Establish a world-class business centre focused on the development and management of our property portfolio balanced with lifestyle, wellness, and recreation facilities, a vibrant community like no other!
The 30,000 foot view of Southport & the New CEO
With Hayden Henwood, Chairman
About Southport
Mr. Henwood, what does your organization do?
Southport is a not-for-profit company established in 1990 to manage the assets of the former Canadian air force base. Since then, we have evolved into a dynamic location for commercial, recreational, residential and educational use.
What are your critical challenges?
Our key challenge for long term growth is diversifying our tenant base. Our current focus is on expanding the available accommodations, and pursuing other commercial development initiatives to ensure long term viability.
What are your particular accomplishments?
We are especially excited about the establishment of Horizon Village, the condominium project that we have ongoing.
What are your primary goals for the next 6 months, over the next few years?
Our current strategic objectives are to optimize the use of the airfield and airfield facilities, to enhance and expand commercial aviation activities, and to enhance and expand our non-aviation commercial development.
What is the size of your budget?
We have an asset base of $40M which produces approximately $6.5 M in annual revenue
What is the financial stability?
Excellent. We reported positive financial results for the last fiscal year, and invested $3.4 million in infrastructure and facility upgrades such as refurbishing runways and roads, water & sewer line upgrades, and the replacement of control tower receivers and transmitters.
What is the Governance Structure of the Organization?
There are nine elected members representing the various community and provincial sectors.
How does the Board define its role and responsibilities?
We are a “Policy” Board of Directors, and work with the CEO to determine overall strategy and long term goals.
What makes Southport a great organization?
The challenge of trying to expand the tenant base, and the talent we have in the organization. We have 80 acres of land available for commercialization which presents limitless possibilities for expansion.
About the CEO
Mr. Henwood, what do you see as the scope and key accountabilities for the position?
A key expectation of this role will be to move the organization forward to achieve strategic objectives in a manner that supports the corporate mission, vision and values, as well as successfully marketing and managing the assets, facilities and opportunities to achieve maximum economic benefit and employment.
What are the key selection criteria?
We are looking for a senior executive with a strong business and leadership background, who can work with a wide variety of organizations, develop partnerships and a strong relationships with governments. Contract negotiations, major lease and contract management are also really important.
If you could pick 5 competencies, what would they be?
Communications, Strategic Thinking, Consensus Building, Patience and Innovation!
What aspect of the position would be attractive to potential candidates?
One of the key aspects that make this role attractive is the relationship with the Board. The CEO is given full control and authority, with accountability of course, to implement and direct all the elements of the strategic plan. The Board empowers the CEO to make decisions, and acts as a support and ally.
What are the top 3 reasons people like to work at Southport?
It’s a very dynamic environment with lots of variety, a good working environment in terms of relationships, and the style of operations, andthe physical environment of the site offers a lot of diversity.
