The Tribune

A SECOND Bahamian has joined the Nassau Airport Development Company's (NAD) top executive ranks. Kevin McDonald has been appointed to the position of vice-president of maintenance and engineering, with effect from January 1, 2012. He will also become an employee of Vancouver Airport Services (YVRAS), the Canadian-owned operator of Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), just like other NAD executives. Mr McDonald joined NAD in September 2008 as director of maintenance and engineering, managing a team responsible for electrical, mechanical and structural engineering and maintenance at LPIA. Prior to joining NAD, he worked for Atlantis as assistant chief engineer for the Beach and Coral Towers, then director of projects. Mr McDonald is a licensed professional mechanical engineer, registered in both Florida and the Bahamas, having studied at the College of the Bahamas (A.A. Electronics) and Florida International University (B.Sc., Mechanical Engineering). Stewart Steeves, NAD's president and chief executive, said: "I am absolutely delighted to have Kevin join our executive ranks as the second Bahamian to do so. He is exceptionally talented and focused, and will make a great addition to the executive team, joining Vernice Walkine, our first Bahamian executive, who joined us a little more than a year ago. Having both of them participate in our strategic planning discussions, bringing their respective experiences and perspectives, makes for a great team. " Kevin has the broad responsibility for balancing the development and construction of new facilities, while maintaining the old existing facilities as we transition to the new terminals. With new technologies and systems that make our terminals more efficient, Kevin and his team of technicians will ensure that the highest standards of performance are obtained. He is a true professional, who cares about the products and people who make LPIA function around the clock, every day." Mr McDonald's new role gives him a deeper level of involvement in LPIA's operation and management, the redevelopment project and NAD's Business Plan Objectives. Mr McDonald added: "I look forward to advancing the LPIA redevelopment project while ensuring that we maintain the highest standards across all terminals, impacting positively on the passenger experience." NAD is currently engaged in the construction of Stage 2 of the LPIA project, the Arrivals Terminal, which will house Bahamas Immigration and Bahamas Customs/baggage claim, and is scheduled for completion in autumn 2012. Also moving up in the NAD organisation is Frank Walker, who becomes the new director of airside operations and public safety. Mr Walker joined NAD in November 2007 as manager of public safety. Prior to joining NAD, he was the general manager for American Eagle Airlines, having started at American in 1992.