Helping Grow Tourism for Kawarthas Northumberland
Board & Staff
RTO8 Staff
Brenda Wood, Executive Director of Regional Tourism Organization 8
Brenda has spent the past twenty-five years in the tourism industry.
Working as a destination representative for a tourism operator in Mexico, Cuba and Spain, she oversaw the arrivals of over 1,200 passengers from Canada each week. She has worked in hotel and attraction sales and for a large DMO in Southern Ontario, specializing in travel trade. Since joining Regional Tourism Organization 8 ten years ago as their Executive Director, she has focused on the development of unique and authentic experiences including Canada’s first Waterway Trail Town program to help grow tourism visitation and revenue within the Kawarthas Northumberland region.
Joe Rees, Program Manager Acceler8
Joe has spent more than 25 years in business, economic development and tourism business development initiatives. Most recently he was the Director of Tourism for a regional DMO with responsibility for visitor services, product development, business attraction and support and sport tourism. Joe’s passion for supporting tourism businesses within our region play a key role in his management of the RTO8 Acceler8 coaching/mentoring program.
Email acceler8rto8@gmail.com to connect with Joe.
Hillary Flood, Sustainable Tourism Certification Coordinator
Hillary is an award-winning community activator, thought leader, and place maker, known for leading transformative city-building projects that reshape how people connect with public spaces. Passionate about enhancing the vibrancy and well-being of the region and with a working background in the environmental non-profit sector, Hillary brings valuable sustainable expertise to RTO8 for advancing environmental action and facilitating Green Step Destination Certification for our region.
Email greensteprto8@gmail.com to connect with Hillary.
Agency Support Team
RTO8’s marketing programs and special projects are supported by our agency of record – Birchbark Media. The following are the core Birchbark team members that play an active role with the organization,
2024-25 Board of Directors
RTO8 is governed by an industry-led, volunteer board that consists of 12 tourism leaders from across the Kawarthas Northumberland region. The Directors were selected for their tourism and professional knowledge, experience and skills and have been appointed to represent the interests of the region’s tourism sectors and partners.
Members of the Board of Directors are:
Donna Bennett
Co-Founder, Westben Centre for Connection & Creativity Through Music
My three favourite things to do in the RTO8 region are:
- Hiking
- Going to concerts
- Dining out
Danielle French
Founder, South Pond Farms, Writer, Podcaster
My three favourite things to do in the RTO8 region are:
- Walking the trails.
- Having breakfast at the canoe museum after a paddle on Little Lake.
- Playing pickleball on the outdoor courts.
Anne Adare
Owner, Dunraven Cottage
My three favourite things to do in the RTO8 region are:
- Being near the water or getting out on the water for a day of fun and sun.
- Being surrounded by nature
- Experiencing the warmth of a close-knit, welcoming community.
Jay Chatten
Harwood Community Parks & Recreation Club
My three favourite things to do in the RTO8 region are:
- Go fishing on Rice Lake
- Boat cruise on the Otonabee River
- Eat at a shoreline restaurant
Mindy Knott
Director of Economic Development, Curve Lake First Nation
My three favourite things to do in the RTO8 region are:
- Be in Nature/on water
- Taste the foods
- Day trips
Laurie Dillon-Schalk
Executive Director, Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes
My three favourite things to do in the RTO8 region are:
- Discovering new places, restaurants, museums
- Live music, theatre & fairs
- Maple sugaring & farm visits
Kayleigh Hindman
General Manager, Hampton Inn by Hilton Peterborough
My three favourite things to do in the RTO8 region are:
- Eat!
- Kayak
- Drive some long winding road with the ultimate playlist
Charles Kerr
Executive Chef, Eaganridge Resort, Golf Club & Spa
My three favourite things to do in the RTO8 region are:
- Play golf
- Visit farmers markets / eat local food
- Enjoy the outdoors
Stephanie Campbell
Editor, Watershed Magazine
My three favourite things to do in the RTO8 region are:
1. Enjoying the Great Outdoors (hiking, cross country skiing and cycling)
2. Watching great music and plays at Westben and the Capitol Theatre
3. Discovering new restaurants and other culinary gems
Emilio Ojeda
Settlement Service Coordinator, Northumberland County
My three favourite things to do in the RTO8 region are:
- Drive from town to town
- Enjoy unique stores and restaurants
- Enjoy local artistic expressions, fairs, events and festivals
Elizabeth King
Museum Operations Manager, Lang Pioneer Village Museum
Jeannie Maidens
Special Events Coordinator, Municipality of Port Hope
My three favourite things to do in the RTO region are:
- Explore the outdoors with my dog, Toba
- Shop for seasonal ingredients and unique handmade items
- Attend events and community celebrations