Meet Our Team

Lauren joined Tourism Vancouver Island in April 2019. Taking on the new role of Corporate Communications Specialist, Lauren is responsible for our industry-facing communications, corporate brand stewardship, stakeholder relations, corporate media relations and more. Her most recent position was as a Constituency Assistant and Outreach Officer to then-Member of Parliament, Sheila Malcolmson, where she was known for her dedication and drive.

In her downtime, you'll find Lauren taking in local theatre, spray painting murals with her partner, or exploring the trails and waterways of the island. An avid backpacker and hiker, Lauren has completed the West Coast Trail, Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, North Coast Trail, and Nootka Trail solo, and has her sights set on the Sunshine Coast Trail next!

Jolleen Dick is a Nuu-chah-nulth woman and a proud member of Hupacasath First Nation in the Alberni Valley. After completing her Tourism Management degree at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, Jolleen moved back home to Port Alberni in 2014 and got involved in the community. Hupacasath First Nation (HFN) hired her on in a research role, and she managed the Sunset Market in the summer. Later on, she became the Communications Manager at HFN.

In 2015, Jolleen ran for the Hupacasath First Nation council and was successfully elected for a two-year term. In 2017 her term ended, and she took a new opportunity to work for the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation in the BC Government.

After graduating from Vancouver Island University and receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management, Darsey joined the Tourism Vancouver Island team in 2016. Prior to joining Tourism Vancouver Island, Darsey worked as a Research Assistant through her university and as a Social Media Manager at the Inn on Long Lake. After moving from a rural East Kootenay community, Darsey has embraced the Island lifestyle and enjoys exploring all that the Island has to offer.

Contact for connecting with media and travel trade, itinerary suggestions, and familiarization or press trip assistance for Nanaimo and other Vancouver Island regions.

EQ Type - Free Spirit

Karen Bannister leads the Destination Marketing team and comes to this role with fifteen years experience in not-for-profit marketing and communications, including previous roles in fundraising within the arts and culture sector. Karen is originally from the province of Ontario, and holds a Masters degree in comparative literature and art, as well as a professional degree in arts management and a bachelors degree in dramatic arts. Previous to joining the Tourism Vancouver Island team, Karen was a marketing consultant and business owner.

Contact Karen for questions about marketing programs and strategy on Vancouver Island.

EQ Type - Rejuvenator

Being born and raised here, Joli has always held a strong connection to Vancouver Island. Her passion for tourism has grown through years of experience in different sectors of the industry. Over the past 10 years she has worked in marketing roles for Mount Washington Alpine Resort, a group of service and hospitality businesses in the Comox Valley, and, up for a new adventure in 2009, Joli took the position of Tourism Coordinator for the Vancouver Island North regional tourism program (project of the Regional District of Mount Waddington) managed by Tourism Vancouver Island and has been living in Port Hardy ever since.

Contact for information on tourism marketing programs for the Vancouver Island North region of Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice, Alert Bay, Sointula, Telegraph Cove, and Rural Areas A, B, C and D of the Regional District of Mount Waddington.

EQ Type - Authentic Experiencer