Tracy Young McLean Flies Into Retirement

May 13, 2025 in News
Explorer: Spring 2025

After six years of dedicated leadership and service, Tracy Young-McLean, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Rise Air, has officially retired. Her journey with Rise Air began on November 1, 2018, when she became the first person to be an employee of the three companies, Snowbird Aviation Services, Transwest Air, and West Wind Aviation—all at once! Tracy joined at a pivotal time, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for aviation that contributed to the company becoming what it is today.

Reflecting on her journey, Tracy said, “I was at a crossroads, and aviation has always been a passion and a fascinating industry to me. So, I applied for the role and then jumped right in.” This leap led her to join one of the most dynamic industries, marked by high regulatory standards, safety imperatives, and a diverse workforce.

During her tenure, Tracy led Rise Air’s human resources (HR) team through significant transitions, including industry regulatory evolutions, ever-changing customer expectations, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We play a critical role in connecting remote or underserved regions in the province, which adds a community impact dimension to our HR strategies,” she said. Her role extended beyond Human Resources, encompassing Systems and IT, Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Corporate Secretary, and Facilities Management.

One of Tracy’s achievements was steering the company through its rebranding and amalgamation of Transwest Air and West Wind Aviation into Rise Air. She also championed diversity and inclusion, saying, “We drove strategy to build an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace, putting people at the heart of everything we do.” Her efforts earned Rise Air the title of “Certified Changemaker” by Human Resources Director Canada and herself the honour of being named one of Canada’s Most Admired CPCOs™.

Tracy’s influence reached beyond policies and strategies; she helped shape the company’s culture and vision for the future. Listening to the communities’ and employees’ feedback and suggestions, under her leadership, the Dziret’ai Pilot Training Program was introduced to train northern and basin Indigenous persons to become pilots, supporting local communities and creating a pipeline of skilled professionals. Similarly, the “Take Flight” program also encourages Rise Air employees to pursue their commercial pilot licenses, nurturing homegrown talent.

“When I joined, the HR department had all but been shut down,” Tracy recalled. “We rebuilt the HR department, taking on a strategic leadership role within the Company.” Her dedication and vision cultivated a vibrant, mission-driven workplace where employees felt valued and supported.

Today, Rise Air is stronger, more inclusive, and poised for continued growth. Tracy expressed deep gratitude for the people she worked with, saying, “They are like no others. They work in the worst weather conditions in our communities and rarely complain about anything! They are engaged and committed.”

Her successor, Chelsea Jukes, began her role on December 1, 2024. Tracy was directly involved in the selection process and was thankful for a smooth transition period, allowing her to mentor Chelsea and pass on her wealth of knowledge. 

Reflecting on her decision to retire, Tracy shared candidly, “I’m done,” she laughed. Her future is filled with joy and adventure. She started by spending two months in Mexico, enjoying time with her family—four children and five grandchildren—and looks forward to relaxing by the lake at her cabin, fishing, boating and snowmobiling; taking care of her home garden; and dabbling in the HR consulting space.

Athabasca Basin Development and Rise Air sincerely thank Tracy for her leadership and dedication. Her contributions have left a mark on the company and the communities it serves. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, inclusivity, and progress that will inspire Rise Air for years to come.

Congratulations, Tracy, on a remarkable career and a well-deserved retirement!