HIAA Appoints New Board Chair and Welcomes New Director to its Board of Directors

June 1, 2023

Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of John S. Fitzpatrick, K.C., as its Board Chair and to welcome Jackie Poirier to its Board of Directors, effective May 26, and June 1, 2023, respectively.

“John and Jackie both bring a wealth of experience to their roles, and we are very pleased to have them on our Board,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, HIAA. “I would also like to express my sincere thanks to outgoing Board Chair Stephen Dempsey for his 12 years of service and dedication to HIAA and the entire Halifax Stanfield community.”

John has been a member of HIAA’s Board of Directors since 2014 and is a nominee of Halifax Regional Municipality. He was formerly the Chair of HIAA’s Capital Projects Committee. Jackie also joins HIAA’s Board of Directors as a nominee of Halifax Regional Municipality, replacing outgoing Board member Stephen Dempsey.

John S. Fitzpatrick, K.C., Chair, Board of Directors

John is a Senior Partner at BOYNECLARKE LLP, where he is the Chair of the firm’s Creditor Practice Group. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) in 2008. John has significant community board governance experience. He served for 19 years on the Saint Mary’s University Board of Governors, including four years as Board Chair. He is a past board member, and Governance Committee Chair, of ABC Life Literacy Canada and World Wildlife Fund Canada (“WWF”). He currently serves as a Director of the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation. John is the recipient of numerous community and professional awards.

Jackie Poirier, Director, Board of Directors

Jackie is a retired federal executive who held senior roles with Canada Revenue Agency and Public Works and Government Services Canada. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) who serves on the Boards of CPA Nova Scotia, CPA Atlantic School of Business and Nova Scotia Community College. Jackie is a past Chair of the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants and volunteered with the World Association of Girl Guides. Jackie was awarded a CPA fellowship and life membership for service to the profession and the community.

“At HIAA, we are fortunate to have a Board of Directors that brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to the table and with these new appointments, I’m confident we are well positioned to take Halifax Stanfield to new heights in the months and years ahead,” said Carter.

For a complete list of HIAA board members, visit our Board of Directors webpage.