Our Board of Directors

Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) functions as an industry-led Not-For-Profit Corporation governed by a Board of Directors, Responsible for setting strategic objectives, developing policies and monitoring the Executive Director for operational performance. The Executive Director, in collaboration with the Board, develops and manages the operational plan to achieve the organization's strategic objectives.

Directors are actively engaged with tourism businesses and/or have significant knowledge of local and regional tourism issues, ensuring member input is collected and considered when establishing the strategic objectives. They contribute diverse skills and an understanding of the region’s tourism assets, challenges and opportunities. They are committed to and will attend, scheduled meetings to actively and positively participate in discussions. They follow a Code of Conduct and Confidentiality, which is outlined in a Board Policy Manual. Each Director is expected to serve the OHTO membership as a whole.

2024-2025 Board of Directors

• Chief Governing Officer: Meghan James - Somewhere Inn Calabogie
• Vice Chief Governing Officer: Cindy Jamieson - Jamieson Travel / Whitewater Inn / Valley Cycle Tours
• Vanessa Dow - Lanark County Tourism
• Barrie Martin - Experience Broker / Founder, Yours Outdoors
• Barbara Kraus - Tamarack Lodge Cottage Resort
• Chris Hinsperger - Bonnechere Caves
• Jeff Jackson - Algonquin Fly Fishing Premium Guide Service / Professor & Coordinator at Algonquin College
• Greg Rodgers - Rock Hill B&B 
• Mike Hage - Myers Cave Resort
• Shannon MacLaggan - Anupaya Cabin Co.
• Melissa Marquardt - Ottawa Valley Tourist Association

To learn more about each Director, click on their names above to read their bio and hear about why they chose to join the Board of Directors.

Directors are elected annually, and members interested in seeking a seat on the OHTO Board are encouraged to contact OHTO with any questions.

Apply to join OHTO's Board of Directors

OHTO's Board of Directors is looking for energetic, positive and collaborative strategic thinkers to contribute to the growth of tourism in the region by volunteering to serve as a Director of the Board. Opportunities to fill vacancies become available to our members and interested individuals able to commit to a one-year term or a three-year term.

Interested applicants are encouraged to review and complete the Application Form.

Nomination Process

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed and scored by the OHTO Nominating Committee and a reference check will be conducted.  You will receive the results of your application no later than two (2) weeks prior to the AGM. If you have been selected to be included in the slate of nominees presented to the membership at the AGM, you will receive a follow-up email requesting a photo and a brief bio to be included in the AGM delegate package.  Participation at the AGM is expected and once the membership has acclaimed the slate of nominees your term begins.  Additional information regarding orientation, meeting dates etc. will be shared shortly following the AGM so you have time to plan accordingly.