Less than two years after becoming the chief executive officer of the Comox Valley Airport, Shirley de Silva is resigning for what she calls personal reasons.
In a letter to Brad Minton, chair of the Comox Valley Airport Commission, de Silva said her resignation will take effect April 30, fulfilling her contractual obligation to provide three months of notice.
“The decision to leave is a personal one and it has been difficult,” she wrote. “It has been an honor to have been part of such a dedicated and committed board of directors, staff and volunteers. I am goal-oriented and, I am proud to say that I leave the airport in a better position than when I came in 2010.
“The groundwork has been completed, from stakeholder meetings to a complete rebranding, air service study and economic impact studies. I have enhanced the corporate culture and established an approach that utilizes best practices. In addition, built business case models to focus on day to day as well as our strategic goal of enhancing air service development for the Comox Valley Airport.
“I have complete faith that the wonderful staff I leave behind will keep the airport on its same positive trajectory.
“I greatly appreciate the support the Comox Valley Airport Commission has given me. I will always have a fond place in my heart for the Comox Valley,” she concluded.
So far, de Silva has been unavailable to comment further.
She succeeded Chuck Fast, who was dismissed while on vacation by the commission in a decision that was heavily criticized at the time.
