Board appoints Denean Robinson as President & CEO
Fort McMurray, AB – Denean Robinson has been selected as the new President & CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA), effective January 1, 2023. Denean graciously accepted the permanent position at the December FMAA board meeting after holding the role of Interim President & CEO since RJ Steenstra’s departure in September.
“After an extensive international search, and consideration given to several highly qualified candidates, the Board of Directors chose Denean for the position,” says Mike Chwelos, Board Chair. “She has six years experience as the Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President of Corporate Services with the organization. In that time, she has displayed unwavering commitment to the airport’s interests and success.”
In her role as CFO & VP, Corporate Services, Denean successfully managed the financial health of the organization, while navigating challenges associated with the oil and gas industry downturn, natural disasters, and the pandemic.
Over the past 2 years, Denean successfully secured $36M in grant funding from all levels of government, enabling continued airport operations, despite the abrupt decline in travel during the pandemic. With Denean’s leadership and support, FMAA achieved Airport Council International World’s Global Carbon and Health Program Accreditations and in 2020, was personally recognized as Airport Council International – North America’s Finance Professional of the Year, serving under 2 million passengers. Denean is also an exceptional community leader, serving on various committees and boards. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce.
Denean’s goals for 2023 include leading the FMAA team in advancing the strategic plan by strengthening and diversifying revenue sources, and continuing to increase domestic and transborder air services, further establishing YMM as Northern Alberta’s Airport of Choice.
The Board of Directors thanks Denean for accepting the role and looks forward to FMAA’s many successes and accomplishments to come under her leadership.
