Michele McKenzie has worked in Canada’s tourism sector for 30 years. She is a recognized expert in the fields of hospitality, tourism and marketing.

Her initial involvement with the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) began in 2001 when she was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors.  Michele was appointed as President and CEO of the CTC in January 2004 and reappointed in January 2009. She has guided the evolution of the CTC from its origins as a newly formed Crown Corporation, to a respected, professional and competitive brand marketing organization. CTC is now recognized as one of the top marketing organizations in Canada gaining the prestigious Marketer of the Year designation in 2009.

The CTC led the evolution of Canada’s tourism brand to a place of strength in the global marketplace, contributing to Canada’s No. 1 Country Brand position in the world in 2011. Michele founded—and remains active in—the CEO Best Practice Forum, a collaborative undertaking involving the CEOs of the world’s leading national tourism organizations.

 A graduate of Dalhousie University, NS, Michele began her career with the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association. Prior to her CTC appointment, she was Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage for the Province of Nova Scotia. Michele holds the ICD.d designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. She has held positions on a number of boards and currently sits on the Board of the Vancouver Community College Foundation andthe Board of the Canadian affiliate of ChildFund International.  In 2012, Michele served on the expert panel that provided arms-length, independent advice to the Province of Nova Scotia on the prospects for re-establishing a Yarmouth-US ferry service.