FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum Honours Stephen Hayter Following 27 Years of Leadership
Brandon, Manitoba – After 27 years of dedicated service, Stephen Hayter, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (CATPM), will retire at the end of June, concluding an extraordinary career devoted to safeguarding Canada’s aviation heritage.
Since joining the Museum in 1999 as its first full-time Executive Director, Hayter has helped transform CATPM from a volunteer-led organization into a nationally recognized museum while remaining true to its founding mission of sharing and honouring the history and legacy of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.
Under his leadership, the Museum expanded its educational programming, strengthened community partnerships, grew its collections, advanced major fundraising and capital initiatives, and welcomed visitors from across Canada and around the world. Hayter also played a key role in the creation of the RCAF WWII Memorial Wall, ensuring the service and sacrifice of thousands of Canadians and Commonwealth aircrew will continue to be remembered for generations.
“Stephen’s contribution to the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum has been extraordinary,” said Ken Dzogan, President of the Board of Directors at CATPM. “For more than a quarter century, his passion, dedication, and steady leadership have ensured one of Canada’s most important wartime stories continues to be shared with future generations. On behalf of the Board, our volunteers, staff, members, and supporters, I want to thank Stephen for his remarkable service and wish him every happiness in his retirement.”
Reflecting on his career, Hayter said:
“It has been an incredible privilege to serve the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum and to work alongside so many dedicated volunteers, staff, supporters, and community members. The stories preserved here are more than history-they remind us of courage, service, innovation, and the importance of remembering. I know the Museum’s future is bright, and I look forward to watching it continue to grow.”
The Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and members extend their sincere gratitude to Stephen Hayter for his 27 years of service, vision, and unwavering commitment. His legacy will continue to be reflected not only in the Museum’s aircraft and collections, but in the thousands of visitors, students, volunteers, and supporters whose understanding of Canada’s wartime aviation history has been enriched through his work.
As the Museum enters its next chapter, it remains committed to carrying forward the legacy Stephen helped strengthen-sharing the remarkable story of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan from Canada’s last remaining operational BCATP hangar and ensuring those who served are remembered for generations to come.
Zoe McQuinn, Director General
Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum & RCAF WWII Memorial 