Salary Range $120,000 - $150,000 (CDN)
Chemistry Consulting Group is pleased to have been selected to lead the executive search for an innovative and collaborative President & CEO on behalf of our client, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), and its subsidiaries, Symphony Tourism Services and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Foundation.
TOTA, a not-for-profit society governed by the BC Societies Act, is an industry-led organization that represents and supports business and community tourism interests throughout the Thompson Okanagan region. TOTA is one of five Regional Destination Management Organizations in the province of British Columbia that work under the Super Natural British Columbia brand as an official representative of Destination British Columbia. Its mandate includes Industry Development, Destination Stewardship, and Destination Development.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO leads and supports a high-performing team and is a highly visible, trusted leader and advocate throughout the TOTA region. Working closely with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, CDMOs, governments, tourism-industry associations, businesses and other partners, the CEO builds strong relationships, advances shared priorities and ensures the region has a strong voice locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.
With a forward-looking and research-informed approach, the President & CEO anticipates change, champions innovation and advocates for opportunities and policies that strengthen the visitor economy, positioning the organization, region and communities it serves for sustainable, long-term success.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
Develop and execute the Board-approved strategic plan, translating priorities into actionable goals and measurable outcomes
Monitor industry trends, market shifts, and emerging risks to capitalize on strategic opportunities
Drive innovation and balance visitor-economy growth with long-term regional priorities
Play a key strategic role during emergencies in providing an important conduit to official
information sources for visitors and potential visitors.
Destination Leadership & Stewardship
Champion regional tourism sustainability, focusing on people, planet, and economic prosperity
Advance responsible tourism, year-round visitation, respectful collaboration with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, and equitable geographic benefit distribution
Foster industry-wide collaboration to help tourism businesses adapt and thrive
Innovation, Marketing & Market Development
Direct data-driven destination branding, marketing, and visitor engagement strategies
Leverage technology to boost regional competitiveness and measure ROI on marketing investments
Stakeholder, Government & Community Relations
Serve as the primary regional ambassador, building trusted partnerships with governments, Indigenous communities, and operators
Advocate for destination priorities and create shared-investment opportunities
Financial & Organizational Stewardship
Oversee financial health, risk management, regulatory compliance, and annual budget development
Diversify revenue streams and maximize resource allocation
People & Culture
Build an inclusive, high-performing team focused on trust, accountability, and continuous development
Ensure organizational compliance with British Columbia and Canadian employment standards
Board Governance & Accountability
Act as the primary liaison to the Board, delivering timely insights to support governance decisions
Execute Board policies and decisions while maintaining clear boundaries between governance and operational management
EDUCATION, SKILLS & RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Education & Experience: Post-secondary degree/diploma in Business, Tourism, Marketing, Public Administration, or related field (or equivalent senior executive experience)
Leadership: Proven track record leading high-performing teams, executing strategic plans, and driving change. Experience in a leadership or operational role within emergency management, public safety, or disaster response operations is an asset
Industry Expertise: Deep knowledge of the tourism sector (BC context preferred) and data-driven strategy
Relationship Management: Strong record of collaboration with Indigenous communities, governments, CDMOs, and industry partners
Financial & Governance Acumen: Solid experience in financial management, budgeting, risk mitigation, and reporting to a governance Board
Communication: Exceptional advocacy, public speaking, and influencing skills across regional, national, and international stages
WHAT WE OFFER
Comprehensive group benefits package including extended health and dental
4 weeks annual vacation plus additional days such as Christmas, volunteer time
RSP matching program
Access to shared TOTA vehicle for business travel
Flexible work schedule
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association values diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We are dedicated to providing workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities and will ensure the necessary support is in place to help you succeed— both during the recruitment process and throughout your employment.
TO APPLY
Please email a cover letter and resume by December 18,2026 to careers@chemistryconsulting.ca with
“TOTA CEO” in the subject line. We encourage candidates to submit authentic applications that reflect
their individual voice, experience and perspective. We value your own words and insights over AI-
generated submissions. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you!
