Year: 2025

Walt Judas

Walt has been involved in the tourism industry for over 30 years, having worked at BC Pavco, Port Metro Vancouver, and Tourism Vancouver prior to joining the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) in May 2015. As CEO, Walt leads multiple advocacy/policy files, sets the strategic course for TIABC,… Read more

Mayor Marianne Alto

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto is a facilitator by trade with university degrees in law and science.  A businesswoman active in community causes for decades, Marianne was first elected to Victoria City Council in 2010, and elected as Mayor in 2022. Mayor Alto is matriarch of the City Family (a unique… Read more

Kyle Bouwknecht

Kyle works with Synergy’s diverse client base as Technical Lead. Much of his time is spent modeling emissions reductions, developing excel tools, and supporting other team members on technical work. Kyle has previous experience in agriculture, heavy construction, and automotive industries, stoking interest in, and knowledge of, clean tech innovations… Read more

Keith Henry

Mr. Keith Henry is a Métis person that was born in Thompson, Manitoba and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Mr. Henry began his career in 1995 with teaching positions and has become well known for his strategic administrative and negotiations skills. Since 1998 Mr. Henry has led numerous provincial, federal… Read more

Jill Doucette

Jill Doucette founded Synergy in 2008, a leading climate action firm working in North America and the Caribbean. At the confluence of business, climate action and regenerative tourism, Jill and her team work with business, industry and communities to mobilize towards a sustainable future. She works on the frontier of… Read more

Jeremy Loveday

Jeremy Loveday is a strategic and creative leader who brings a diverse range of professional experience to his role as Executive Director of Public Affairs, Destination Stewardship and Sustainability at Destination Greater Victoria. A former Victoria City Councillor and CRD Director, Jeremy is guided by his passion for building vibrant… Read more

Georgia Lavender

Passionate about the circular economy and social equity, Georgia is compelled to find tangible solutions for businesses that strive to make a positive impact. Through her work at Synergy Foundation, she has led and designed programs such as incubators and accelerators and leads many large-scale projects guiding businesses, not-for-profits, First… Read more

Beth Potter

Beth Potter is a recognized leader with over 35 years of experience in provincial and national associations, including nearly 20 years in the tourism sector. As President & CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) from 2011 to 2021, she led efforts to establish tourism as a key… Read more

Celes Davar

Celes Davar is the president of Earth Rhythms, an award-winning experiential tourism company. For over 29 years, their focus has been on connecting guests to local culture through art, live music, food, and nature-based experiences. A true foodie, he loves preparing and sharing local foods with guests and has a… Read more

Isabel Hill

Isabel Hill was formerly the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism and Director of the National Travel and Tourism Office at the U.S. Department of Commerce. She and her team supported and implemented policies and programs that fostered the competitiveness of U.S. travel and tourism industries in collaboration… Read more