After many years of strong leadership at the Thunder Bay International Airport, President & CEO Ed Schmidtke has announced he is retiring on March 1, 2024. “Aviation has always played a critical role in the lives of the people in Northwestern Ontario. It has been an honour and privilege to have been a part of its growth and development over the past 35 years”, says Ed Schmidtke, outgoing CEO.
Over his time at the Airport, Schmidtke has been part of a team that built the Air Terminal Building, rebuilt both runways, opened new commercial subdivisions, managed the transfer of the airport out of government operations and mitigated the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic.
The Board of Directors thanks Ed for his innovative, creative, and inclusive leadership and believes the Thunder Bay International Airport is well positioned for the future. Ed shared his observation that, “the Airport is on solid footing with its best days still ahead of it.”
In the immediate months ahead, the Board of Directors will complete a fulsome search for a new President & CEO and put a process in place for smooth transition and leadership.
Gary Woodbeck
Board Chair