Tourism Vancouver Island

Our Organization

Meet Our Team

Departments:

  • Digital Strategy

    • Hannah Smith

      Director, Digital Strategy
      Hannah Smith
      236-889-7792
      A recently converted islander, Hannah moved to Nanaimo in 2014 after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Translation Studies at the University of Ottawa. Her past experience includes translation, search engine optimization and social media management for a host of clients, both at a tech firm and in her freelance practice. When she’s not crafting words, Hannah can be found behind her sewing machine or out exploring Vancouver Island’s hiking trails.

      Contact for questions about social media and content for Tourism Nanaimo and Tourism Vancouver Island channels.

      EQ Type - Authentic Experiencer

    • Dana Wacker

      Digital Strategist
      Dana Wacker
      250-740-1219
      Dana joined the Tourism Vancouver Island team mid-2018 after spending the past three years as a search engine marketing specialist at a local tech firm. Dana graduated from Vancouver Island University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Digital Media Studies. She’s heavily involved in the local mountain bike community and spends every ounce of her spare time exploring the many facets of island life, from biking to hiking and camping to climbing.

      Contact Dana to discuss content marketing opportunities and to learn more about our current program offerings.

  • Executive Office

    • Anthony Everett

      President & CEO
      Anthony Everett
      250-740-1211
      As President & CEO, Anthony leads a professional team to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. Anthony joined the organization in January 2018 and has 30+ years experience in destination marketing, sport tourism, media relations, visitor services and board governance.


      Contact for news media interviews, issues, corporate policy and governance.

      EQ Type - Authentic Experiencer

    • Sharon Scott

      Financial Services & Operations
      Sharon Scott
      250-740-1223
      A life long Island Resident except for 3 years in the Cariboo, Sharon joined Tourism Vancouver Island in March 2000 and obtained her Certified General Accountant designation in 2006. Prior to joining Tourism Vancouver Island, she worked in the accounting field and for CIBC.

      Contact for bill payments, invoice inquiries, credit card payments, or to discuss terms of repayment on your account.

      EQ Type - Gentle Explorer

    • Lana Cheong

      Corporate Services
      Lana Cheong
      250-740-1213
      Lana joined the organization in 1997 after completing the first year of Tourism Management Studies through Malaspina College (now Vancouver Island University). After managing the Media Relations Department for over a decade, she transitioned in 2012 to assist in Corporate Services. With organizational changes in 2015, Lana also assists in Community & Industry Services including the new Remarkable Experiences Program.

      Contact for inquiries related to the Board of Directors (how to get involved, elections, nominations, etc.), office policies/procedures, and the Remarkable Experiences Program.

      EQ Type - Authentic Experiencer

  • Industry & Community Services

    • Calum Matthews

      Director, Destination Development
      Calum Matthews
      250-740-1224
      Calum joined the Tourism Vancouver Island team in 2016 and holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science Degree from Quest University Canada as well as a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Toronto. After 12 years living in Ontario and the Sea to Sky Region, Calum happily returned home to Vancouver Island in 2015 and has since enjoyed being a tourist in his own backyard. Calum also serves on the Board of the Vancouver Island Coast Economic Developers' Association (VICEDA).

      Contact for information related to destination development and cooperative marketing programs, outreach programs, regional research inquiries, value of tourism presentations and special industry projects.

      EQ Type - Authentic Experiencer

    • Melissa Mills

      Destination Development & Industry Engagement Coordinator
      Melissa Mills
      250-740-1218
      Melissa brings with her more than 8 years of career experience in business strategy and development, combined with a B. Comm and an MScBA in the same focus areas. Although raised on the Island, the majority of her career development took place in Northern BC where she completed her post-secondary education. After spending nearly 7 years in the north, she and her husband decided to return to the Island to start their family. Happy to be back enjoying island life, Melissa spends the majority of her free time outdoors with her family and friends, either along the shores, in the mountains, or in front of a campfire.

      Contact for information related to destination development, stakeholder engagement and inquiries, value of tourism presentations, and special industry projects.

      EQ Type – Cultural Explorer

  • Marketing Department

    • Denise Le Gal

      Consumer Marketing Specialist
      Denise Le Gal
      250-740-1215
      A Vancouver Island resident for more than 25 years, Denise graduated from Malaspina University-College (now VIU) with her Business Management diploma in 1994 and has worked in the tourism industry ever since.  Prior to joining Tourism Vancouver Island in 2003 Denise worked for Stubbs Island Whale Watching in Telegraph Cove for eight years.

      Contact for questions about our annual marketing plan, ideas for marketing programs, getting involved with EQ or other marketing-related inquiries.

      EQ Type - Cultural History Buff

    • Heather McEachen

      Trade & Media Specialist
      Heather McEachen
      250-740-1214
      An Island resident since 2006, Heather graduated from Simon Fraser University in 2003 with her degree in marketing and management organization studies and more recently her certificate in Destination Management from Royal Roads. Her previous work history includes a variety of sales and marketing positions with organizations such as the BC Provincial Government and Imperial Tobacco Canada.

      Contact for trade and media images, information on working with travel trade and becoming export ready, connecting with media and travel trade, itinerary suggestions, familiarization or press trip assistance, Vancouver Island editorial clippings and story ideas.

      EQ Type - Free Spirit

    • Darsey Batchelor

      Marketing & Media Coordinator
      Darsey Batchelor
      250-740-1217
      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

      Director, Destination Marketing
      Karen Bannister
      250-740-1222
      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

  • Vancouver Island North Tourism

    • Joli White

      Tourism Coordinator, Vancouver Island North Tourism
      Joli White
      250-902-8281
      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
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