Aerospace Industry Event Panelists

• Cathy Press Bio

  Cathy Press, CEO of Chinook Helicopters, is a trailblazer in the aviation industry. As the first female helicopter flight instructor in Canada, she has passionately led Chinook Helicopters to international recognition for its helicopter and aeroplane pilot training programs. Cathy is currently spearheading the development of an ATO (Aviation Training Organization) pilot program with Transport Canada, which will incorporate simulation products into high-level training programs.

  Cathy's aviation journey began at a young age, soloing at just 16. She is currently the only person in Canada holding a "Transport Canada Pilot Examiner" status in both aeroplanes and helicopters.

  Cathy is also a dedicated contributor to the aviation community. She serves as Chair for the BC Aviation Council and sits on the board of the Helicopter Association of Canada, where she chairs the national Flight Training Committee. Furthermore, she is a member of advisory committees for both the University of the Fraser Valley and the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

  In 2019, Cathy's remarkable achievements were recognized when she was named one of the Women's Executive Network's Top 100 Canada's Most Powerful Women and in 2020 The University of the Fraser Valley presented her an honorary doctorate.

  Additionally, Chinook Helicopters was selected for a Transport Canada Aviation Safety award for 2025

  Throughout her career, Cathy has maintained a hands-on approach in mentoring individuals embarking on aviation and business careers. She remains a passionate educator and mentor, committed to helping others achieve their goals.

• Pat McFadden Bio

  Born and raised in Abbotsford, Pat McFadden has spent his career building not just tools, but teams and world-class operations. He began working in manufacturing at a young age and quickly discovered a passion for CNC machining and process innovation. Early in his career, he learned the importance of working with people, not just managing them—a philosophy that has shaped his leadership ever since. As he grew into production management roles, Pat honed his strengths in team development, operational leadership, and collaborative problem-solving.

  Since joining RAD Torque Systems in 2003, Pat has been instrumental in growing the company from just 18 employees to over 180, with worldwide distribution. He led the development of RAD’s in-house engineering capabilities, and helped launch the groundbreaking E-RAD tool line and the first battery-powered torque wrench. Pat biggest accomplishment is the design and construction of the company’s $25-million, state-of-the-art headquarters—right here in Abbotsford.

  Pat also played a key role in establishing RAD’s long-standing relationship with Boeing, working closely with their engineers to co-develop tooling solutions that have improved accuracy and reduced maintenance costs across major aerospace programs.

  Today, Pat continues to lead operations at RAD with a focus on innovation, infrastructure, and empowering people—all from the same community that shaped his journey.
   

• Sandy Treagus Bio

  Sandy joined Conair six years ago following a career in many industries, including retail, resort and leisure, hi-tech, manufacturing and professional services.

  Most recently, he spent 14 years as CFO with a large Canadian retailer where he led numerous large scale initiatives, including new construction, with a focus on sustainable building, and Information Systems projects.

  Sandy is a Chartered Accountant, having qualified in South Africa, and worked in the rigid packaging manufacturing sector prior to emigrating to Canada in 1999.

  As Conair’s CFO, Sandy works closely with the other executive team members in developing and executing strategy to best support our customers, employees and other stakeholders while ensuring the overall financial health of the Conair group.

• Stu McIntosh Bio

  Stu is the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for Cascade Aerospace. Stu has been with Cascade since 2011 and has previously served in the roles of Vice President, Operations and Vice President, Programs. As the senior executive at Cascade, Stu is accountable for the overall leadership of Cascade Aerospace and the effective delivery of products and services to Cascade’s broad Customer base.

  Prior to joining Cascade, Stu served for twenty-one years as an Aerospace Engineering Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force, with assignments across Canada and overseas. Following his time with the Air Force, Stu spent 5 years with Bombardier Aerospace, where he led Bombardier’s participation in the NATO Flying Training in Canada Program.

  Stu holds a Master of Science degree in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee, a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Royal Roads and is a Flight Test Engineer graduate of the Empire Test Pilots’ School. He is married to Darlene, and they are the proud parents of two enterprising young men.