This release was issued under a previous government.
The board leads efforts to promote Alberta as a top travel destination and grow Alberta’s tourism industry.
Dr. Tracy Edwards of Vermilion, Shannon Bowen-Smed of Calgary, and former Lethbridge mayor Rajko Dodic are appointed for three-year terms. The terms of two long-serving board members, Jan Fisher and David Bayne, conclude September 30.
“I am thrilled to have these three outstanding Albertans join the board and offer expertise to Travel Alberta that will help grow our tourism industry to over $10 billion by 2020. Thank you to Jan and David for their five years of service in promoting Alberta as a must-experience destination.”
“We welcome the vast experience and expertise of these respected professionals to the Travel Alberta team. This collective, skill-based group is well positioned to support Travel Alberta in the next phase of our tourism journey."
Travel Alberta is a key partner in the development and implementation of Alberta’s Tourism Framework, which will help build and diversify Alberta’s economy. The framework aligns Alberta’s efforts—across government and industry—to market and develop authentic tourism experiences.
Travel Alberta’s strategy continues to leverage the award-winning (remember to breathe) brand by targeting high-potential markets. The marketing organization promotes breathtaking experiences that differentiate Alberta and drive visitation throughout the province.
Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.
Backgrounder
Biographies of the new members
Dr. Tracy Edwards
Dr. Tracy Edwards was appointed as Lakeland College’s President and CEO in September 2013. She has 25 years of experience in post-secondary education in Canada and the United States. Prior to being appointed to Lakeland, she served seven years as President and CEO of Lethbridge College. Before coming to Alberta, Dr. Edwards worked in the post-secondary education field in Florida and Nova Scotia. She has authored articles on leadership and trends and has presented at national and international conferences. In 2012, she received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration and in 2013 was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Before starting her career in post-secondary education, she worked in the private sector in the accounting field.
Shannon Bowen-Smed
Shannon Bowen-Smed has 30 years of experience in the recruitment industry, with the last 18 years as President and CEO of Bowen Workforce Solutions in Calgary. Within the company, she has been involved in the areas of customer service, sales, marketing, HR and finance. She is sought after as a motivational and industry-related speaker for employment and workforce issues. Ms. Bowen-Smed has been very involved in the Calgary community as a volunteer, including with the Calgary Parks Foundation and the Calgary Community Kitchen program. She has been recognized for a variety of accomplishments, including receiving the 2014 Alberta Women Entrepreneur Achievement Award.
Rajko Dodic
Rajko Dodic was born in Slovenia and immigrated to Lethbridge with his parents in childhood. He was educated at the University of Lethbridge and the University of Alberta Law School. He articled in Lethbridge and was an associate lawyer. In 2003, he started the law firm of Dodic, Toone, MacLean. He was elected to Lethbridge City Council in 2004 and re-elected in 2007, before being elected Mayor in 2010, where he served until 2013. He chose not to seek re-election in 2013 and returned to practicing law as Dodic & Company. He has received various awards and acknowledgments, including Queen’s Counsel in 2011, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, and he received the Blackfoot name of “Night Rider” in 2012.