Following a comprehensive national search that attracted more than 50 applicants, the Board of Directors of Tourism Kelowna is pleased to announce the appointment of Cassandra Zerebeski as its President & CEO. Zerebeski is a seasoned destination leadership executive with more than 25 years of experience guiding tourism organizations and public-private partnerships across British Columbia’s resort and regional visitor economies and will join the Tourism Kelowna team effective May 21, 2026.
“Our CEO recruitment efforts drew an exceptional field of talented candidates from across the country, vetted by a Board task force and third party recruitment organization, on behalf of our entire volunteer Board of Directors” said Kelly Watt, Chair of Tourism Kelowna’s Board of Directors “After extensive review and research, the task force delivered their recommendations to the Board, which selected Cassandra Zerebeski based on her deep roots in British Columbia’s tourism industry, her proven record of collaborative leadership, and her demonstrated ability to advance destinations as drivers of economic vitality and community well-being. We are grateful to the Board recruitment task force for their commitment and serious attention to this matter and to the Tourism Kelowna team for their leadership and consistency during the interim and transition. We are confident Cassandra will lead Tourism Kelowna into its next chapter of growth, further building and positioning Kelowna and the Central Okanagan as a must-visit, four-season destination. Our volunteer Board is excited to support Cassandra and her exceptional team of staff and volunteers.”
Most recently, Zerebeski has served jointly as Policy Director with the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and Executive Director of the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC, advancing industry advocacy and policy priorities at the provincial level. She previously served four years as the inaugural Executive Director of the Silver Star Resort Association (Destination Silver Star), helping to establish one of British Columbia’s first resort-association destination organizations and leading regional collaboration across the Okanagan visitor economy. Throughout her career, Zerebeski has built collaborative strategies that grow tourism while aligning industry, community, and government priorities to support sustainable destination development.
Zerebeski holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and French from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She is a Certified Meeting Professional and has completed leadership studies through the Justice Institute of British Columbia. Having lived in the Okanagan for nearly five years, she brings strong regional ties and a deep appreciation for the communities, partners, and experiences that shape the region’s tourism landscape.
“I’m truly excited to join the exceptional team at Tourism Kelowna,” said Zerebeski. “The strength of the Board and the depth of expertise within the organization are clear, and it’s an honour to step into this role. With my background across provincial and regional tourism in BC, I’m looking forward to building on this momentum and continuing to grow Kelowna as a leading year-round destination.”
For more information:
Lindsay Kelm, Travel Media and Communications
Tourism Kelowna
Phone: 250-861-1515 ext. 209
Email: lindsay.kelm@tourismkelowna.com