Dr. Tarek Sardana CD, DRCPC, FAsMA, ICD.D
Dr. Tarek Sardana has a wealth of experience supporting medical operations and organizations in austere and hostile environments. His entire career has been focused on delivering health care to organizations such as the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in various locations such as the Arctic, Haiti, Rwanda, Syria etc. As well, he has always functioned as a “front-line” health care worker in various Emergency Rooms and clinic settings throughout Canada. His training commenced with his MD from the University of Ottawa and continued when he obtained his specialization in Aerospace Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He was bestowed as a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) in 2019. Dr. Sardana is the founder and President of the Canadian Society of Aerospace Medicine (CSAM) which is empowered to help members network and achieve their own successes within their respective careers. Dr. Sardana is also an active private pilot of his own Cessna aircraft and he is passionate about mentorship in the Canadian aviation community nationally.
Chelsey Quirk
Chelsey is focussed on making space and cultivating change. As a proud Métis woman, she has spent much of her career advocating for Indigenous rights and diversity, equity and inclusion, through non-profit, government and private sector positions. Following a rewarding career with the Government of Canada, Chelsey joined the team at Edmonton Airports in 2015 where she works as the Manager, Social Impact and Indigenous Partnership Development to create meaningful and collaborative relationships that drive economic growth and reconciliation for the Edmonton Metro Region, including the signing of Memorandum’s of Understanding with Montana First Nation and Indigenous Tourism Alberta. She led the opening of the first-of-its-kind, Indigenous Interpretive and Retail Centre at YEG, shining a spotlight on the vibrant Indigenous history, culture and retail offerings in and around the region. She is a valuable subject matter expert, changing the landscape of social impact and tangible economic reconciliation across the airport industry. Chelsey is a long-standing member of the Elevate Aviation Board of Directors. In addition, Chelsey is an active member of the Board of Directors for Aksis – Edmonton’s Indigenous Professionals Association. Most recently, Chelsey was recognized as one of Edify Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 because of her dedication to creating tangible change and space for Indigenous peoples through her career. An avid sports fan, in her spare time she can be found cheering on her favourite teams, spending time with her husband and son on the golf course or keeping busy with their donkeys and dogs on their acreage.
Chris Miles
Chris Miles serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Calgary Airport Authority (The Authority). Chris is responsible for The Authority’s day-to-day operations, engineering and construction portfolios. He is a senior aviation professional with over 25 years of progressive global experience. Chris has worked with airlines, airports and industry trade associations, including the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Airports Council International World, Air Canada, Abu Dhabi Airports Company and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Geneva, Switzerland. He is fluent in English and French and holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. Chris joined The Authority in 2018 as Vice President, Operations. Chris lends his expertise to several organizations to advance the aviation industry, including the Canadian Airports Council, ACI World and ACI North America Operations. He is also active in serving the local community as an advisory committee member with Tourism Calgary Meetings and Conventions and a governor of Lindsay Park Sports Society and MNP Community Sports Centre.
Suzanne Acton-Gervais
Suzanne brings with her over 35 years of experience and a broad wealth of knowledge in aviation. She currently represents and serves as Vice-President Stakeholder Relations and Regulatory Affairs with the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC). Prior to joining NACC, she held positions with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) where she liaised with airlines, international organizations including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and governments or industry stakeholders surrounding the globe to drive improvements in aviation safety and the development of global standards or best practices. She was also a frequent speaker at international industry conferences. Prior to this, she worked for the Airports Council International (ACI World), Transport Canada, and Air Canada. Suzanne is fluent in English and French and holds a Bachelor of Education, with a specialization in Adult Education, from Brock University and graduated with distinction. She implemented an undergraduate mentorship program at the University of Ottawa, titled “From Backpack to Briefcase”. She also completed development at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton Executive Education focused on Executive Influence to increase impacts with persuasion and power. All this said, according to Suzanne, her greatest accomplishment, is raising two young boys while working and/or studying full-time, into the fine young men they are today. During her time off you will often find her recharging outdoors enjoying nature either hiking, skiing, cycling or gardening.