Trans Canada Trail Appoints Michele McKenzie as New Chair of the Board

Ottawa – Trans Canada Trail is proud to announce the appointment of Michele McKenzie as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. A seasoned leader in international tourism and business model innovation, McKenzie brings decades of experience to the role. 

Currently working with J. E. Austin Associates, Inc. as Chief of Party for the USAID South Caucasus Regional Tourism Program, McKenzie has an impressive track record in leading tourism growth initiatives around the globe. She is the former President and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission (now Destination Canada) and the former Deputy Minister of Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage. She holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and has extensive governance experience including serving on the board of directors of Canada’s foreign direct investment agency Invest in Canada, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (Pearson Airport), and Trans Canada Trail. 

“Michele’s previous experience on the board of Trans Canada Trail, combined with her exceptional expertise and leadership in the sector will be invaluable as we work to enact our new strategic plan,” says Mathieu Roy, CEO of Trans Canada Trail. 

McKenzie’s numerous accolades include the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and being named one of the “10 Most Influential Leaders in Canada’s Hospitality Industry in the Past 25 Years” by Hotelier Magazine in 2014. 

“It’s an honour to take on this role at such an important time for Trans Canada Trail,” said McKenzie. “I look forward to building on the Trail’s incredible legacy and helping it grow as a cherished national resource for future generations.” 

McKenzie succeeds former Chair Michael Lindsay, who has completed his term. The organization extends its gratitude to Lindsay for his dedication and leadership during his tenure. 

At the September 14 board meeting, the Board of Directors also appointed a new board member, Deborah MacPherson. MacPherson is a former partner at KPMG and has extensive experience serving the non-profit and charitable sector as a board member and director, including at Telefilm Canada, YWCA, ApartmentLove, Special Olympics Alberta and the Alberta 2030 Commonwealth Games. The board also moved to reappoint four existing members to three-year terms: Judith Kasiama, Jane Pepino, Margaux McDonald and Tony Pringle.