July 15, 2024

Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Joyce Carter, has been designated as an Honorary Colonel for 12 Wing in Shearwater, Nova Scotia within the Royal Canadian Air Force.

With a remarkable career spanning over two decades at HIAA, Joyce has played a pivotal role in the growth and expansion of Halifax Stanfield and as Honorary Colonel, will proudly work to strengthen the connection between the Air Force and the greater Halifax community.

“I feel privileged and deeply honoured to be appointed to serve in this role,” said Joyce Carter, President and CEO, HIAA. “Our Armed Forces play a crucial role in our community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support their important work.”

Joyce’s extensive experience as a Board Member and Past Chair of the Canadian Airports Council, past board member of the Airports Council International (ACI) World Governing Board, and Board Member and past President of the Board of Directors for the Atlantic Canada Airports Association echoes her ability to elevate the visibility and support for 12 Wing.

Joyce officially assumed her new role at an investiture ceremony held at 12 Wing on July 12.

This appointment comes at a particularly momentous time, as the Air Force celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, marking a century of excellence and service to Canada.

“Honourary Colonel Carter is especially positioned for this role, in fact, I first advocated for Joyce to be an Honourary Colonel when I was the Commanding Officer of 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in 2015. I was extremely pleased to learn that she was going to be our next 12 Wing Honourary Colonel. Honourary Colonel Carter exemplifies the idea that distinguished individuals can connect Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) units to their communities in meaningful ways” says Colonel David Holmes, 12 Wing Commander.

Honorary Colonels play a key role in connecting the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to the city, businesses, industries and labour. Honorary Colonels may be former CAF members or distinguished Canadians who help to foster esprit de corps within the CAF and the greater community. Through their established relationships and ongoing work, they build and develop community support by enhancing the public profile of the CAF.

Joyce has received several leadership accolades over the years, including being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the Most Powerful CEOs category in 2023, one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business by Atlantic Business Magazine in 2023, Business Leader of the Year by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce in 2019, and recognition as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

Joyce is also a member of Women in Aviation International and Women in Aerospace Canada – Atlantic, and continually promotes the integral role women play in the transportation and aviation/aerospace industry.

HIAA congratulates Joyce Carter on this well-deserved honour.