Strategic Promotions and Board Strengthening at the Launch of its 2026–2027 Fiscal Year and Business and Operational Plan

Muskoka, Parry Sound, Port Loring Restoule, South Algonquin and Almaguin Highlands, Ontario –  As Explorers’ Edge launches its 2026–2027 fiscal year and begins implementation of its new Business and Operational Plan, the organization is pleased to announce the promotions of Jennifer Montpetit to Director of Strategic Partnerships & Development and Jake Good to Brand Narrative Manager.

These leadership changes coincide with the start of a new fiscal year and reflect a deliberate strategic shift within the organization as it advances the priorities outlined in its 2026–2027 Business and Operational Plan. Together, the promotions signal a continued evolution for Explorers’ Edge as the organization sharpens its focus on partnership development, regional storytelling, destination growth, and measurable impact across the tourism economy.

This shift also supports the ongoing development of Explorers’ Edge’s regenerative travel agency model, a key organizational priority designed to move beyond traditional destination marketing and toward a more direct role in creating bookable, values-aligned travel experiences that strengthen local businesses, support community wellbeing, and generate broader regional benefit. Building stronger strategic partnerships and telling more meaningful, place-based stories are both central to that work.

Jennifer Montpetit’s promotion recognizes her growing leadership within the organization and her ability to develop and manage complex, high-value partnerships that support industry growth and organizational goals. In her new role as Director of Strategic Partnerships & Development, Jennifer will help lead cross-sector relationship development, strategic initiatives, and partnership opportunities that strengthen the region’s tourism ecosystem and support the long-term growth of regenerative, experience-based travel opportunities across the region.

Jake Good’s promotion to Brand Narrative Manager reflects Explorers’ Edge’s commitment to deepening how the region’s stories are told and shared. A journalist by training with a strong background in social media management and content development, Jake has brought energy, creativity, and authenticity to the organization’s communications work. In his new role, he will continue to lead storytelling efforts that elevate the people, places, businesses, and experiences that define the region, a critical part of building the kind of authentic destination narrative that supports regenerative travel and deeper visitor connection.

“These promotions are far more than title changes, they reflect where we are going as an organization,” said James Murphy, CEO of Explorers’ Edge. “As we launch a new fiscal year and our 2026–2027 Business and Operational Plan, we are aligning our team and leadership structure with the priorities that will define our next chapter. That means stronger partnerships, sharper storytelling, deeper industry engagement, and a continued commitment to building tourism in a way that supports our communities. It also means continuing to advance our regenerative travel agency vision, where tourism becomes a stronger tool for local benefit, business development, and community impact. Jennifer and Jake each bring unique strengths to that work, and their promotions reflect both the value they already bring and the confidence we have in where they will help lead us next.”

Murphy added that the promotions are part of a broader organizational strengthening effort already underway.

“We are building an organization that is more entrepreneurial, more responsive, and more aligned to the current realities and opportunities facing tourism in our region,” he said. “That includes investing in our people, evolving roles to match strategic priorities, and ensuring we have the right leadership around the table, both internally and through our Board of Directors.”

As part of that strengthening, Explorers’ Edge also recognizes the addition of three new directors to its Board: Brent Ellerson, Ken Schulz, and Kate Hood.

Brent Ellerson leads marketing and communications at Algonquin Outfitters, one of Canada’s most respected wilderness outfitters and a recognized leader in canoe trip experiences since 1961. He is also the driving force behind the annual Paddle Art Charity Auction, which has raised more than $104,600 for arts and cultural organizations across Ontario.

Ken Schulz is the General Manager of Rocky Crest Golf Resort, ClubLink’s premier all-suite Muskoka resort on Lake Joseph. He also served as Vice Chair of Muskoka Tourism, where he helped champion the region’s growth and profile as a world-class destination.

Kate Hood serves as General Manager of Northridge Inn & Resort, a celebrated boutique property on Lake Bernard in Ontario’s Almaguin Highlands. Under her leadership, the resort has been recognized among TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Boutique Hotels in Canada, earning acclaim for its exceptional guest experiences, award-winning cuisine, and intimate lakefront setting.

“Jennifer and Jake’s promotions, alongside the addition of Brent, Ken, and Kate to our Board, represent an important moment for Explorers’ Edge,” said Sarah North-Harris, Chair of the Board of Directors. “It is especially meaningful that these announcements coincide with the launch of our new fiscal year and the rollout of our 2026–2027 Business and Operational Plan. We are seeing the organization evolve in a way that reflects both ambition and purpose, with strong alignment between our leadership, our governance, and the priorities we have set for the year ahead. This includes building the kind of organizational capacity needed to support new models of tourism development, including the regenerative travel agency approach that is helping shape our future direction.”

Explorers’ Edge also recognizes the strength of its internal team, including Rebecca Francis and Rachel Dawson, whose work continues to support the organization’s strategic priorities and day-to-day impact across the region. The organization also acknowledges the continued guidance and collaboration of strategist Peter Coish, whose insight has helped shape the communications and strategic direction supporting this next chapter.

Together, these developments reflect an organization focused on growth, innovation, and building a resilient tourism future across the Great Canadian Wilderness.

About Explorers’ Edge (RTO12)

Explorers’ Edge, officially known as Regional Tourism Organization 12, is the provincial tourism organization for the regions of Muskoka, Parry Sound, Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, and South Algonquin. The organization leads regenerative tourism development through innovative partnerships, sustainability pilots, and community-driven initiatives that strengthen Ontario’s rural visitor economy.

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For more information, please contact:

James Murphy

CEO Explorers’ Edge
Email: [email protected]