Meet our Board Members

Hi, I’m Cale Fair, Vice President of Black Bear Ridge & proud Board Chair of RTO9!

Professionally, I value building stronger networks and communities, as collaboration and connection are essential for long-term success. Delivering exceptional customer service and guest experiences is equally important, as it reflects a commitment to quality and care. I am also passionate about building strong, well-supported teams that are resourced, challenged, and inspired. I believe in creating a workplace where people enjoy coming to work, have opportunities to grow in alignment with their career goals, and can maintain a healthy balance that allows them to live their best lives.

I am proud to be a Board Director of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward Hastings & serve on the Industry Advisory Council for Golf Canada.

I love learning, adventure, and building things! From continuing to explore our province, country, and the globe through travel, I’ve now made a career exploring new professions and industries.  In my 20+ year career, I’ve been a news reporter, talk-show producer, e-commerce and manufacturing leader, in the creator space. This new chapter in my biography involves Golf x Hospitality and unique Board roles, which continue to challenge and excite me!

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

– Winston Churchill

Hi, I’m Loren Christie, Managing Director of the BestCities Global Alliance, a community of 13 DMOs from around the world that collaborate to promote Business Events as a source for positive impact. I am also a consultant with GainingEdge, managing projects in the Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality sectors with a focus on Business Events and 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion.

I am fortunate to have had a career that has allowed me to travel broadly and hear different perspectives from around the globe.

In addition to serving on the board of RTO9, I am part of the Technical Advisory Committee for the Global Destination Sustainability Movement and a member of Destination International’s Social Inclusion Committee.

I have also worked as a freelance travel journalist for the last 24 years, appearing regularly on CTV’s morning show, Your Morning.

“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny space you occupy in the world.” 

– Gustave Flaubert

Karina Belanger is the Tourism Coordinator, serving The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (SDG Tourism). With a focus on enhancing the region’s appeal as a premier visitor destination, Karina oversees the development, implementation, and management of various programs and services, for both visitors and tourism stakeholders.

Her notable achievements include spearheading a successful video series and visitor guide that showcases the beauty and attractions of SDG Counties, effectively raising awareness and interest among potential visitors. Furthermore, Karina is responsible for the operations of the Historic SDG Jail, which provides engaging guided tours and special events throughout the year, ensuring a memorable visitor experience.

Prior to her role as the Tourism Coordinator, Karina was the Administrative Assistant for the Economic Development and Communications team. Karina holds a major in marketing from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business and a college diploma in Business Administration, a testament to her commitment to professional growth. Karina’s academic achievements, combined with her passion for the tourism industry, have been pivotal in shaping her career.

Hi, I’m Cheri Kemp-Long. I am a retired federal public servant, now living in Merrickville-Wolford.  When I’m not helping my husband manage our lawn and gardens, or spending time with kids, grandkids, and great grandkids, I am a part-time consultant supporting business, community, and tourism development mostly in Nunavut.

I believe in lifelong learning, giving back to the community, and providing support for business, community, and tourism development when and where I can.

I am the Secretary to the Board of the Merrickville and District Historical Society and participate in activities with the Merrickville-Wolford and District Chamber of Commerce.

I spent 32 years living and working in the Canadian Arctic and travelling across the circumpolar Arctic region, focusing efforts on community, business, and tourism development.  I am currently nearing the end of the coursework for a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Royal Roads University and will spend next year working on my thesis to find a practical approach to community tourism development, specifically for small communities in the Circumpolar Region.

“I can do hard things!”

– Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe.  Her presentation at the Economic Developers Association of Canada conference last year was amazing; she is an engaging speaker.  Her strategies for “Everyday Resilience” and managing “Stress Wisely” included some great takeaways.

Hello! I am Allyson Tonelli, Director of Sales and Partnerships at Benjamin Hotels in Kingston. Throughout my career in tourism, hospitality, and sport, I’ve prioritized building meaningful relationships, championing inclusive strategies, and driving sustainable growth for the communities and organizations I serve. My experiences in sales, marketing, and partnerships have taught me the importance of listening, leading with empathy, and creating space for diverse voices at the table.

I currently serve on the Board of Sport Tourism Canada as the Past Chair, where I continue to support national conversations about sport tourism development and strategic partnerships. I also recently completed my term on the Board for MPI Ottawa, during which I concentrated on member engagement and enhancing sponsorship efforts.

During the early days of COVID-19, I fostered baby ducks to keep my family busy and entertain my children. It was chaotic, heartwarming, and one of the most unexpectedly joyful experiences of my life.

“Success isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”

– Michelle Obama

Bonjour, I’m Cynthia Peters, owner of From the Farm Enterprises Inc. a culinary experiential company. I host cooking classes and guests at my Maison Maitland property in Southeastern Ontario and lead culinary wine & food adventures in Southern France.

I value authenticity and collaboration. My most rewarding moments are when clients express how much they have enjoyed their learning experience.

I’ve been involved in tourism as a volunteer since 2011, including Chairing the marketing destination board of Prince Edward County, being a member of the Bay of Quinte Tourist Council Board and a member of the start-up strategic team for RTO9.  Other current volunteer positions include Opinium Wine Club du Vin and The Bloom Food Fund.

Besides cooking and entertaining, I love to write and have authored The Art of Herbs Cookbook and My French Cookbook.  Relaxing time – playing our 1920’s Steinway piano and singing jazz.

“People who love to eat are the best people.”

– Julia Child

Liam’s in his eighth season with the Kick & Push Festival and brings his array of talent to the RTO 9 Board of Directors. Liam is the founding and current artistic director of the Single Thread Theatre Company. He was a founding member of the Kingston Theatre Alliance and currently serves on the board of anARC theatre. Recent directing credits include: Unless, a site-specific immersive experience produced in Bangkok, Thailand, and Collider, a live VR performance, which was co-produced by foldA, and the rEvolver festival in June 2021. His next project is PXR2023: a national conference on live performance within extended reality.

Hello!  I’m Karen Best, a vacation consultant with Expedia Cruises where I craft personalized, stress-free vacation experiences that feel as seamless as they are unforgettable.  As Director of Membership at Ottawa Tourism, I led a transformative phase of growth, achieving a 40% increase in membership and a 93% retention rate. These results were built on a compelling value proposition and the strategic inclusion of new market sectors, helping position Ottawa as a vibrant and inclusive destination.

Giving back has always been close to my heart. Outside of my work, I’ve proudly volunteered in roles across education, sports, military family support, politics, and economic development. Each experience has deepened my commitment to strengthening the communities we serve and affirmed my belief that positive change often begins locally.

My journey has spanned 2 countries, 5 provinces, 10 cities, and 18 moves. Far from unsettling, this rhythm of change has made me comfortable meeting new people and quickly adapting to new environments. It’s helped me build a wide-reaching network across Canada and beyond—bridging public, private, and nonprofit sectors to foster collaboration that matters.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

— Maya Angelou

Hi, I am Michelle Caron, a returning RTO 9 board member and with a full spectrum of 28 years of experience in all aspects of tourism, I am a knowledgeable and keen representative for Eastern Ontario stakeholders

My career background includes tourism marketing, product development, and tourism investment. Currently, I also serve as a Director for the 1000 Islands Regional Tourism Development Corporation Board. In my capacity as a board member, what is most important to me is sharing the beauty and serenity of our area with visitors around the world. In addition, what most don’t know about me is that I collect antique tourist souvenirs as far back as the 1800’s from the region! I have visited over 30 countries in my travels, and I  look forward to sharing my lifetime of experience with others and visitors to RTO 9 every day and in every way.

“No guts….No Glory”,

—  Michelle Caron

I’m Jacob Murray, co-owner and operator of Topsy Farms on Amherst Island.

My days are spent working on projects that I enjoy (even when the work is hard). I drive big machines, so I’m basically a 7-year-old boy smiling behind the wheel of my tractor. I’m responsible for Topsy’s social media and marketing. Professionally, the most important thing to me is keeping the farmland as a farm in ethical and creative ways, aligned with the earthy values of our hippie founders.

I have served as a volunteer firefighter and first responder for 20 years, and have contributed to several community initiatives, including the Henderson Pool Fundraising Committee, the Lafarge Citizens’ Committee, and the Arts and Culture Committee for Loyalist Township.

I faced and survived my greatest fear before starting high school. When I was 13, I wanted to cure my fear of flying, so I went up with my rocket scientist neighbour (single-engine plane), and we crashed on landing. I was airlifted to the hospital in a helicopter.

“They don’t gotta burn the books, they just remove ‘em.”

– Zach de la Rocha

Hi, I’m Heather Robertson, I am the front Office Manager at The Residence Inn by Marriott, Kingston Water’s edge. As the Front Office Manager at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Kingston, I am dedicated to training and mentoring staff to deliver exceptional guest experiences. My commitment to excellence in customer service is matched by my enthusiasm for showcasing the vibrant culture and charm of Kingston and the surrounding region to visitors and newcomers alike.

Beyond my professional role, I am actively involved in Greater Napanee Connect, a volunteer-led initiative focused on community enrichment, civic pride, and collaboration. My drive to foster meaningful connections both within the hospitality industry and across the community reflects my core belief in the power of teamwork and shared purpose.

A lifelong traveller and explorer, I once completed a 160-kilometre trek around Mont Blanc to better understand the traditional journey of cheesemakers and the origins of Comté, a reflection of my curiosity and appreciation for culture, food, and storytelling.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

– Helen Keller

Hi, I’m Ross McCarney, Marine Operations Manager at Rockport Boat Line in the heart of the Thousand Islands. As a lifelong local and advocate for sustainable tourism, I’m passionate about preserving the natural beauty of our region while supporting its vibrant communities. I’ve volunteered with the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, coached Little Rocks youth curling, and proudly contributed to Parks Canada’s Youth Environmental Program—each role rooted in my commitment to education, family, and environmental stewardship.

Outside of work, I enjoy building custom computers, collecting vintage vinyl, and once had the unforgettable experience of swimming with sea turtles in Tulum. These moments remind me of why we protect what we love.

 “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

– Albert Einstein

Hi, I’m Deanna Way, Executive Director of the Quinte Museum of Natural History, where I work to position cultural spaces as key drivers of tourism, community connection, and local pride. I’m passionate about building experiences that showcase the unique stories, landscapes, and ecosystems that define a sense of place, creating spaces that welcome visitors and deepen community engagement.

My work emphasizes strategic partnerships, exhibit development, and tourism-focused programming that contributes to a vibrant and sustainable economy. A unique fact about me: I once prepared dinosaur fossils for international exhibitions and helped preserve historic paintings from Canada’s Senate Chamber.

I currently serve as a Director-at-Large with the Ontario Museum Association, sit on its Budget & Finance Committee, and advise on Loyalist College’s Biotechnology Program Advisory Committee.

“We owe it to each other to tell stories.”

– Neil Gaiman

Mia Robertson brings a wealth of professional and personal experiences to the RTO 9 Board. She is originally from Cornwall, Ontario and now resides in Kingston. Mia is the Regional Development Advisor (RDA) with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport where her assigned regional tourism region is South Eastern Ontario – RTO9.  She attributes her professional and personal growth to the involvement and work within various tourism sectors from heritage, economic development, parks, recreation, environment and conservation, transportation, special events and municipal relations.

Prior to joining the Regional Service Branch, Mia worked for the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC), an agency of MTCS. From 2012 to 2015, she provided guest relations support for SLPC assets and attractions in Eastern Ontario along the St. Lawrence River corridor. In 2015, Mia progressed to working in the CEO & General Manager’s office as Executive Administrative Assistant and Ministry Liaison.

Mia attributes her passion for tourism to dedicated professionals who have guided her during her career, as well as her formal education. She has an advanced diploma in Business Administration Marketing and a diploma in Human Resources from St Lawrence College, as well as her Bachelor of Business Administration from Laurentian University.