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Meet the RTO9 Team
RTO 9 is made up of a dedicated team of talented individuals who are working to build tourism in South Eastern Ontario. To learn more about any of our support programs and opportunities, please contact us. We would love to hear from you!
Bonnie has been with the RTO9 since the inception of the Regional Tourism Organization in 2011. Bonnie was appointed to Executive Director in 2017 after 6 years as Operations Manager for RTO9. With a background in finance and a passion for the tourism industry, Bonnie is a true leader. In 2020 Bonnie completed her MBA in Community Economic Development. Prior to her career with RTO9, Bonnie was Executive Director for the 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce where she was instrumental in growing membership and launching the official Bi-lingual Visitor Guide for her destination.
Despite growing up in a military family and moving around the country at a young age before settling in Kingston, Meg has always considered South Eastern Ontario home. After graduating from the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University in Ottawa with a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours, she returned to the area, settling in Gananoque ON, and taking on a marketing role with Kouri’s Kopters Inc. This is where her love for local businesses, the region and the tourism industry ignited. In early 2018, Meg began working part-time as the digital media coordinator for 1000 Islands Tourism in conjunction with her role at Kouri’s Kopters Inc. before moving full-time into the Executive Director role with 1000 Islands Tourism in 2021. In addition to getting to market the Thousand Islands region, the role also provided her the opportunity to work closely with the local business community and build partnerships with local organizations. When she’s not working, Meg enjoys spending time with her family and friends, travelling, and exploring different spots in the region.
With over 30 years of experience in marketing regions, cities and sites in Eastern Ontario, Steve brings a personal connection and knowledge of local history and culture to his position here at RTO9. The achievement of which Steve is most proud was being part of the Rideau Canal’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Steve, along with the Rideau Canal Nomination Team, received a Parks Canada CEO award in recognition as well as on June 30th, 2007, Steve was a delegate for Canada and attended the UNESCO World Heritage Meeting in Christchurch, New Zealand when the Rideau Canal was inscribed on the World Heritage List.
Lesley is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in the tourism and travel sector. Her journey has taken her to work in various roles in renowned destinations such as Banff, Alberta, several European locations, and Bermuda. For over six years, Lesley served as a travel advisor, contributing to the success of a family-owned agency and a national brand. During this time, she played a key role in developing social media efforts and integrated marketing campaigns. Lesley holds two UK hospitality diplomas (operations and management) and a certificate with honours from Sault College of Applied Art & Technology – Marketing Specialist Program (2022).