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ACADA Welcomes Six New Directors and Names New Chair at AGM

Published: July 31, 2024

At its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 17 July 2024, the Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA) ratified six new Directors to round out its 12-person board in support of the association which represents 190+ members and the interests of the Aerospace and Defence (A&D) industry in Atlantic Canada.

In addition, Clark Bain (Senior Vice President, Strategic Development at IMP Aerospace & Defence) was named Chair for the 2024/25 Fiscal Year. Mr. Bain’s extensive strategy, business management, and communications experience will be an asset to ACADA as the association embarks on another three-year strategy to deliver high value member services.

“It is an honour to take on the role of Chair at a pivotal time for Atlantic Canada’s A&D industry,” said Clark Bain, Chair. “Leading a regional group of industry experts is an exciting opportunity to give back to an A&D industry that really does punch above its weight. Opportunities for Atlantic Canadian companies are abundant, and cooperation to overcome challenges is essential to our success as a region.”

Mr. Bain will lead a strong board of directors consisting of regional representation from all Atlantic Provinces. The members of the board are as follows.

Returning:

  • Clark Bain Senior (VP, Strategic Development, IMP Aerospace & Defence)
  • Jon Cheverie (President and COO, MDS Coating Technologies)
  • Mark Coffin (CEO, Tronosjet Maintenance Inc.)
  • Duncan McSporran (COO and VP Defence and Public Sector, Kognitiv Spark)
  • Lindsay Power (Director, Projects, StandardAero)
  • Emily Smits (CEO and Co-Founder, Modest Tree)

New: 

  • Randy Billard (President and CEO, Virtual Marine)
  • Carolann Harding (CEO, SmartIce)
  • Kim Holland (Marketing Manager, Lastwall)
  • Ted Lomond (President, North Atlantic)
  • Brennan West (Director, Defence and Aftermarket Business Unit, Gastops Ltd.)
  • Ian Wilms (Co-Founder and CEO, SeafarerAI)

At the AGM, ACADA presented a successful 2023/24 Fiscal Year report, with the delivery of three new programs, seven ACADA-hosted events, two international trade missions, and a growing membership.

“The A&D Industry in Atlantic Canada is growing year-over-year and, as a result, our members’ needs are evolving,” said Victoria Belbin, CEO. “I look forward to working closely with the ACADA board and team to continue to deliver exceptional value to members and drive industry progress as we advance our offerings.”

In 2022, APEC reported that the Atlantic Canada’s A&D industry accounted for over 7% of the national industry, with the direct impact of Atlantic Canada’s A&D industry as $1.24 billion in GDP and over 11,000 jobs. The total impact of the industry is $2.5 billion in GDP and almost 23,600 jobs, including supply chain purchases and induced consumer spending.

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About ACADA:

The Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA) supports, connects, and promotes a diverse and dynamic membership committed to delivering industry-leading A&D solutions to the world. Through custom services and programming in direct response to market needs, we help our members and our region innovate future potential for positive global impact. Learn more at ac-ada.ca.

Media Contact:

Amanda Eid
Director of Communications and Engagement
amanda.eid@ac-ada.ca