The Tourism Kelowna Society 2024-25 Board of Directors, announced earlier this month at the Society’s AGM, is now in place and ready to guide the organization's efforts as it reimagines tourism and supports a long-term vision for the Central Okanagan visitor economy that prioritizes sustainable growth.
The selection of executive officers took place at the new board’s first meeting earlier this month. We are excited to welcome new Executive Committee members and new Directors, who will work alongside returning Board members to guide the organization as we execute the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, focused on destination marketing and management through four goals:
- Establish Kelowna and the Central Okanagan as a four-season travel destination;
- Foster the sustainable growth of the destination;
- Ensure organizational excellence; and
- Engage partners and external stakeholders to collaboratively grow the Central Okanagan visitor economy.
“The Board of Directors is comprised of experienced individuals from various sectors of the tourism industry, all of whom volunteer their time and expertise," says Board Chair, Kelly Watt. "Together, we will guide Tourism Kelowna’s work using its Strategic Plan and the regional Tourism Destination Development Plan to achieve sustainable growth for the sector and deliver positive economic impact for all."
2024-25 Tourism Kelowna Society Board of Directors:
Executive Committee:
- Chair: Kelly Watt, Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna
- Vice-Chair: Edan Fay, The Royal Kelowna
- Past Chair: Thom Killingsworth, Kelowna Yacht Club
- Treasurer: Natalie Corbett, Accent Inns & Hotel Zed
- Secretary: Tara Gerald, Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
Elected Directors:
- Audrey Surrao, RauDZ Creative Concepts Ltd.
- Clee Varon, Iconic Wines of BC
- Dale Sivucha, Coast Capri Hotel (Kelowna)
- Daniel Ruel, PR Hotels
- Jason Guyitt, Argus Hotels
- Jillian Haller, Kelowna Concierge
- Kelly Watt, Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna
- Kimberly Hundertmark, Okanagan Wine Festivals Society
- Michael J. Ballingall, Big White Ski Resort
- Natalie Corbett, Accent Inns & Hotel Zed
- Shauna Wilton, Andrew Peller Ltd.
- Tara Gerald, Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
Appointed Directors:
- Councillor Ron Cannan, City of Kelowna
- Councillor Tricia Brett, District of Lake Country
- Jenny Money, Westbank First Nation
- Edan Fay, Kelowna Hotel Motel Association
- Sam Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport
- Past Chair, Thom Killingsworth, Kelowna Yacht Club
For more information, please contact Lisanne Ballantyne at lisanne@tourismkelowna.com or at (250) 861-1515 ext. 202.
For media inquiries, please contact Director of Marketing & Communications, Chris Shauf, at chris.shauf@tourismkelowna.com or (250) 861-1515 ext. 203.
Tourism Kelowna Members and industry stakeholders interested in connecting with board members directly can email board@tourismkelowna.com.