Elevate Aviation

Board of Directors

Dr. Tarek Sardana CD, DRCPC, FAsMA

Dr. Tarek Sardana has a wealth of experience supporting medical operations and organizations in austere and hostile environments.  His entire career has been focused on delivering health care to organizations such as the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in various locations such as the Arctic, Haiti, Rwanda, Syria etc.  As well, he has always functioned as a “front-line” health care worker in various Emergency Rooms and clinic settings throughout Canada.  His training commenced with his MD from the University of Ottawa and continued when he obtained his specialization in Aerospace Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He was bestowed as a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) in 2019.  Dr. Sardana is the founder and President of the Canadian Society of Aerospace Medicine (CSAM) which is empowered to help members network and achieve their own successes within their respective careers. Dr. Sardana is also an active private pilot of his own Cessna aircraft and he is passionate about mentorship in the Canadian aviation community nationally.

Kendra Kincade

Kendra’s journey began with a challenging early life, which ultimately drove her towards a commitment to helping others in their pursuit of self-discovery and success. In 2015 she founded Elevate Aviation after recognizing a glaring gender disparity within the aviation industry. Kendra is an Air Traffic Controller with NAV CANADA, Honorary Colonel of RCAF 417 Helicopter Squadron, Board Chair for the Alberta Aviation Council, Vice Chair for the Strategic Aviation Advisory Council of Alberta, and a Director, Writer, and Executive Producer for “Only Up” a feature length documentary following women in various aviation careers. An inspiring and sought-after speaker, Kendra shares her knowledge and experience with audiences around the world. Her dedication to positive change has earned her numerous awards and recognition including a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Trailblazer Award from Northern Lights Aero Foundation, 2019 SHEInnovator from Global Innovation Coalition for Change, Woman of Inspiration from The Universal Women’s Network, and Global’s Woman of Vision award. In her personal life, Kendra finds joy in spending time with her partner Corey, her children, and grandchildren.

Chris Miles

Chris Miles serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Calgary Airport Authority (The Authority). Chris is responsible for The Authority’s day-to-day operations, engineering and construction portfolios. He is a senior aviation professional with over 25 years of progressive global experience. Chris has worked with airlines, airports and industry trade associations, including the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Airports Council International World, Air Canada, Abu Dhabi Airports Company and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Geneva, Switzerland. He is fluent in English and French and holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. Chris joined The Authority in 2018 as Vice President, Operations.

Chris lends his expertise to several organizations to advance the aviation industry, including the Canadian Airports Council, ACI World and ACI North America Operations. He is also active in serving the local community as an advisory committee member with Tourism Calgary Meetings and Conventions and a governor of Lindsay Park Sports Society and MNP Community Sports Centre.

Suzanne Acton-Gervais

Suzanne brings with her over 35 years of experience and a broad wealth of knowledge in aviation. She currently represents and serves as Vice-President Stakeholder Relations and Regulatory Affairs with the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC). Prior to joining NACC, she held positions with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) where she liaised with airlines, international organizations including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and governments or industry stakeholders surrounding the globe to drive improvements in aviation safety and the development of global standards or best practices.  She was also a frequent speaker at international industry conferences. Prior to this, she worked for the Airports Council International (ACI World), Transport Canada, and Air Canada. Suzanne is fluent in English and French and holds a Bachelor of Education, with a specialization in Adult Education, from Brock University and graduated with distinction. She implemented an undergraduate mentorship program at the University of Ottawa, titled “From Backpack to Briefcase”. She also completed development at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton Executive Education focused on Executive Influence to increase impacts with persuasion and power. All this said, according to Suzanne, her greatest accomplishment, is raising two young boys while working and/or studying full-time, into the fine young men they are today. During her time off you will often find her recharging outdoors enjoying nature either hiking, skiing, cycling or gardening.

Chelsey Quirk

Chelsey is a communications professional with more than 13 years hands-on experience supporting organizational values, developing and guiding communications programs, crafting and communicating key strategic messages, and creating meaningful stakeholder relationships. Chelsey is the Manager of Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations at the Edmonton International Airport. She has broad and targeted experience from a variety of sectors and environments, including non-profit, public, private, government and aviation.