Introductions
Meet the region and the people of Destination Northern Ontario
We work together with tourism businesses, professionals and destinations at a local, regional and global level to build a strong tourism industry in the North.
Originally named Tourism Northern Ontario, Destination Northern Ontario is an organization formed at the direction of the northern Ontario tourism industry and funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. There was a clear message from tourism businesses in the North that a pan-northern organization was needed to lead economic growth in tourism for the region.
Destination Northern Ontario is one of 13 regional tourism organizations and operates in the area north of the French River, west of the Ottawa River to the Manitoba border, and north to the salt water coast.
Our pan-Northern structure allows for the development of innovative and nationally-significant tourism programming that is tailored to and implemented at the local destination level. 100% of Destination Northern Ontario expenditures support tourism growth in Northern Ontario. 75% of expenditures support local organizations, businesses and partnerships, growing capacity in Northern Ontario. Just 10% of our core budget is dedicated to administration costs.
Destination Northern Ontario directly supports tourism businesses and communities to build better quality experiences that resonate with consumers to grow the industry by increasing visitation and yield. Destination Northern Ontario is aligned with the priorities of the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries and works collaboratively with Destination Ontario.
Through partnership, Destination Northern Ontario is able to efficiently execute innovative and multi-faceted tourism programs which support growth in the industry and leverage resources.
In order to ensure the industry's best interests are represented at a decision making level, over 50% of Destination Northern Ontario’s Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from private sector businesses.
Our Vision
Northern Ontario will be a unique and distinctive tourism destination wherein high-quality products and experiences resonate with consumers, entrepreneurship is valued, and tourism provides local, regional, and global connections for the entire region.
Our Mission
Destination Northern Ontario will take a leadership role to strategically guide and champion growth in Northern Ontario’s tourism industry through strong communication, collaboration and partnerships with industry.
Our Values
Destination Northern Ontario’s Board is committed to focusing on the vision in an “innovative, results-based, effective and fiscally responsible manner, with a foundation of strong governance and management leadership.” Destination Northern Ontario’s Board also recognizes the following values as important aspects of the strategic plan:
- Accountability
- Leadership
- Transparency
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Integrity
- Teamwork
Our Team
Staff
David Maclachlan
Executive Director
Stephanie Hopkin
Senior Coordinator, Product Development and Marketing & Communications
Bobbi Pallot
Corporate Services Officer
Tiina Keranen
Visual Communications Designer
Sara Currier
Industry Communications Coordinator
Megan Boyd
Tourism Coordinator
Gord Knowles
Senior Coordinator, Investment Attraction & Economic Development
Karen Peacock
Senior Coordinator, Workforce Development & Industry Training
Gillian McCullough
Online Learning Coordinator
Naza Obasi
Information Technology Support Coordinator
Kathy Carlson
Finance Officer
Karen Poirier
Office Administrator
Board of Directors
Marty Kalagian
President / Private Sector - Retired
Gerry Webber
Vice President / Public Service Sector – Retired
Betty McGie
Treasurer / Private Sector - Retired
Heather Gropp
Secretary / Municipal Government
Guy Lamarche
Director / Public Services Sector – Retired
George Stivrins
Director / Private Sector
Lori Branch
Director / Private Sector
Tammy Frick
Director / Not for Profit
Ian Wood
Director / Municipal Government - Retired
Shannon McMullan
Director / Private Sector
William Pawlowsky
Director / Private Sector
Rod Duhame
Director / Private Sector
Government Advisors
Todd Eastman
Advisor / Destination Ontario (MTSC)
Vacant
Advisor / Ontario Parks
Chad O'Halloran
Advisor / Parks Canada
Laurie Ypya
Advisor / Ministry of Northern Development
Jim Antler
Advisor / Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Support Teams
Mike Wozny
Special Project Coordinator
Ian McMillan
International Marketing Specialist
Marla Tremblay
Francophone Tourism Specialist