Our Board of Directors
Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is funded by the Ontario government but functions as a separate industry-led not-for-profit corporation. Its Board of Directors is comprised of between 7 and 11 individuals responsible for providing strategic oversight and governance to support OHTO’s mission of strengthening the communities of Ontario’s Highlands through responsible tourism. Directors act as ambassadors for the organization, ensuring the needs and aspirations of the region’s tourism sector and its communities are reflected in operational priorities. The Executive Director, in collaboration with the Board, develops and manages the operational plan to achieve the organization's strategic objectives.
OHTO prides itself on effective governance and is privileged to consistently attract and retain dedicated, collaborative and experienced individuals who are eager to learn and serve on the board for renewable three-year terms. Directorship on the OHTO Board is a commitment but also a rewarding professional development opportunity that brings together tourism professionals eager to elevate the positive impact the visitor economy has in the communities of our rural region.
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 and Event Consultant / Tourism Product Evaluator
- Barbara Kraus - Tamarack Lodge Cottage Resort
- Chris Hinsperger - Bonnechere Caves
- Jeff Jackson - Algonquin Fly Fishing Premium Guide Service
- 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.
Apply to join OHTO's Board of Directors
The membership, through the OHTO bylaws, entrusts the Nominating Committee to conduct a recruitment and vetting process in order to bring forward qualified and suitable candidates for consideration at the Annual General Meeting. The Nominating Committee works with the board each year to identify the desired profile of candidates which becomes the basis for recruitment and selection.
Ideal Candidate
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate:
- they are a member of OHTO and authorized representative. Only one individual from a member organization can apply for directorship. If you are unsure of your membership status please contact OHTO,
- a strong understanding of tourism, economic development, or community engagement in Ontario’s Highlands,
- alignment with OHTO’s vision and values, including a commitment to regional collaboration, innovation and leadership,
- a relevant skill set to round out board competencies such as governance, finance, marketing, legal or communications,
- the ability to provide strategic input and oversight on organizational priorities while effectively delegating operational decisions to the Executive Director,
- they are thoughtful, respectful, and collaborative in group decision-making, and
- they meet the board’s criteria for balance in its representation of skill set, geography, and private/public representation (elected officials are ineligible).
Key Responsibilities
Successful applicants will be required to:
- sign a confidentiality agreement and an attestation to act in accordance with OHTO Bylaws and Board Policies,
- take part in board orientation and training,
- attend and actively participate in board meetings and committee work,
- be prepared to set aside local agendas and serve on behalf of all tourism operators, communities and visitors of the region,
- actively participate in OHTO’s efforts in tourism advocacy and community engagement, and
- uphold the organization’s values of inclusivity, sustainability and community alignment.
Nomination Process
The Nominating Committee has outlined the following steps to clarify the nomination process for our members and anyone interested in pursuing directorship with OHTO:
- Reach out to find out more about the opportunity (if needed)
- Fill out and submit an application
- Call for Nominations closes 3 weeks in advance of the AGM
- Nominations Committee reviews and scores applications
- Applicants are notified if they have advanced to the interview stage
- Interviews are conducted
- References are checked
- Applicants are notified of the result
- If successful, applicants submit a brief bio and picture to include in the delegate kit for the AGM
- Nominees attend the AGM where the slate of nominees is presented to the membership and election conducted if needed
- New directors are contacted to schedule onboarding shortly following the AGM
If you have questions about the nomination process or how to apply, please contact nominations@ohto.ca.