KELOWNA, B.C. – May 11, 2017 – The Downtown Kelowna Association (DKA) is pleased to announce it has found a new Executive Director to replace Peggy Athans. Ninette Ollgaard will take up her new position on July 4th.Ninette Ollgaard spent the last 11 years with Destination BC in a variety of senior positions. She began as Manager of Visitor Services and became director of Visitor Services in 2009. She then rose to the position of Director of Visitor Experiences and Industry Development. Prior to joining Destination BC, Ninette worked in the private sector, predominately in economic and business development with a focus on entrepreneurship.At Destination BC, Ninette took a leadership role in planning and executing visitor services activities during the 2010 Vancouver-Whistler Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. She developed and implemented the Gateway British Columbia Visitor Centre program, provided leadership and support in the development of Destination BC’s first Learning and Industry Development Strategy, and led the initiative to create two refreshed and innovative Visitor Services Strategies for the BC Tourism Industry.Ninette will be formally introduced to DKA members, the media and people of Kelowna when she takes up her position in July.Dan Allen, Downtown Kelowna Association President: “We are excited to find someone of the quality of Ninette Ollgaard to build on the outstanding work Peggy Athans did for the past six years. Ninette is a proven leader, enthusiastic and action oriented which is just what we need as Downtown Kelowna continues to develop in positive ways moving forward. Her understanding of tourism, which underpins our successful Downtown, is welcomed by our more than 1200 members.”Ninette Ollgaard: “I am excited to take on this new challenge. The DKA is a strong and growing organization. Kelowna’s Downtown is exciting and has great potential. I am looking forward to working with the staff of DKA, the membership and the City of Kelowna to grow our strong and vibrant Downtown.”Grant Mackay, Vice President Destination & Industry Development Destination British Columbia: “This is a marvelous opportunity for Ninette. On behalf of all your friends at Destination BC and in the BC tourism industry, thanks for being so passionate about our organization and industry, and for all the things you have achieved. We wish great success in your new role.”For more information please contact:Dan AllenPresident, Downtown Kelowna Association250.212.8602
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