Who We Are

RTO12 is one of thirteen Regional Tourism Organizations supported with core funding by the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism & Culture Industries. As the regional Destination Development Organization for Algonquin Park, the Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, Muskoka, west Parry Sound district and South Algonquin, Ontario, Canada, the company uses a regenerative approach to ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry across the region, the organization itself, and affected communities.

Vision

RTO12 is a Destination Development Organization that leads the Canadian tourism industry in regenerative development, ensuring that the region’s communities and tourism stakeholders are resilient and able to thrive long-term.

Mission

To steward the regional tourism industry’s recovery, rebuild and renewal by developing innovative regenerative programs to ensure long-term sustainability and success for all stakeholders.


Board of Directors 2025-2026


Chair, Sarah North-Harris, Camping in Ontario

With over 25 years of experience in tourism and hospitality, Sarah specializes in operations, training, and education. As the Director of Education for Camping In Ontario, she lead the development of the industry’s first Campground and Outdoor Hospitality Management Program, along with virtual workshops, certifications, and event education.

Sarah’s background includes roles in resort and campground management, as well as serving as an Instructor Trainer for the Canadian Red Cross and other organizations. Holding a degree in Women’s Studies and certifications from George Brown College and the Disney Institute, Sarah is a lifelong learner dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive spaces and delivering impactful training programs that drive industry success.

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-north-harris-85205530/

Vice Chair, Brent Ellerson

Brent Ellerson leads marketing and communications at Algonquin Outfitters, one of Canada’s premier wilderness canoe trip outfitters since 1961. He is known for his creative leadership, strong connection to outdoor tourism, and ability to build meaningful community engagement through storytelling and brand development. Brent 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.

Treasurer, Darren Smith, Lake of Bays Brewing Company

Founded and subsequently operated & grown Lakes of Bays Brewing Company.  Multifaceted business with manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing, and food service/hospitality components.  BA Economics (McGill) 2009

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrensmith7/

Past Chair, Gabriela Hairabedian, Four Seasons Algonquin Cabins

Working since 1992 as an accounting technician for several industries. Also worked for a Chartered Accountant in Burlington Ontario doing Corporate and personal taxes and Review Engagements. Created an operated my own Bookkeeping Company from 2007 to present   In 2018 I created and operated Four Seasons Algonquin Cabins in Madawaska. Accounting Diploma – Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology Hamilton Ontario & University of Buenos Aires Accounting 3 year completed

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielahairabedian/

Kate Hood, Northridge Inn & Resort

Kate Hood is the General Manager of Northridge Inn & Resort, a boutique lakefront property on Lake Bernard in Ontario’s Almaguin Highlands and a TripAdvisor Top 25 Boutique Hotel in Canada. Under her leadership, the resort has become known for its award-winning cuisine, intimate atmosphere, and exceptional guest experiences. Kate is recognized for her strong hospitality leadership, commitment to service excellence, and passion for showcasing the region as a distinctive tourism destination.

Ken Schulz, Rocky Crest Golf Resort

Ken Schulz is the General Manager of Rocky Crest Golf Resort, ClubLink’s premier all-suite Muskoka resort on Lake Joseph. A respected hospitality and tourism leader, Ken brings extensive experience in resort operations and guest service excellence. He has also served as Vice Chair of Muskoka Tourism, where he helped champion the region’s growth and profile as a world-class destination. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to both operational success and the continued advancement of Muskoka’s tourism economy.

Didier Dolivet, JW Marriott The Rosseau

35 Years of experience, 20 years as a General Manager in France, Russia, Indonesia and Canada.  The recent pandemic has stirred into Canadians a desire to explore local destinations and spend their holiday budget to boost the revenue of the economy of Canada. My goal would be to fuel that desire by making sure Muskoka is always top-of-mind for travelers in the tourism industry, and liaise with Marriott marketing, social media, sales teams to support the awareness of the initiatives taken by the board.  Hotel school in France, American Hotel Association Hotel certification, Cornell University Asset Management, Master Degree Hotel Management Accor Hotels France

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/didierdolivet/

Jackie Leung, Fern Glenn Inn

Prior to Jackie’s 17+ years as an innkeeper, she managed the production studio of an advertising and marketing agency in Toronto (largest privately-owned Canadian ad agency at the time).  Jackie has history with RTO12 going back nine (9!) years! Serving as chair for two of those years.  She brings a big-picture context and a general understanding of the nuts and bolts of the RTO system.  Jackie studied journalism post-secondary.

Tristan Berry, KOA Parry Sound

Tristan Berry holds an Honours Diploma in Hospitality Management – Hotel & Resort and has built his career around guest satisfaction, retention, service recovery, business development, and marketing. Having grown up and worked within the hospitality industry in the Parry Sound/Muskoka region, Tristan brings a deep understanding of the local tourism landscape.

As a hands-on leader in day-to-day operations, he sees firsthand the impact organizations like Explorers’ Edge have on the community. Tristan’s youthful perspective and industry experience make him a valuable advocate for tourism development and guest-focused innovation in the region.

Contact Us

For more information, email [email protected]. For mailing address or to connect with a staff member, click here.