Thunder Bay, ON – Wasaya Airways have announced the appointment of its new President and CEO, Michael Rodyniuk, effective June 8, 2015.
Rodyniuk brings to Wasaya Airways 25 years of airline experience. Through his previous positions with the Winnipeg Airports Authority and EIC, Rodyniuk brings with him substantial knowledge and direct experience in working with First Nation communities.
Mr. Michael Rodyniuk served as the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President at Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. Mr. Rodyniuk is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Aviation segment, which is focused on providing airline service and emergency medical services to communities in Northern Manitoba and Nunavut through its subsidiaries Calm Air, Keewatin Air and Perimeter Aviation. Mr. Rodyniuk has been Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Aviation
The recruitment of an experienced Airline executive to lead Wasaya forward is a material step in the company’s turnaround that commenced last fall and demonstrates the success of those efforts and confidence in Wasaya’s future. As CEO, Rodyniuk will build on the many operational improvements that have been implemented over the past few months as Wasaya looks at new opportunities to build on recent successes for the benefit of the First Nations Communities it serves.
The decision to hire Mr. Rodyniuk was made following a rigorous hiring process and has the unanimous support of the Wasaya Board of Directors and the leadership of the Wasaya First Nations.
“As Wasaya Airways moves forward, the Board is confident that Mr. Rodyniuk is the right person to lead the company,” said Chief Bart Meekis, Chair of the Wasaya Board of Directors. “His experience is impressive and the fact that he has worked with First Nation communities makes him an ideal choice to deliver results for Wasaya.”
Along with his extensive work experience, Mr. Rodyniuk has a Masters of Business Administration from The University of Manitoba and holds the designation as an International Airport Professional. He also has experience as a commercial airline pilot.
“I am honored to have been asked to lead Wasaya Airways,” Michael Rodyniuk states. “The good work the Board of Directors, their advisors and all the people on the Wasaya team have accomplished over the last number of months has positioned the airline for great success. I look forward to contributing and being a part of the Wasaya team, delivering a consistent, highly valued service to our inflight guests and freight customers while generating a profit for our shareholders and an excellent career path for First Nations people in aviation.”
Mr. Rodyniuk succeeds Tom Morris as President and CEO. Mr. Morris had been planning his retirement after a successful 21 year career with Wasaya once a successor had been found. The Wasaya Airways Board of Directors and staff thank Tom Morris for the dedication, leadership and service to the airline he has proven over the years and wish him a well-deserved and enjoyable retirement.
