Media Releases

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Tourism Whistler Members Elect New Board Director, Two Elected by Acclamation

Whistler, B.C. – Tourism Whistler held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

Now confirmed, election results state that Nadia Demers, Chief Financial Officer at Ziptrek Ecotours, has been elected as the Commercial Director, replacing long-time board member Roger Soane, CEO of Whistler Sports Legacies.

Three positions on the Tourism Whistler Board of Directors were up for election this year at the AGM, one of which was filled by election and the remaining two by acclamation.

In the category of Single-Managed Lodging – Small, the successful nominee was the incumbent, Saad Hasan, General Manager of Lodging Ovations.

In the category of Multi-Managed Lodging – Benchlands, the successful nominee was the incumbent, Steve Seatle, General Manager of Vacasa property management.

“Despite labour shortages, inflation, and distribution channel challenges, Whistler experienced a strong rebound in 2022 and businesses stepped up to meet the challenge,” said Norm Mastalir, Chair of Tourism Whistler’s Board of Directors.

“Looking longer term, our Resort is focused on balancing demand with supply, lessening environmental impact, and futureproofing Whistler’s economy.”

“To that end, I’m proud of the work that Tourism Whistler has been working on to support Whistler’s long-term success. In addition, our partners have been making investments in Whistler’s natural and built environment, from trails and parks to village infrastructure and lift expansions - all essential to keeping Whistler a leader among resort destinations,” Mastalir said.

“I would like to thank Roger Soane for his 14 years of service and contributions on the Tourism Whistler Board of Directors – both on committees and as the board’s Chair. We have appreciated your leadership,” said Mastalir. “I would simultaneously like to welcome Nadia Demers who will bring a fresh, new perspective to the Board.”

One final director vacancy on the Tourism Whistler Board of Directors has just been filled by board appointment due to the mid-term resignation of Doug Andrews, the former General Manager of the Listel Hotel, in the category of Multi-Managed Lodging – Village. As a result, the Tourism Whistler Board of Directors has just appointed Kevin Small, Director of Sales, Marketing & Operations with Gibbons Whistler, and who is responsible for overseeing the Adara Lodge, for the remaining one year of the two-year term.

The Board of Directors reflects the interests of a diverse membership, and Tourism Whistler Members are encouraged to engage with the organization and leadership – through Member meetings, Member website, Member newsletters and emails, and engagement with both staff and board representatives – as Member input plays a vital role in the ongoing success of Whistler.

The current Tourism Whistler Board of Directors is as follows:

Elected:

Single-Managed Lodging - Large:
Norman Mastalir (Chair)

Single-Managed Lodging - Small:
Saad Hasan

Multi-Managed Lodging - Village:
Kevin Small (appointed by the Board to fill a one-year vacancy left by Doug Andrews who recently left Whistler)

Multi-Managed Lodging - Other:
Estretya Gosalbez

Multi-Managed Lodging – Benchlands:
Steve Seatle

Director-at-Large:
Murray Lowe

Commercial Director:
Nadia Demers (Elected)

Appointed

Resort Municipality of Whistler:
Jack Crompton
Virginia Cullen

Whistler Blackcomb:
Rosalie Rougeot
Second appointee replacing Geoff Buchheister TBC