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.

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. 

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.

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

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

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

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

Mike Wozny

Special Project Coordinator

Ian McMillan

International Marketing Specialist

Marla Tremblay

Francophone Tourism Specialist

Get more involved in your regional tourism industry

See Current Opportunities

Want to learn more?

Media Relations

Download our media relations kit here:

Download Media Kit

Annual Report

Download our latest annual report here:

Download Annual Report

Business Plan

Download our business plan:

Download Business Plan