Peggy May, CEO of Southport Aerospace Centre, appointed as Chair

June 27, 2024 – CentrePort Canada Inc. (“CentrePort”) has appointed Peggy May, Chief Executive Officer of Southport Aerospace Centre Inc., as Chair of the corporation’s private sector-led board of directors. May joined the CentrePort Board of Directors in 2022 as the nominee of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, and previously held the role of Vice Chair and the Chair for the Governance & Nominations committee.

Shreeraj Patel, Vice President, Commercial Financial Services with Royal Bank of Canada, has been appointed as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. Patel has been on the board since 2022 and is nominated to CentrePort’s Board of Directors by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. He is also Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee.

The change in leadership comes following the conclusion of Kevin Hooke’s term as Board Chair. Hooke, nominated in 2018 by the Government of Manitoba, served as Chair from 2022-2024.

“On behalf of the board of directors and the staff of CentrePort Canada, I would like to thank Kevin for his exceptional leadership and commitment to building both a strong corporation and thriving inland port,” said May. “I am excited to embark on this next chapter in CentrePort’s story as we look to build upon the first fifteen years of development and execute a new strategic plan to ensure CentrePort continues to connect Canada with the world.”

May is a strategic leader with expertise in piloting organizations and delivering on their mission, vision, and values. She excels at fostering relationships with stakeholders, partners, tenants, communities, and staff. Her background includes experience across the transportation, hospitality and entertainment industries, and she has demonstrated her ability to navigate complex environments and drive growth and innovation. In her current role, she has been instrumental in maintaining and growing the economic impact of Southport on the region, showcasing her commitment to regional economic development in Manitoba.

May is a holder of the ICD.D designation and has served on several prominent boards, including the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, Regional Community Airports of Canada and Portage Regional Economic Development. She has served as Chair of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, demonstrating her dedication to advancing the interests of businesses in Manitoba.

“Peggy is making history as the first female chair of our Board of Directors,” said Carly Edmundson, President and CEO, CentrePort Canada Inc. “She’s a champion for economic growth and development, and a proven community builder. Together with Vice Chair Raj Patel, I am confident that the Board will continue to provide invaluable strategic direction to our Corporation and champion opportunities for new economic growth at CentrePort Canada.”

In addition to the executive leadership appointments, CentrePort also welcomes Marty Maykut to the board of directors. Maykut is a nominee of the City Winnipeg and is currently the President of Anvil Management Ltd. and Senior Vice President of Price Industries Ltd.  

As outlined in the CentrePort Canada Act, the CentrePort Canada Board of Directors is comprised of up to 15 members and includes nominees from the Business Council of Manitoba, Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Manitoba Federation of Labour, Manitoba Trucking Association, Winnipeg Airports Authority, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, the Rural Municipality of Rosser, City of Winnipeg, Government of Manitoba and Government of Canada, as well as up to four directors at large. 

CentrePort Canada is a 20,000-acre inland port and Foreign Trade Zone. Located in the heart of North America, CentrePort connects to major national and international trade gateways and corridors, and is the only inland port in the country with direct access to tri-modal transportation – extensive truck, rail and air cargo operations. www.centreportcanada.ca

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For more information, please contact:

CentrePort Canada Inc.
Aimee Goyer
Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives and Marketing
204.981.8845
agoyer@centreport.ca