John Gibson is the new AINA Vice-Chair
John Gibson, Navigation Manager for The National Trust’s Wey Navigations in Surrey became AINA Vice-Chair in April, succeeding Iain Smith, Chief Executive of the Middle Level Commissioners.
John’s career began in agriculture when he completed his national certificate at Elmwood College, Fife in 1982. He went on to undertake a National Diploma in Cuntryside Management at Merrist Wood College in Surrey, graduating in 1986. Since then he has worked as a Countryside Ranger in Scotland and as a Chief Ranger for the Forestry Commission in the Forest of Dean. John joined the National Trust as Navigations Manager for the River Wey and Godalming Navigations in 1998 and completed his MBA in 2002. John became a member of the AINA Executive Committee in 2003 and he has also been a member of the AINA Safety Issues Group.
Away from the waterway, John has been married to Andrea for 13 years and both enjoy a variety of shared interests including gardening, diving, cycling and walking in the countryside. They live in Shalford near Guildford on the edge of the Godalming Navigation.
John said, “I am delighted to be taking on the role of AINA Vice Chair. I pay tribute to the huge contribution that Iain Smith has given to AINA during his seven years as Vice Chair and I look forward to working closely with John Packman, our Chair and Philip Burgess, our Executive Director, along with the Executive Committee to continue to deliver benefits to all navigation authorities. In the short-term we have the important task of agreeing a new strategy for AINA, a process which will require a renewed engagement with the wider AINA membership to harness the considerable energy, enthusiasm and expertise which exists across the navigation authorities.”