FMAA Announces Appointment of New President and CEO

June 22, 2016

Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) Board of Directors announced that R.J. Steenstra has been selected as incoming president and chief executive officer of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority. The selection was made following a competitive search process that began earlier this year. Steenstra will commence his new role with the Fort McMurray Airport Authority on Sept. 12.

“R.J. joins Fort McMurray Airport at a key point in our development,” said Airport Authority Board Chair Allan Kallal. “His appointment represents a new era that builds on previous successes. R.J. brings a wealth of airport leadership experience within the Alberta aviation sector and has a successful track record of strategy development and delivery.”

Steenstra is currently chief executive officer of the Red Deer Airport Authority. He brings a diverse background to the role with senior airport leadership and operations experience and is currently the vice chair for the International Association of Airport Executives (Canada).

"I am excited to be joining the Fort McMurray Airport Authority at such a transitional time for the airport and community,” said Steenstra. “I am looking forward to bringing my passion and energy to a resilient team and community, building on the work that has been done over the past years and the strength of the community. In the near term there will be a focus on making the community vibrant again through great guest experience, capitalizing on revenue opportunities and strengthening relationships with our airlines, partners and stakeholders."

Roelof-Jan (RJ) Steenstra is currently Chief Executive Officer of the Red Deer Regional Airport Authority (RDRAA), a position he has held since 2011. During RJ’s tenure, the airport has transformed into a viable commercial transportation asset for Central Alberta experiencing 4 years of revenue growth, attracting a regional and national air carrier and undergoing a significant airport development program.