Neil Lavoie

Experienced Chairperson/Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the post-secondary education industry. Skilled and experienced in Advanced Education & Training of Adults, Aircraft Maintenance, Commercial Aviation Operations, Canadian Aviation Regulations, Business Management, Retail Operations, Facility Management, Customer Service, Budget Management, Electronic Technology and Computer Science. Strong operations professional with multiple diplomas focused on Aircraft Maintenance Technology and Electronic Engineering Technology. 

In my previous employment, I was in my tenth year as the Chair of Aviation & Aerospace programs at Red River College Polytec.  In my role, I was the accountable supervisor/manager of two stand-alone campus Red River College Polytechnic locations (Stevenson Campus – Winnipeg and Southport) which are home to Manitoba’s only Transport Canada - approved Aircraft Maintenance training programs and the Natural Resources Canada - approved Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).  I was responsible for the daily operations of both technical training campus locations including supervision and management of +28 staff & +150 adult learners.  My current duties include “building a learning environment that includes formal learning, collaboration, and other organizational activities” within a public post-secondary academic institution. I keep training programs on track, assess schedules, maintain a budget for each location, and keep track of and schedule facility maintenance (including all classrooms, public areas, shops, hangar areas and training aid aircraft).  I problem-solve, advise, and oversee solutions to issues as they occur and I regularly engage our college senior leadership and stakeholders from industry and government. I also have +15 years of full-time instructional experience training adults in a trades/technical environment I have completed my formal training in adult education and I hold a Manitoba Certificate of Adult Education. 

Presently on a daily/regular basis, I would compose many emails and reports for various purposes.  Most of my current work is done within a Microsoft Office environment (including MS Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, MS Teams etc.).  However, I am comfortable in many other software environments.  I use MS Excel (at an advanced level) to display and mathematically/logically compile most of my technical and financial report data.  I have also created customized digital record systems and procedures which are used to monitor all our student records for all Red River College Polytec - Stevenson Campus Transport Canada approved training.

I also have several years of experience as a supervisor/manager of licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, unlicensed technicians, and auxiliary personnel working in an aviation environment both in localized hangars and field environments. My past and present titles have included “Shop Foreman/Maintenance Supervisor”, “Chief Engineer”, “Academic Coordinator”, “Senior Instructor”, “Person Responsible for Training” (CAR 566), and “Chair of Aviation and Aerospace Programs”. 

My past experiences enable me to feel comfortable in any environment and with a variety of individuals in any setting. I work well both independently and/or in a group. I pay attention to detail as well as listen respectfully and openly to feedback while trying to maintain focus on the job at hand. In my current role, I also understand the importance of providing service reflective to the stakeholders who utilize my department services, and in providing such services I do my best to recognize the many backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages, and perspectives of all our clients.  In my role on a number of occasions as the leader of our department - I have regularly produced documents for other college departments and leadership.  I have several years of leadership experience managing diverse teams while keeping an active working knowledge and understanding of the aviation industry. I have a basic knowledge/understanding of the Canadian Air Navigation System, Air Traffic Management and RPAS operations.  In my current and past roles, I have developed strong organizational and time management skills and managed large complex initiatives. I currently manage multiple deadlines and priorities and have the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Strong organizational skills and I have also promoted our aviation industry programming by providing several presentations at a national level to internal, external, and industry stakeholders from across Canada. 

Maintaining our fiscal budget commitments and regulatory requirements is also of great importance to me. I try my best to treat all situations with a realistic mindset, provide the people involved with respect and provide positive reinforcement whenever I can.

My experience and educational background include aircraft maintenance, inventory control in an aviation environment, curriculum development, Manitoba Health and Safety requirements, CanadianAviation Regulations (CARs), Canadian Council of Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA) requirements, Human Factors, quality assurance procedures, LEAN protocols, a Manitoba Certificate in Adult Education, Human Resources procedures/protocol, and management/supervision of staff within a unionized environment (MGEU).