Accredited Member Spotlight: Lydia Riddell, A.A.E.
Congratulations to Lydia Riddell, A.A.E., Airport Operations and Administrative Assistant with the Red Lake Airport, on earning her Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation.
Lydia 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 Lydia 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'm an airport professional based in Red Lake, Ontario, with experience in airport operations, compliance, safety management, and emergency response. Growing up in the passenger seat of a bush plane, volunteering each year at the local aviation festival, and beginning my career as a weather observer gave me a well-rounded understanding of aviation in Northern Ontario. As I often say, "I wear many hats." At small, rural airports, the same regulatory standards apply as they do at larger facilities, but with fewer resources available. Success requires versatility, adaptability, and a willingness to take on a wide range of responsibilities. For the past four years, I've served as the Operations and Compliance Officer at the Red Lake Municipal Airport, where I play a key role in maintaining safe and compliant airport operations. As an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), I'm committed to supporting my community and strengthening Northern Ontario's aviation network through safe, community-focused airport management.
What inspired you to pursue your A.A.E. designation?
My decision to enrol in the Accreditation Program was driven by a desire to continue growing professionally. Over the past several years, through organizations like IAAE Canada, I've had the opportunity to connect with airport professionals, regulators, and aviation stakeholders. These experiences provided valuable insight into the many responsibilities involved in managing an airport and highlighted the importance of strong, well-educated leadership. They ultimately inspired me to continue developing my skills and pursue a leadership role in aviation. The Accreditation Program offered an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding of airport operations, regulatory requirements, safety management systems, and strategic planning. Beyond expanding my technical knowledge, the program allowed me to learn from experienced professionals across the aviation industry and gain the perspective needed to better support my airport and community.
While there wasn't one single mentor who inspired me to enrol, several individuals have had a significant impact on my journey. One of the most influential has been my father, Duane Riddell—the very pilot I grew up flying beside. His passion for aviation, commitment to safety, dedication to the Red Lake community, and strong work ethic continue to inspire me every day. Another important mentor has been IAAE Canada's own Chris Wood, who supported me throughout the Accreditation Program. While his expectations are high and his teaching style is known for being direct, it's clear that he is deeply invested in the success of his students. His guidance, knowledge, and encouragement were invaluable throughout my journey. The support and mentorship I received from colleagues, instructors, and industry professionals reinforced my belief that pursuing accreditation was the right next step in my professional development and has helped prepare me for future leadership opportunities within aviation.
Tell us about your accreditation journey.
I attended the Accreditation Academy, and it was one of the highlights of my accreditation journey. The camaraderie among the candidates and the variety of experiences everyone brought made the week both incredibly enjoyable and highly productive. For my Phase Two requirement, I delivered a presentation at an AMCO Workshop on the challenges of operating a northern rural airport. Throughout the program, I was fortunate to receive guidance and support from Chris Wood, Terry Bos, and Bryan Avery. They not only encouraged me throughout the process but also made themselves available to answer questions, provide advice, and share their experiences. My final Board of Examiners interview was held in person, and I completed the program over the full two-year period. Since I wanted to participate in person whenever possible, I scheduled my travel around the annual IAAE Canada conferences and conventions. Looking back, the Accreditation Academy stands out the most. The opportunity to learn alongside peers from across the country and build lasting professional connections made the experience especially rewarding.
What part of the program challenged you the most?
The presentation I delivered in front of my peers was the most challenging part of my accreditation journey. While I considered myself a capable public speaker, presenting for the first time since my college years brought more pressure and nervousness than I anticipated. I found myself over-preparing and trying to include too much information, which, combined with my nerves, caused me to exceed my allotted time. Although it was challenging, the experience reinforced the importance of focusing on key messages, understanding my audience, and effectively managing my time when communicating as a leader.
What advice would you give someone considering the Accreditation Program?
I encourage future candidates to embrace every opportunity to learn from their peers and never be afraid to ask questions. Everyone enters the program with different experiences and perspectives, and those discussions often become some of the most valuable learning opportunities. The Accreditation Program is about much more than earning a designation. It's an opportunity to become a more knowledgeable, confident, and well-rounded aviation professional.
What does earning your A.A.E. designation mean to you?
Earning my A.A.E. designation has strengthened my confidence in my knowledge and abilities as an airport professional. It has encouraged me to look beyond day-to-day operations and consider the bigger picture when making decisions and supporting airport initiatives.
What's next?
Throughout my career, I've gained broad experience in airport operations, safety management, compliance, and regulatory requirements. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue building on that foundation while developing expertise in a more specialized area where I can make a meaningful contribution to the aviation industry. I also hope to remain actively involved with IAAE Canada and continue giving back to the aviation community that has supported my growth. As I gain more experience, I'd welcome opportunities to mentor future accreditation candidates, participate in industry initiatives, and support the continued success of the Accreditation Program.
What has been the most memorable moment of your airport career so far?
It is difficult to identify a single most memorable moment from my airport career because there have been so many unique experiences along the way. I could point to learning to operate heavy equipment from my father, standing knee-deep in mud while excavating a drainage ditch, operating the water cannons on an ARFF truck at Billy Bishop Airport, organizing my first airshow and receiving a complimentary aerial tour, or helping raise more than $20,000 for a local non-profit through community golf tournaments.
However, it is often the most challenging experiences that leave the greatest impact.
Last year, I responded to my first community aircraft accident off airport property. In a small community like Red Lake, you know many of the local pilots personally. Knowing that a friend had been involved in an accident, while having so little control over the situation, was both difficult and deeply humbling.
That experience reinforced the importance of preparation, experience, and strong community advocacy. It also highlighted gaps in our local emergency response capabilities, particularly for water-based aviation accidents. In a community built around floatplane operations, where aircraft continue to operate regularly on the water, those gaps have real significance.
The experience gave me a greater appreciation for the role airport professionals can play in improving emergency preparedness and strengthening aviation safety beyond the airport fence line. It also reaffirmed why I chose this career. If I continue on this path, I hope to make a meaningful difference—not only within my own community, but across the broader aviation industry as well.
Inspired by Lydia’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