Executive Biographies

Michael Rodyniuk
President & Chief Executive Officer

With over 25 years of aviation management experience, Michael's leadership includes serving in senior executive roles at legacy, low cost, regional and start-up airlines. He has been active in airline acquisitions, restructuring and airport management. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Manitoba and is accredited by Airports Council International (ACI) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as an International Airport Professional (IAP).

Nick Purich
Chief Financial Officer and            Vice President, Finance

Nick is experienced in accounting, finance, restructuring and turnaround management. Prior to joining Wasaya, Nick held various positions with Ernst & Young LLP including as a manager in the firm's Transaction Advisory Services practice working with companies in unique financial circumstances. Nick holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Master of Professional Accounting degree from University of Saskatchewan and is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant.

Dale Tinevez
Chief Operating Officer and
Vice President, Operations

Dale began his career in aviation 26 years ago most recently as the Vice President, Guest Services at WestJet overseeing all aspects of the Airport and Inflight operations. Under his leadership, his team of 4,000 WestJetters contributed significantly to WestJet's induction into Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame. He joined the airlines shortly after it was founded in 1996.

Prior to WestJet, Dale held senior leadership roles at Canadian Regional Airlines where his airline roots began as a Station Manager in Peace River, Alberta.

Jim Ballingall                                  Vice President,  Sales, Marketing & Distribution

Jim has had a distinguished career spanning 30 years driving sales efficiencies, and business development within regional, national and international markets. His experience includes serving as a senior management with Air Canada as well as VP Marketing and Sales with First Air. Jim brings to Wasaya experience in customer relationship management, process and system improvements concepts. He is experienced in rallying community stakeholders and partners around a compelling business vision and operational direction.

Ron Gernat
Vice President, Maintenance and Engineering

Ron started with Wasaya Airways in 1995 working his way up throughout the company through many management roles in the Wasaya maintenance department throughout his twenty years of service. As the Director of Maintenance, he oversees heavy maintenance, technical records, purchasing, and Wasaya's Approved Maintenance Organization. Ron is  based at Wasaya’s Thunder Bay Hangar and has worked throughout Northern Ontario. 

Dan Harris
Director of Flight Operations

A Confederation College Alumni from class of 81. Dan has 36 years' flight and management experience.
First arrived in Pickle Lake in 1983 as a float pilot moving up through Kelner Airways to Wasaya Airways serving Northwestern Ontario, Manitoba and the Arctic from Churchhill on the HS748. Dan served as Chief Pilot then DFO with Wasaya from 1998 to 2000 before leaving for Skyservice Airlines on the Airbus.
In 2010, Dan returned as Ground Support Manager for Wasaya. In 2012, he joined Suncor Energy as Senior Captain on the CRJ out of Edmonton. Dan rejoined the Wasaya Flight Operations team in January 2017 as the Director of Flight Operations.

Debbie Arno
Director of Customer Care

Debbie has been a part of the Wasaya team since 2008, her previous roles in the company include working in the Air Delivery Unit (ADU) Department and as Customer Care Manager.

As Director of Customer Care, Debbie is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the call centre and ensuring the needs of our guests are taken care of in a timely and professional manner.

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Kerri Baryla
Manager, People and Culture

Kerri completed her Co-op placement as an HR Assistant with Wasaya in April 2012. Kerri accepted a position with Wasaya in 2013 working her way up in various positions. Kerri oversees the People and Culture Department and Wasaya as a whole as an advisor and resource for over 350 employees.

Kerri holds a Business Human Resources diploma and a Human Resources Management diploma from Confederation College. Kerri has practiced in many areas such as training, recruitment and selection, occupational health and safety. Labour relations, benefit administration and employee on boarding and off boarding. Kerri is based in Thunder Bay.

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