Frank van Gisbergen and Susan Toresdahl have been appointed to the Comox Valley Airport Commission (CVAC) board of directors.
“We are delighted to announce the appointment of two talented individuals to our board,” said chair Linda Oprica. “Frank and Susan bring valuable knowledge and experience in the areas of aviation and governance, two key fields that will broaden and strengthen the overall skill set of the CVAC board.”
van Gisbergen brings extensive understanding of the travel and aviation industry. He has owned a travel agency and held positions with Canadian, Air Canada Jazz and WestJet. His most recent positions saw him involved with special projects for WestJet including the expansion of the airline’s operations in Hawaii and starting up new operations in Newark, N.J.
His varied career has provided him with experience as a travel agent and with airline sales, customer service, training and operations, including logistics, cargo and ground handling.
“I have lived in the Comox Valley for five years and during that time I’ve seen what an important asset the airport is for this community,” said Frank. “I am pleased to volunteer my time to such an important entity and I’m hopeful my understanding of airlines and their operations will be a valuable asset to the board.”
Frank fills the Comox Valley Economic Development Society nominee vacancy, a position formerly held by Darlene Neuman. His appointment is for a three-year term.
Toresdahl has lived and worked in the Comox Valley for over 20 years.
As the former executive director of the North Island College Foundation and the director of community relations, Susan brings valuable experience in strategic, administrative and operational planning, budget review and allocation, policy development and program evaluation.
Her eight years of experience on the Comox Valley Economic Development board (four of those as president) has provided relevant governance and board development skills. Susan has also served on the Comox Valley Art Gallery board.
“I have been a longtime resident of the Comox Valley and watched the growth of the airport carefully. I’ve been proud of the services it provides to individuals and businesses within our community,” she said. “I am impressed with the professional image the airport strives to maintain and I look forward to assisting the board in helping YQQ to thrive.”
Susan fills the member at large vacancy, a position formerly held by Christine Gibson. Her term is for two years.
The appointments were endorsed earlier this month and they both attended their first board meeting Sept. 19.
The Comox Valley Airport Commission is the governing authority for the operation of the Comox Valley Airport. The nine-member commission is broadly representative of the Comox Valley community and its members are nominated by the City of Courtenay, the Town of Comox, the Village of Cumberland, the Comox Valley Regional District, the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Comox Valley Economic Development Society.
CVAC is a federally incorporated, not-for-profit entity. It was established through letters patent in 1996.
— Comox Valley Airport Commission