Governance

As President of the Ponoka Regional Airport Association, Michael Denis brings over 40 years of industrial leadership and executive operational expertise to our community hub. A certified First Class Power Engineer and former Operations Director, Michael specializes in complex process systems, safety protocols, and asset integrity management. His commitment to operational excellence extends to the skies; he began flying in 2020, earning both his FAA and Transport Canada Private Pilot Licenses. Michael leverages his deep leadership background to ensure Ponoka Regional Airport remains a safe, efficient, and thriving environment for general aviation. 

Chris Scott is a Program Manager with over 24 years of experience in instrumentation, automation, and industrial operations. An active pilot with an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer diploma and roots in the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Program, he combines technical expertise with a lifelong passion for aviation. Since joining the Ponoka airport community in 2020, Chris has played an active role in governance, development, and strategic planning initiatives. Although based in Edmonton, he considers Ponoka his second home and is dedicated to supporting the long-term success of Ponoka Regional Airport and its aviation community.

Dan serves as Treasurer for the Ponoka Regional Airport Association, providing oversight of the Association's financial planning, reporting, budgeting, and fiscal governance. Working alongside the Board of Directors, the Treasurer helps ensure the responsible stewardship of Association resources and supports the long-term sustainability of the airport and its strategic initiatives.

Drew Watson is a commercial pilot and member of the acclaimed Yellow Thunder airshow team. With experience spanning professional aviation and aerobatic performance, he brings a unique perspective to the Ponoka Regional Airport Association Board of Directors.

As a passionate advocate for aviation, Drew is committed to supporting airport growth, community engagement, and opportunities that strengthen the airport's role within Central Alberta. His experience and enthusiasm help advance the Association's vision of maintaining a vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming airport for current and future generations of aviators.

Dave retired in 2016 after a 40-year career with Finning (Canada), the Caterpillar dealer, where he worked throughout Western and Northern Canada, including assignments in two provinces and two territories.

A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Dave earned his private pilot licence in Castlegar, British Columbia, in 1973. Over more than five decades of flying, he has accumulated nearly 1,000 flight hours across a variety of aircraft and has earned both his float endorsement and night rating.

Dave and his wife are active members of the airport community and currently reside at the Ponoka Regional Airport, where their hangar serves as home base for their continued involvement in aviation and airport activities.

Joe Zelinski is a local business owner, commercial pilot, and passionate supporter of aviation in Central Alberta. A familiar face around the Ponoka Regional Airport, Joe can often be found flying his Mooney aircraft and actively participating in the local aviation community.

As a Director with the Ponoka Regional Airport Association, Joe brings a combination of business experience, aviation expertise, and community-minded leadership. He is committed to supporting airport growth, promoting opportunities for pilots and aviation enthusiasts, and helping ensure the long-term success of the airport as a valuable asset to the region.

Chris resides in Red Deer and is the manager of an exterior building products distributor. After discovering the love of flying through his Father while growing up in Alaska, Chris obtained his PPL in 2018. Along with flying, he also enjoys bird hunting in the fall with his two Brittany's, golf and archery. You'll find him in the skies of his Mooney M20F when he is able to find any excuse to go flying and be up in the air.