Meet Kasey Rogerson: OHTO’s Director of Industry Development
If there is one thing Kasey Rogerson is passionate about, it’s tourism. The Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization’s (OHTO) Director of Industry Development has dedicated over the past decade to working in economic development and tourism, and specifically working directly with businesses and stakeholders.
Born and raised in the Ottawa Valley, Kasey has a strong connection to the region and is big on outdoor and edible travel experiences (and not necessarily in that order). When she’s not helping operators and communities, Kasey is often still immersed in tourism while staycationing in Ontario’s Highlands with her husband, four-year-old daughter and their family dog, Dawkins.
With just over 10 years spent working for Hastings County in a similar role, Kasey has hands-on experience working with businesses to help them develop new products and services, while also supporting destination development.
“I like being able to work one-on-one with businesses and see the impact I can have on the ground,” Kasey explained. “So far it’s been wonderful to have the opportunity to do what I love for a bigger region, and help more communities and businesses.”
Kasey has served on OHTO’s Board of Directors since 2013 where she’s held various positions, including her most recent role as Chief Governing Officer, before she stepped down from the board in 2022 to enter her new staff role with OHTO. Serving on the board has given Kasey the opportunity to broaden her tourism knowledge and understanding, from a different perspective.
“Being able to switch sides and go from the board side to the staff side with OHTO to help implement and execute on the programming is a huge win for me,” said Kasey.
One thing that has her excited these days is OHTO’s embracing of responsible tourism as a focus moving forward.
“Responsible tourism is a big passion for me, I did my thesis for my undergraduate degree on responsible tourism, so to be able to be part of that journey from the beginning to help shape what happens and then engage with industry is amazing,” said Kasey.
In her role with OHTO, Kasey works directly with businesses to foster communications between OHTO and the operator, developing partnerships and programming, and building capacity support for the industry.
She is the first point of contact between operators and OHTO, and looks forward to connecting with, and getting to know, operators in Ontario’s Highlands.
Connect With Kasey
Operators and stakeholders are invited to connect with Kasey and see how they can work with OHTO and be part of a vibrant tourism community. Kasey can be reached at 613-629-6486 (1-855-629-OHTO) ext. 203 or via email at kasey.rogerson@ohto.ca.