COAST SALISH TERRITORY, B.C. — The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has made recent changes to its leadership team. The changes will help the organization and the Indigenous tourism industry continue to grow and build back better in the recovery from COVID-19.

First, Sébastien Desnoyers-Picard has been promoted into the newly created role of vice-president of Operations, bringing more than 15 years of experience in tourism, media relations, communications and international marketing. Previously, he held the position of Chief Marketing Officer for ITAC where he helped launch The Original Original marketing campaign and led advocacy support to secure government and partner funding. In his new role, Desnoyers-Picard will oversee the executive of the strategy and action plan as approved by the Board of Directors and the president and CEO, Keith Henry.

“We are so proud of the work that Séb has done in his time at ITAC and within the Indigenous tourism industry throughout his career,” says Henry. “This position is an important step for ITAC and for Séb to elevate him as an operational leader and further enhance our advocacy efforts.”

Second, Teresa Ryder has been promoted to director of Partnerships. In this role, Ryder will be responsible for supporting relationships and partnerships, as well as developing and implementing programs across Canada to grow regional Indigenous tourism associations. She will also oversee corporate communications, internal market research, international projects and membership.

“This promotion is a natural progression for Teresa who has proven herself time and time again, that she is a natural leader and key member of our leadership team,” says Henry. “Teresa has led the development of significant partnerships and implemented innovative programs that benefit the Indigenous tourism industry like Rise and the Stimulus Grant Funding. We’re so proud of her accomplishment so far and cannot wait to see where she takes us next.”

Finally, Suzanne Reeves has been appointed to director of Marketing, and Tara Saunders as the director of Business Development. Reeves will be responsible for overseeing the marketing initiatives of ITAC, bringing more than 25 years of experience developing and implementing strategic global sales and marketing programs in tourism to her new role.

“Suzanne is a highly respected marketer in the tourism industry. We’re so grateful to have her on our team,” says Henry. “Suzanne is an incredible leader who has navigated our organization towards award-winning campaigns that build the profile of the Indigenous tourism industry worldwide.”

Saunders, on the other hand, will replace Ryder and oversee the development and stability of Indigenous tourism across Canada, as well as product development and grant initiatives to support Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs and Indigenous communities investing in tourism.

“Teresa left big shoes to fill with the director of Business Development position, but we know Tara is the perfect person who will bring something extra special to the role,” says Henry.

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