Meet the COEDC – Paula Quinn

Meet the COEDC June 27, 2022

Editors Intro:

For those who may not know, the COEDC’s Advisory Council is a conduit of information between business, community leaders and government. The council meets monthly to share information and work together towards sustainable economic growth. It is made up of 45 influential members consisting of industry leaders, community shapers and elected officials. One of these such members being Paula Quinn!

The aim of the Meet the COEDC campaign, is to share with our community who the Economic Development Commission is and showcase the COEDC Advisory Council members who play a critical role guiding the regional economic development service.

Paula is the Executive Director for the new KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence, a state-of-the-art aviation museum and conference facility at the Kelowna International Airport. She is responsible for the successful management and operations of the centre and participates in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization to achieve its goals and objectives. Along with being an Executive Director for the Centre for Excellence, she is also a Corporate Director for KF Aerospace. Paula’s mandate includes developing best practices in leadership, self-education, operational planning and management, corporate duties, HR, financial planning, and risk management.

Continue reading to learn more about Paula’s outlook on industry specific trends and forecast for the Central Okanagan! And check back next Monday to meet a new member of the Advisory Council and learn why they love to live and work in the Central Okanagan!

 

Q: What organization are you from and what is your role?

I am the Executive Director for the new Centre for Excellence currently in its final stages of construction here in Kelowna. I am also a Corporate Director for KF Aerospace which has been in business in Kelowna for 52 years and is the largest independently owned employer in the Okanagan!

Editors Note: The KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence is a non-profit organization established to promote the aviation industry locally and nationally. Learn more here!  

Q: What excites you about the future of your respective sector?

Seeing the advances through maintenance, overhaul, repair, education and technology in the aviation sector. These advances have allowed the City of Kelowna to be on the world map in the aviation industry.

Editors Note: Speaking of education, did you know that KF Aerospace offers an on-site Aircraft Structures Maintenance program in partnership with the Okanagan College? Find out more here! 

Q: Why is participating in the Advisory Council important to you?

Participating in the Advisory Council provides the opportunity to be involved with a group of like-minded business leaders who are community based and the ability to access such extensive analytical data relevant to commerce.

Q: Why do you love living and working in the Okanagan?

Kelowna is unique as it is a small-town community, with a big city feel. Despite its size, it is well known on the international stage. The Okanagan provides the opportunity to live, work, play … all we can expect from life.

Editors Note: If you haven’t already, check-out out the OKGo website sector story featuring KF Aerospace and learn how the region’s largest private-sector employer stayed aloft while the rest of the world was grounded. Visit https://www.ok-go.ca/aerospace/kf-aerospace/!