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 solo hikes of the West Coast Trail, Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, North Coast Trail, and Nootka Trail, and has her sights set on the Sunshine Coast Trail next!

Contact for all non-travel trade media inquiries, newsletter submissions, communications support, storytelling, and assistance amplifying your success! Lauren is also the key contact for emergency preparedness and crisis communications.

Jolleen Dick is a Nuu-chah-nulth woman and a proud member of Hupacasath First Nation in the Alberni Valley. In 2007, while completing high school, Jolleen started her career as a Visitor Information Counsellor at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre. After completing her Bachelor of Tourism Management degree at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, Jolleen moved back home to Port Alberni in 2014 and worked at Hupacasath First Nation in various roles and held an elected position for a term. In 2017, she took a new opportunity to work for the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation in the BC Government. Now, Jolleen is happy to be back in the tourism industry working for Tourism Vancouver Island in collaboration with Indigenous Tourism BC.

Contact for responsive and respectful tourism and destination development support for Indigenous Nations, organizations, operators, and entrepreneurs; engagement, training, and information on Indigenous Tourism, connecting communities and fostering collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders.

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