“I have worked with Mike Hooper during his entire tenure as CEO at the Nanaimo Airport as well as six years on the Board of Directors for the BC Aviation Council. Mike is an innovative, positive and visionary leader. From concept development through to planning and final completion of projects, Mike has consistently asked the right questions, quickly absorbed new knowledge and then implemented successfully. He is a pleasure to work with and I have especially appreciated his collaborative approach to achieving success when faced with economic, regulatory or technical challenges.”
Jack Willms
Principal Consultant, TetraTech
“I participated on numerous Projects, Committees and Boards with Mike over the years. He consistently brings forward innovative solutions to successfully solve difficult challenges. Mike is clear and inclusive when introducing and reviewing complicated subject matter with all team members, leading to full project success.”
Andrea Rosato-Taylor
Publisher, Ladysmith Chronicle
“I met Mike when he joined as a Director of the BC Aviation Council Board. Over the years, Mike became a key contributor to the BCAC Board and always offered “value added” discussion and comments. It was a pleasure working with Mike and I know he will be a positive influence with any business or Board he is associated with in the future.”
Mark Duncan
Past Board Chair, BC Aviation Council
“Durwest was engaged by Mike Hooper as project and construction managers for the Nanaimo Airport air terminal building expansions completed in 2011 and 2020. Mike’s management style focuses on collaboration and respect which inspires those around him to succeed. In his calm manner, rarely did a challenge arise that Mike did not participate in the solution with the approach of solving the problem, and not why there was a problem. With his finger on the pulse and a genuine desire to deliver on his responsibilities, Mike’s success stems from the strength of his leadership and people skills.”
Darcy Kray
President, Durwest Construction
“I’d like to recognize and thank airport CEO and President Mike Hooper, who has announced his retirement. His outstanding year of achievement included earning the B.C. Aviation Council’s Robert S. Day Award for his contribution to the aviation and aerospace industry. It is a well-deserved honour.” (2019 Annual Report)
Wendy Clifford
Board Chair, Nanaimo Airport
“I had the opportunity to work with Mike during his time as President/CEO at the Nanaimo Airport. I always found Mike to show true leadership qualities by being pro-active, action focused, inclusive and a real team player.”
John Hankins
CEO, MIBI, Mid-Island Business Initiative
“I have had the pleasure of working with Mike in several capacities during the past 14 years, both in my roles as General Manager of the Vancouver Flight Information Region and Chair of the BC Aviation Council. I found Mike to be a practical, innovative and well respected leader, highly capable of resolving regulatory issues at YCD while ensuring the organization remained positioned for success. Mike was also a valued member of the BCAC Board of Directors where he contributed Industry expertise with the highest degree of integrity.”
Heather Bell
Board Chair BC Aviation Council and GM Vancouver Flight Information Region
“I really enjoyed working with Mike. Together with the rest of the board and his staff we were able to accomplish something that has had a tremendous impact on our community and the mid Island area. It takes great leadership, dedication and interpersonal skills. That is what Mike provided to the entire team and I thank him! Not only that but he left a strong financial legacy. He made us all look great!”
Russ Burke
Past Board Chair Nanaimo Airport
“I joined the Nanaimo Airport Commission, Board of Directors in 2005 along with Mike Hooper and Russ Burke. Mike stepped down from the Board in 2006 and assumed the President, CEO position as I became the Board Chair. Mike and I worked together extensively with the YCD Team over the following 6 years to successfully extend the runway/taxiway, install High Intensity Lights, add the Instrument Landing System (ILS), expand the terminal building and initiate a Fire Hall. Mike developed solid goal post and project deliverables with Staff and the consulting/contracting teams leading to a successful outcome where the projects were ahead of schedule and under budget. It was a pleasure working with Mike and the NAC Team during my tenure as Board Chair.”
Jerry Pink
Past Board Chair, Nanaimo Airport
“I had the extreme pleasure of working with Mike Hooper while he was on the Board of Directors for the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce. Mike’s dedication, commitment and strategic approach to leadership helped our organization grow exponentially during his tenure with us. Mike’s charm, character and integrity make him a delight to work with – he’s easy-going, thoughtful, generous and genuine.”
J Mark Drysdale
Executive Director, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce
“My thanks to the outstanding airport staff for again exceeding expectations in carrying out the long-term vision of the Nanaimo Airport Commission; to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations in our service area.” (2014 Annual Report)
John Craig
Past Board Chair, Nanaimo Airport
“I have had the pleasure of working with Mike on numerous projects over a number of years. I have always found him to be thoughtful, strategic and inclusive. He is willing to ask the hard questions and then put his shoulder behind a chosen direction.”
George Hansen
President & CEO, Vancouver Island Economic Alliance
“Mike brought unusual vigour and skills to the position and has gained the complete confidence of the Board. We are fortunate to have him as CEO.” (2006 Annual Report)
Brian Smith
Past Board Chair, Nanaimo Airport
“Mike was a client of ours when he was the CEO of the Nanaimo Airport. I found Mike to be a great leader who was very approachable, well organized and respected by his team. His vision and determination led to a multi-million dollar expansion of the airport terminal, as well as preparing the lands for future economic development opportunities. I would not hesitate to recommend Mike for any strategic advice or organizational leadership support.”
Dan Huang
Senior Planner/Principal, Urban Systems Ltd
“I served with Mike when he was a member of the Board for the BC Airports Association. Mike consistently offered meaningful and productive input to Board meetings. I enjoyed interacting with Mike and I know he will be a positive addition to any Board or Executive Team he works with in the future.”
Carman Hendry
Past Chair, BC Airports Association
“It has been my pleasure to work close by Nanaimo Airport CEO Mike Hooper and, as one ‘Entity’ on the Commission, we were often working closely together. The success of YCD under Mike’s management and direction is widely known and the announcement last year that the facility is now recognized as the “second-busiest airport on Vancouver Island” came as little surprise to those watching its consistent, strategic growth thanks to Mike and the Team he assembled.
Simply, Mike Hooper and the Nanaimo Airport Team created a key economic engine for the region at YCD. By successfully working with diverse stakeholders, using strong communication and leadership skills, Mike led the team in the completion of numerous capital projects that were consistently ahead of schedule and under budget.”
Kim Smythe
President/CEO, Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce