Ken McCurdy
Calgary,Alberta
Summary
Results-focused leader successful at promoting safety programs and mentoring individuals on ways to avoid mishaps and accidents. History of championing program training in various organizations through years on Westjet BTW Safety Committee.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Tow Team Crew Chief
Unifi Service
11.2023 - Current
- Played an integral role in the successful completion of numerous projects, meeting or exceeding all objectives within designated timeframes.
- Reduced equipment downtime by performing regular maintenance checks and addressing issues promptly.
- Continuously updated technical skills and industry knowledge through professional development opportunities, staying current with the latest innovations in crew management techniques.
- Organized and led pre-flight briefings for crew members.
- Met with other crew members to plan tows prior to flight and briefings following completion.
- Managed tight schedules to ensure timely project completion and client satisfaction.
- Increased safety awareness among the crew by conducting regular briefings and updates on industry practices.
- Maintained safety by implementing effective procedures regarding hazardous actions, materials, and items.
Tow Team Crew Chief
Aviation Terminal Services (ATS)
10.2020 - 11.2023
- Managed tight schedules to ensure timely project completion and client satisfaction.
- Successfully re-positioned over 5,000 Westjet aircraft throughout the aerodrome during my time leading a tow crew.
- Completed tasks safely and on-time.
Aircraft Crew Chief
WestJet TAC
12.2011 - 04.2019
- Responsible for the safety of assigned TAC crews and the duties involved in SPOT turns of WestJet aircraft
- As the POA it is my responsibility to ensure all crew members understand the details of each task and perform them in a safe and timely manner
- In capacity as Crew Chief, it is also my responsibility to teach and assist each TAC Agent under my direction, proper procedures to further their development within WestJet.
- Achieved superior levels of flight safety by diligently enforcing adherence to standard operating procedures and industry best practices.
- Contributed to accident investigations by providing experienced analysis on the possible causes and corrective action of ramp related incidents as a member of the BTW Safety Committee for five years.
- Managed team according to company standards and compliance requirements.
- Assessed and responsively adjusted to changing field conditions to provide personnel with clear and strategic leadership.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
Search Manager and Advanced Team Leader
Foothills/Cochrane Search And Rescue
09.2011 - 10.2020
- Managing and working within an overhead team while tasked by Alberta Government Agencies to assist with the search and rescue or recovery of missing subject/subjects
- A high level of professional training provides the ability to operate within the chain of command and in the field under stressful/dangerous conditions.
- Optimized resource allocation by conducting regular performance evaluations and providing personalized coaching for search/rescue development.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
Provincial Board Member and Deputy Director, South Central Region
Search and Rescue Association of Alberta
07.2017 - 06.2019
- Making policies, rules and regulations for operating the Association and using its assets and facilities
- Interpreting and implementing GOA policies to member teams throughout the province.
- Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
Photojournalist/Fine Art Landscape Photographer
01.1987 - Current
- Duties included the completion of photo assignments in a timely professional manner to meet deadlines for varied publications and clientele
- Highlights include NBC News (1988 Winter Olympics}, The Calgary Sun (16 years), Calgary Stampede (22 years)
- Published three times National Geographic/ Natgeo Traveler, featured 12-15 times.
Education
ICS 100/200 Certification -
Alberta Search & Rescue Association
Calgary, AB05.2017
SAR Search Manager Certificate -
Alberta Search & Rescue Association
Calgary, AB03.2017
SAR Advanced Team Leader Certificate - SAR
Foothills Search And Rescue
Calgary, AB08.2017
Avalanche AST-1 Certificate -
Avalanche School
Calgary, AB01.2015
Karelian Bear Safety Certificate -
Karelian Bear Safety
Calgary, AB05.2013
St John's Standard First-Aid Level C CPR/AED -
Red Cross Canada
Calgary, AB02.2018
Photojournalist Diploma - Journalism
Mount Royal University
Calgary, AB04.1988
High School Diploma -
Riverview High School
Coxheath, NS06.1979
Skills
- Situational problem solving
- Training and mentoring
- Aircraft inspections
- Self-Directed
- Incident Management
- Schedule Management
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Crew Leadership
- Mechanical Aptitude
- Emergency operation plan development
- Tow Risk Assessments Planning
References
References upon request
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Tow Team Crew Chief
Unifi Service
11.2023 - Current
Tow Team Crew Chief
Aviation Terminal Services (ATS)
10.2020 - 11.2023
Provincial Board Member and Deputy Director, South Central Region
Search and Rescue Association of Alberta
07.2017 - 06.2019
Aircraft Crew Chief
WestJet TAC
12.2011 - 04.2019
Search Manager and Advanced Team Leader
Foothills/Cochrane Search And Rescue
09.2011 - 10.2020
Photojournalist/Fine Art Landscape Photographer
01.1987 - Current
ICS 100/200 Certification -
Alberta Search & Rescue Association
SAR Search Manager Certificate -
Alberta Search & Rescue Association
SAR Advanced Team Leader Certificate - SAR
Foothills Search And Rescue
Avalanche AST-1 Certificate -
Avalanche School
Karelian Bear Safety Certificate -
Karelian Bear Safety
St John's Standard First-Aid Level C CPR/AED -
Red Cross Canada
Photojournalist Diploma - Journalism
Mount Royal University
High School Diploma -
Riverview High School