We are proud to introduce you to some of the uniquely talented and dedicated professionals who contribute to De Havilland Canada’s success through their passion, determination and remarkable skill.
Our new monthly feature will allow you to get to know the people behind the world’s most productive commercial turboprop. Click on the employee’s photo to learn more.
Tobi Lee
Tobi Lee
Program Manager
Tobi has been interested in aircraft since she was a teenager, but knew that the lifestyle of a pilot was not for her. She graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and started working at the beginning of the Dash8-400 program as a Methods Analyst 26 years ago. Tobi also spent some time in Liaison Engineering and Structural Design for the Global Express and in the Dash 8-400 Interiors Design team before taking the leap 10+ years ago to join the Dash 8 Program Management Office.
The most challenging part of Tobi’s role as a Program Manager is getting people who have very different roles and priorities in the organization to come together, develop a plan and solve a problem together. De Havilland Canada is a very diverse organization and she is constantly learning how the teams’ combined knowledge and experience fit into the bigger picture.
“I love that I can walk past aircraft and smell the jet fuel on my way into the office. I don’t think many people get to do that,” Tobi says. She finds it amazing to see all the bits and pieces of aluminum, wires and composites come together as completed aircraft and watch them fly off to their new homes. However, the heart and soul of De Havilland Canada, she feels, are the people. She has made many friends over the years that are like family -- celebrating each other’s achievements, supporting each other through tough times and working many long hours together to support the business.
A naturally quiet person, Tobi used to prefer working in the background. However, she has come to realize the quiet people in this world have a lot to contribute and should get out of their comfort zone more often, and share their ideas, knowledge and viewpoints. “You don’t have to be the loudest one in the room to be an important part of a team,” she comments.
One thing many people don’t know about Tobi is that through the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, she earned her glider pilot license and private pilot license. She later became an officer and was a gliding instructor during her time in university.
When not at work, Tobi loves to cook -- pierogi, fancy cakes, dumplings, paella and the list goes on. She also loves to preserve food -- making different types of pickles, salsa, jam etc. that are often left on friends’ desks at Christmas time. Cooking allows her to disconnect from daily stresses, be creative and share her creations with family and friends.