while also expanding into a 13 aircraft fixed-wing training operation. Chinook is established as a Robinson Helicopter dealership, Bell 505 dealership as well as an Approved Maitenance Operation. She has earned numerous accolades over the years, including Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100, the W.A. ‘Dub’ Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award, an Honorary Doctorate from UFV and most recently led Chionook to receive the 2025 Transport Canada Safety Award. 

Cathy serves as Chair of the British Columbia Aviation Council and sits on the board of the Helicopter Association of Canada, along with several other industry boards. She is also a strong advocate for aviation education, maintaining partnerships with British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). Cathy continues to inspire the next generation of pilots while breaking barriers for women in aviation.

Warren Everson is a government relations strategist with an extensive background in transportation.

During his career in government, Mr. Everson served as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Transport and the Solicitor General and was on the staffs of five other Ministers.

He was the Vice President for Policy for the Air Transport Association of Canada. In addition to his role in facilitation and taxation he was the primary director of the association’s international activities. Following the attacks of September 11, Warren worked extensively with U.S., Australian, and British governments on security issues

As President of Saramac Consulting Services, his practice focused on railway and aviation projects.  He was also an associate in the highly respected aviation consultancy Sypher Mueller, where he participated in projects across Canada, the United States and in Botswana, South Korea and Jordan.   

In 1992 he was the Executive Director for the National Transportation Act Review Commission – whose report “Competition in Transportation” was one of the dominant policy frameworks for transportation and whose recommendations have largely been enacted through legislation or regulation. 

He was one of three Commissioners of the Transportation Safety Board Review in 1992/93.

After working at Bell Canada and a seven-year term as VP Policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, he returned to transportation consulting in 2017.

With more than 35 years as a commercial pilot, flight instructor, and aviation safety inspector, Danielle Rehm brings deep industry experience and a lifelong passion for aviation.  She is a Director with the BC Aviation Council and a member of its Policy and Programs Committee. 

Before retiring in 2023, Danielle served as the Pacific Region representative for Flight Operations Standards at Transport Canada, where she oversaw airport operations, air operator certification, and special events such as airshows and skydiving demonstrations.  She was also responsible for managing airspace restrictions during wildfires and other emergencies. 

In retirement, Danielle engages in community advocacy and volunteer work, sharing her experience to help strengthen both the aviation sector and the communities it serves. 

BC Hydro

Darrell Ratzlaff has served as BC Hydro’s Manager of Aircraft Operations since 2010.  A Commercial Helicopter Pilot, Private Fixed-Wing Pilot and Journeyman Electrical Lineman, Darrell brings a unique blend of technical expertise and field experience in utility line operations to his role.  This combination enables him to effectively oversee and support the complex requirements of BC Hydro’s aviation program.  His deep understanding of how helicopters integrate with line work provides valuable insight for setting pilot standards that are both reasonable and safe

Managing Partner
CPA, CGA

Adam is the Managing Partner at Rise and has completed all levels of the CPA Canada In-Depth Tax Courses in addition to the CPA Canada In-Depth Corporate Reorganizations Advanced Tax Course. Adam continuously works to stay current with changing tax legislation and policies and has authored and/or updated courses for the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, including “Income Taxes on Death” and “Estates and Trusts”.

Adam joined Rise CPA in 2011. Prior to that, he spent 10 years at one of the large national accounting firms where he worked in the divestures group focusing on tax strategies for owners selling their businesses. His specialties include complex corporate reorganizations, international expansion, business and financing structures, marital and family disputes, employer/shareholder compensation, and various business succession and estate planning matters. He is adept at helping our clients enjoy maximum tax efficiency through his strategic approach to business acquisitions and divestitures.

Outside of work, Adam shares his knowledge on a range of tax topics at various speaking engagements across Canada. He is an avid hiker who enjoys exploring the local mountains with his wife and two children.

Royal Bank of Canada

Ben McKay is a Senior Director in RBC’s Mid-Market Mergers & Acquisitions practice. His transaction experience involves helping business owners plan, execute and structure M&A transactions with domestic and international public and private companies, as well as institutional investors, private equity firms and family offices. Since joining RBC in 2016, Ben has successfully closed over $1 billion in transactions across numerous sectors throughout Western Canada.  Prior to joining RBC, Ben worked in the deal advisory practice and industrial markets group for a big 4 accounting firm.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (First Class Honours) from Simon Fraser University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA, CPA) and a Chartered Business Valuator (CBV).  RBC Mid-Market M&A is one of Canada’s leading providers of M&A services to the mid-market. Operating from six offices across Canada, the team provides strategic value creation advisory services to Canadian companies operating in a variety of industries, including:

Analysis of Strategic Options: Working with business owners to understand their objectives and provide alternative value creation strategies.

Business Divestitures: Wo rking with business owners to develop and execute a divestiture process designed to maximize the value of the business being sold.

Acquisitions: We have extensive experience assisting companies manage the acquisition process including valuation, negotiations and capital structure.

Buyouts: We provide advice to companies or individuals seeking to complete a management or shareholder buyout.