TOTA Announces New Board Leadership and 2026 Board Election Results
New and returning directors bring diverse tourism industry experience and regional perspectives to support the future of tourism in the Thompson Okanagan.
KAMLOOPS, B.C., October 13, 2026 – The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is pleased to announce its 2026 Board of Directors election results, welcoming new and returning directors representing tourism businesses, organizations, and communities throughout the region.
The election results were presented at TOTA's Annual General Meeting on October 7, 2026, held in Kamloops, B.C., on the unceded territory of the Secwépemc People. Additionally, a three way tie for the final board position has resulted in an election run off, currently underway. The final position on the board will be announced October 26, 2026.
The Board of Directors provides strategic direction and governance oversight for TOTA, supporting its work to strengthen the regional tourism industry, advance sustainable tourism development, and foster collaboration across the Thompson Okanagan.
Kimo Linders of ERTCU Travel Group has been elected Board Chair after previously serving as Vice-Chair. He is joined by Cassandra Zerebeski of Tourism Kelowna as Vice-Chair and Kelley Mullin (Glazer) of Destination Osoyoos as Secretary-Treasurer. Sandra Oldfield of Elysian Projects continues as a board member moving into the role of Past Chair
“I’m very proud to take on the role of Chair of TOTA,” said Kimo Linders, incoming TOTA Board Chair. “Tourism is such an important part of our region, and behind it are thousands of people, businesses and communities that make the Thompson Okanagan what it is. I want to make sure we continue to listen to them, understand the challenges they face and make sure their voices are heard. We have an important year ahead of us, including the recruitment of our next CEO, and I’m really looking forward to helping shape the next chapter of TOTA.”
The Board welcomes Monica Dickinson of Lac le Jeune Resort and Kevin Pearce of Travel Penticton, both of whom previously served on the TOTA Board, as well as Steven Tulloch of BlueStar Coachlines, who joins as a first-time director.
They join returning directors whose experience spans destination management, accommodation, attractions, transportation, education, Indigenous tourism, and other sectors that contribute to the region's visitor economy.
“We are very fortunate to have had such a strong group of candidates willing to let their name stand for our board,” noted Ellen Walker-Matthews, President and CEO. “Their knowledge and guidance ensure that we continue to authentically represent the wide breadth of tourism stakeholders that work diligently to welcome guests to our region. We are so pleased to be working with our returning and new board members in the year ahead.”
2027 TOTA Board of Directors
Board Officers
Chair: Kimo Linders, ERTCU Travel Group
Vice-Chair: Cassandra Zerebeski, Tourism Kelowna
Secretary-Treasurer: Kelley Mullin (Glazer), Destination Osoyoos
Past Chair: Sandra Oldfield, Elysian Projects
Directors
Michael J. Ballingall, Big White Ski Resort
Mandi Carroll, Westbank First Nation
Monica Dickinson, Lac le Jeune Resort
Lumin Kite, Trails to the Boundary Society
Aaron Macdonald, Sun Peaks Resort
Jim Moroz, Kamloops Airport (Vantage Group)
Kevin Pearce, Travel Penticton
Dale Sivucha, Coast Capri Hotel
Steven Tulloch, BlueStar Coachlines
Aggie Weighill, Okanagan College
Final Board Position Pending Run-off Election
A three-way tie for the final Board position has resulted in an electronic run-off election. Candidates in the tie include:
Delco McEvoy, Sandman Hotel Group
Monica Seys, Shuswap Marina
Savannah Swaisland, Grape Savvy Wine Tours
The results will be announced on October 26, 2026, completing the 15-member Board.
Also, in the coming weeks TOTA will be reaching out to get industry feedback on the Summit as well as areas of concern and focus for the year ahead.
About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is the Regional Destination Management Organization for British Columbia's Thompson Okanagan region. TOTA works collaboratively with tourism businesses, communities, Indigenous partners, and government to support a resilient, sustainable, and thriving tourism industry.
Learn more at TOTABC.org.
Media Contact
Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Ellen@TOTABC.com