The National Airlines Council of Canada Retains Odgers to Lead Search for CEO
September 11, 2026 – Odgers was recently retained by the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Jeff Morrison has informed the board of his intention to retire. He will continue to lead the association until a successor is appointed to ensure a seamless transition of leadership.
To support the recruitment process, the board of directors has established a search committee and has retained Odgers to conduct a comprehensive search for the association’s next leader. The search will look at a diverse pool of candidates with the proven leadership, strategic mindset, and industry expertise required to build on the association’s strong foundation.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Jeff for his dedicated service and steady leadership over the past four years,” said Howard Liebman, chair of the board. “The association has benefited immensely from his vision and commitment. We are grateful that he will continue to lead us through the months ahead as we begin the search for our next president and CEO.”
Managing a small, dedicated team and reporting to the board of directors, the president and CEO will have a threefold mandate: Strengthen the NACC’s advocacy efforts and national profile, provide knowledge leadership to members, and provide strategic and administrative guidance to the internal team.
In addition to leading the activities of the NACC and enhancing the political profile of the aviation industry, the CEO will proactively monitor and engage in public policy discussions and consultations that affect the aviation industry, provide input into the development and implementation of regulations, particularly relating to safety and security, the environment, labor and competitive air travel, and provide information and the opinion of Canada’s aviation industry on public policy issues. The CEO acts as a spokesperson for the NACC and has responsibility for advocacy and stakeholder management and engagement.
The ideal candidate will be a persuasive and strategic leader with experience in government relations, advocacy, communications, strategic guidance and public policy. They will be an expert in building and managing strong stakeholder networks, you have proven administrative leadership in industry, government, or national industry associations. The organization is looking to attract a collaborative leader who is comfortable working effectively with a board in formulating national aviation strategy and translating into outcomes. Those applying should be a natural relationship builder and excellent communicator, you possess sound analytical skills, understand policy and regulatory development, and are adept at navigating the political and regulatory arenas. Bilingualism is required, as is proximity to the NACC’s office in Ottawa.
Related: How Boards and CEOs Can Close the First-Year Learning Gap
The National Airlines Council of Canada represents Canada’s largest national and international passenger air carriers: Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP and WestJet. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Ottawa, the NACC advocates for safe, environmentally responsible, and competitive air travel by promoting the development of sound public policy and engaging with government and industry stakeholders.
Serving a Wide Variety of Sectors
Odgers delivers executive search, leadership assessment, and development strategies to organizations globally. The firm’s 250-plus partners cover more than 50 sectors and operate out of 59 offices in 29 countries.
The Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms
Hunt Scanlon Media proudly presents the Select Guide to America’s Top 250 Executive Search Firms.
This comprehensive online directory is your definitive resource for finding the best executive search firms to serve your talent needs.
Our guide is meticulously curated to connect you with leading firms that specialize in various industries and functions, ensuring you find the perfect match for your executive recruitment needs.
Within Canada, Brad Beveridge serves as the firm’s CEO. “Since 2021, with Brad’s strategic leadership the firm has implemented a new vision and purpose, attracted the industry’s best talent to broaden and deepen its expertise, facilitated greater alignment between its North American businesses, and introduced a people and culture strategy that has increased colleague engagement and development,” said Carl Lovas, chairman and CEO of Odgers.
With more than 25 years of global consulting and management experience, Mr. Beveridge offers deep insight into senior level executive search, as well as talent management and leadership development across a variety of sectors. He was formerly an executive vice president with a leading global human capital management firm, where he led a large team across several lines of business. Mr. Beveridge has served on executive committees for global and Canadian operations.
Related: How CEOs Can Overcome Setbacks and Emerge Stronger
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
