Accredited Member Spotlight: Emma Paat, A.A.E.
Terry Bos, A.A.E., President and CEO at Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation presents Emma Paat with her accreditation certificate.
Congratulations to Emma Paat, BBA, A.A.E., Security & Business Administration Manager with the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation, on earning her Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation.
Emma recently completed the IAAE Canada Accreditation Program, earning her Certified Member (C.M.) credential through the Accreditation Academy before successfully completing the written requirement and final Board of Examiners interview. We recently caught up with Emma to learn more about her career, her accreditation journey and what advice she has for future candidates.
Tell us a little about yourself and your current role.
I work at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport in Northern Ontario, where I've served as the Security & Business Administration Manager for the past nine years. Throughout my career in aviation, I've been fortunate to contribute to an industry that plays a vital role in connecting communities, supporting economic development and providing essential transportation services. Working at a regional airport has given me the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of airport operations and projects. One of the things I enjoy most is that no two days are ever the same. The work is dynamic, challenging and rewarding, and it requires collaboration with many different stakeholders to ensure safe and efficient operations. My career has been shaped by a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, which ultimately led me to pursue accreditation through IAAE Canada.
What inspired you to pursue your A.A.E. designation?
I wanted to deepen my understanding of the airport industry and challenge myself professionally. The A.A.E. designation is widely recognized as a significant achievement within airport management, and I saw it as an opportunity to expand my knowledge while demonstrating my commitment to the profession. I was also inspired by colleagues and industry leaders, especially my boss, Terry Bos, who had completed the program and spoke highly of the experience. His encouragement reinforced my decision and showed me the value accreditation could bring to both my professional growth and my ability to contribute to my airport and community.
Tell us about your accreditation journey.
My accreditation journey was both challenging and rewarding. Through the program, I gained a broader perspective on airport management and explored many aspects of the industry in greater depth. I completed the program through the IAAE Canada Accreditation Academy in Toronto, led by Chris Wood. It was an outstanding learning experience and an excellent networking opportunity. I built lasting friendships with many of the professionals who attended the Academy, and I enjoyed learning from Chris's own career journey and industry experience. For my Phase Two written requirement, I contributed a chapter to the IAAE Canada textbook. It gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into a topic I'm passionate about while creating a resource that will benefit future accreditation candidates. Throughout the program, I was fortunate to have incredible mentors and supportive colleagues. Their encouragement, guidance and willingness to share their experiences kept me motivated every step of the way. My final Board of Examiners interview took place in Waterloo. While it was certainly challenging, it was also a rewarding opportunity to discuss industry issues and demonstrate everything I had learned throughout the program. Looking back, what stands out most isn't just how much I learned, but the relationships I built along the way. The journey was about much more than earning a designation. It helped me grow professionally, build confidence and become part of an incredible network of airport professionals.
In 2024, Emma earned the Outstanding Leadership Award for her exceptional guidance and leadership in ensuring efficient operations within her department at SSMADC’s first-ever Airport Workers Day Awards.
What part of the program challenged you the most?
Balancing the accreditation requirements with my day-to-day responsibilities was probably the biggest challenge. Like many airport professionals, I was managing ongoing projects and operational priorities while studying and preparing for each phase of the program. I also had to step outside my comfort zone and tackle subjects that weren't part of my everyday responsibilities. In hindsight, that became one of the most valuable parts of the experience because it broadened my knowledge and strengthened my understanding of airport management. One area where I knew I needed additional development was TP312. Before my Board of Examiners interview, I completed the IAAE Canada TP312 course, which proved invaluable in my preparation. The accreditation process helped me identify areas where I could grow and encouraged me to pursue additional training to strengthen those skills.
What advice would you give someone considering the Accreditation Program?
Take the leap and get started. The program may seem daunting at first, but it's very manageable when you approach it one step at a time. I would also encourage candidates to take full advantage of the support available through IAAE Canada, including mentors, accreditation graduates, fellow candidates and training opportunities. Having a network of people who understand the process makes a tremendous difference. Most importantly, remember that the program isn't just about earning a designation. It's an opportunity to grow professionally, strengthen your industry knowledge and challenge yourself in ways that will benefit your career for years to come.
What does earning your A.A.E. designation mean to you?
Earning my A.A.E. designation represents dedication, perseverance and a commitment to professional excellence. It reflects the effort invested throughout the accreditation journey and validates the knowledge and experience I've gained throughout my career. Professionally, the designation has strengthened my confidence and broadened my understanding of the many facets of airport management. It has also reinforced the importance of continuous learning and professional development in an ever-evolving industry. Personally, I'm proud to join a community of accredited airport professionals committed to advancing aviation and supporting airports across Canada.
What's next?
I'm excited to continue growing within the airport industry and contributing to projects that support the long-term success of regional aviation, especially here in Sault Ste. Marie, a community and region I'm proud to call home. I strongly believe in the important role regional airports play in connecting communities, supporting local economies, providing access to essential services and creating opportunities for growth. Being part of an airport that serves as a gateway to Northern Ontario is something I take great pride in. I'm also looking forward to giving back to the profession by supporting future accreditation candidates through mentorship and continued involvement with IAAE Canada. The accreditation journey has reinforced my passion for aviation, and I'm excited to see where the next stage of my career takes me.
If you could give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Trust yourself and believe in your potential. So much energy is spent wondering whether you're ready, qualified or capable enough, when often the people around you can already see your strengths. Don't dismiss their encouragement. Believe in your abilities, even when your confidence hasn't quite caught up yet. Growth happens when you stop waiting for certainty and start trusting that you can rise to the opportunity.
Inspired by Emma's Story?
Every accreditation journey is unique, but they all begin with the same first step. Learn more about the A.A.E. and A.A.P. programs, eligibility requirements and the accreditation process