Board Recruitment 2013
The application period to join Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation Board of Directions is now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied; please note only those under consideration will be contacted.
Board of Directors
The Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation takes new shape in 2012 with the appointment of three new board members, all serving a mix of terms from one to three years. The formal announcement was made recently at the first Annual General Meeting held at the Best Western Stoneridge in London.
The new members join a strong 10-member leadership board developed to govern the organization. The board members bring a diverse set of expertise to the organization and a passionate commitment to tourism in the region.
The three new board members are replacing outgoing board members Joe Drummond, Tim Fitzgerald, and John Liedtke.
The board, comprised of leaders from across the industry, plays a critical role in helping to shape and accelerate tourism in Ontario’s Southwest.
2012/2013 Board Members
Dave Barnier, Chatham
Dave Barnier grew up in Ridgetown and is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a degree in Economics. For the last 25 years he and his family have owned/operated Erieau Marina Ltd., in Erieau on beautiful Lake Erie. Dave is Past President of the Ontario Marina Operators Association, Past Chair of Discover Boating Canada and currently on the Advisory board of the Ontario Marina Operators Association. He currently lives in Chatham and in his spare time enjoys flying and boating with his family.Adriano Ciotoli, Windsor
Jeannine Cookson, London
Jeannine has spent more than 30 years studying and working within the Tourism industry, primarily in Southwestern Ontario. She is the Executive Director for the Heads of Hospitality and Tourism Ontario as well as a Board Member for the London Convention Center. She has spent the last 24 years as faculty and is now Chair for the School of Tourism and Hospitality. Jeannine has broad industry connections in tourism, accommodations, culinary, food services and clubs.Lori Da Silva, Belmont
Lori Da Silva has been the General Manager and CEO of the London Convention Centre Corporation for the past 6 years and this will be her 2nd year as Chair of the SWOTC Board of Directors. Previously, Lori held the position of General Manager of Spencer Leadership Centre, owned by the Richard Ivey School of Business and prior to Spencer, Lori was the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Delta London Armouries Hotel. Lori is a graduate of Ryerson University in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Administration and has a Professional Certificate in Leadership from UWO Continuing Education. Lori currently serves on the Boards of Tourism London and Rotary Club of London and she is an active member of SKAL International.Wendie Dupuis, Rodney
Wendie Dupuis is Managing Partner of Lakewood Trailer Estates Inc. and has for the past 15 years worked with her family in operating their campground located high over the bluffs of beautiful Lake Erie. In addition to her current position on the SWOTC board, Wendie is a Director - Region 1 with Camping in Ontario, a member of the West Elgin Chamber of Commerce and has served in the past as General Manager of Trinity Place, a non-profit seniors housing complex in London, and Chair/Member, Special Education Advisory Committee – Thames Valley School Board.Steve Martin, Port Dover
Steve is a graduate of the Tourism Management program from Georgian College. During his tenure, he utilized his co-op opportunities working with a new development called Long Point Eco Adventures in St. Williams, Ontario. After completing school with honours, and the growth of Long Point Eco Adventures, it was a logical and exciting transition to take on a role within the company. Over the last 4 years, Steve has taken on the roles and responsibilities as General Manager of the facility. He also sits as a member of the Tourism and Economic Development Advisory Board in Norfolk County. Steve currently lives in Port Dover and enjoys all aspects of the outdoors.
Karen Matthews, Port Dover
Karen Matthews is the General Manager of the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show, Ontario’s largest rural fair. Karen’s past experience includes National Manager of Kinsmen & Kinette Clubs of Canada, Marketing & Ticket Sales Coordinator for the Juno Awards (Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences), and Festival Manager for Festival of Friends, Canada’s largest outdoor free arts and music festival. She is past Chair of the Norfolk County Tourism & Economic Development Advisory Board and a member of Norfolk County’s Culinary Tourism Committee.Grace McGartland, West Lorne
Grace McGartland is Chair of The Arts & Cookery Bank located in West Elgin, a regional cultural destination that offers a snapshot of rural Ontario through food and photos. For 25 years, she was president of Thunderbolt Thinking Inc. Grace currently sits on the County of Elgin Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee (CEEDTAC), Savour Elgin Advisory Committee and West Elgin’s Community Improvement Taskforce. She just completed her role as chair of the Elgin County’s IPM tent committee.Doug Puddicombe, Woodstock
Doug Puddicombe was born in Stratford, attended Stratford Teachers’ College and began his teaching career in Scarborough, Ont. He and his wife Gail moved to Woodstock in 1969. In 1970, Doug became an Elementary School Principal at the Oxford County Board of Education. He served in this capacity in seven elementary schools. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Waterloo Lutheran University and a Master of Education from Brock University. He has had extensive Board involvement at the local and regional level. He is presently Chair of the Retired Teachers of Ontario District 37 Travel Committee. He has organized and led travel groups on 6 continents.Ken Whiteford, Woodstock
Ken Whiteford retired as Chief Administrative Officer for the County of Oxford in 2008. He is involved in a variety of community activities including membership on the Woodstock Hospital Board, the Oxford Community Foundation, the Oxford Small Business Support Centre Board and President of the Ingersoll District Nature Club.
(Posted January 24, 2010) – The Transition Network Team of Regional Tourism Organization 1 (RTO1) is proud to announce the formation of a strong and diverse leadership team to govern the new organization from February on. RTO1 faced a difficult choice given the high calibre of individuals who applied and the breadth of skills and experience they offered.
For additional information, please contact the SWOTC office at 519-290-8687.
