Tourism North Bay has hired a new executive director.
Tanya Bédard, who previously spent a decade in the city’s economic development department, will start in the role this fall.
She will take over from Steve Dreany, who announced his retirement earlier this year. He had helmed the organization since 2018.
Bédard announced the change in a social media post on July 11.
“It is with mixed emotions that I write this post letting you know that I have resigned from my position as economic development officer and filming liaison,” she wrote.
“Over the past 10 years, I have been so fortunate to work with local businesses, community groups, and the local film and television industry. I have met so many amazing people along the way and I thank you all for turning this job into such an unbelievable journey!”
During her time at Invest North Bay, Bédard was responsible for assisting local businesses, tourism stakeholders and supporting community development projects, while also championing the local film and TV industry.
She previously spent six years with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (formerly Futurprenuer Canada), has taught at Canadore College, and was a small business advisor with the Business Centre in North Bay.
In 2010, she was named one of the city’s Top 40 Under Forty by Northern Ontario Business.
Tourism North Bay is the non-profit organization tasked with marketing the city for sports events, leisure travel, and meetings and events.
The city has played host to a number of high-profile events in recent years, including the 2018 Ford World Women’s Curling Championship. In October, North Bay will host BOOST National, which is a part of the Pinty's Grand Slam of Curling.
In a news release, Bédard paid tribute to her predecessor, crediting Dreany's leadership with positioning the city for recovery through the COVID pandemic.
“I am extremely eager to be a part of this organization, which will continue to play a key role in supporting industry efforts in rebuilding consumer confidence to visit North Bay," she said.
Bédard starts in her new position on Oct.10.
— With files from BayToday
