Terry Hood, General Manager

With extensive industry experience including tourism planning, program development work with BC First Nations, and several years at the Pacific Rim Institute of Tourism (PRIT), Terry is responsible for managing LinkBC network operations. He has been pleased to support the development of this provincial knowledge network over the last four years. Terry acts as a liaison with industry and education partners, and coordinates ongoing curriculum updates to the BC Tourism Learning System.

Terry Bubb, Projects & Events

As president and founder of Red Robin Restaurants of Canada, and later Red Robin’s Chief Operating Officer, Terry Bubb brings a wealth of hospitality expertise to LinkBC's projects and special events. Most recently Terry worked with Gray Line West as a consultant and Sales Manger, assisting with systems transitions, and managing concierge and tour desks in 11 Vancouver hotel properties. In his current role Terry is responsible for a variety of provincial policy development, relationship development, project, and event management tasks. Terry also serves as a primary liaison to hospitality industry organizations and employers.

Morgan Westcott, Communications

Please note: Morgan is on maternity leave from April 2010 to April 2011.

A graduate of the tourism learning system (BCIT marketing management), Morgan also has a BA in English, an MA in Tourism Management, and management-level experience in cultural tourism promotions, food & beverage operations, and special events. Her role is to raise the profile of LinkBC partners while acting as manager of the Tourism Online Resource Centre. Morgan manages the LinkBC communications strategy including print and electronic newsletters, e-blasts, brochures, web development, and trade promotions.

Susan Rybar,  Assistant Deputy Minister, representing BC Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts

Susan is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of key programs optimizing visitor experiences and promoting growth in the tourism sector. Susan joined Tourism BC (now the MTCA) in 2004 as Manager of North American Consumer Marketing and most recently held the position of Publication Director and General Manager of British Columbia Magazine™. She brings more than 15 years of marketing and management experience.

Harley Elias, North Island College Instructor, representing tourism programs

Harley, based at NIC’s Campbell River Campus, has a broad-ranging background in tourism education, market research, hospitality consulting, resort operations and management.  Elias has served as Chair of NIC’s Tourism & Hospitality Department and has been instrumental in expanding the program and introducing exciting work experience models for NIC students. In addition to an extensive teaching and industry background, Harley also served on the industry-led board of directors of Tourism British Columbia from 2005 to 2009.

Kimberly Johnstone, Thompson Rivers University Instructor, representing culinary programs

Kimberly is a Trade Certified graduate of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary and member of the Okanagan Chef's Association and the CFCC. Kimberly brings over 18 years of industry experience and positions in first class kitchens of Canada and varied international experience having traveled throughout Asia and Australia. Kimberly serves as the chair of the BC Culinary Programs Articulation Committee.

Bob Falle, Selkirk College, chair of the School of Hospitality & Tourism, representing hospitality programs

With extensive industry experience dating back more than three decades, Bob is the current chair of Selkirk College's School of Hospitality & Tourism, where he oversees programs including Cook Training Professional, Golf Club Operations Online Certificate, Resort and Hotel Management, and Ski Resort Operations and Management.

Gilles Valade, Thompson Rivers University Instructor, representing adventure tourism programs

Gilles is Chair of the Adventure Studies Department at TRU and teaches in the areas of adventure tourism, business, accounting, and risk management. Prior to his employment at TRU in 1998, Gilles worked as an adventure guide, an economic development officer with the government of New Brunswick, and an insurance underwriter. Gilles serves on the board of the Wilderness Tourism Association of British Columbia and as the chair of the BC Adventure Tourism Programs Articulation Committee. Gilles also operates his own adventure and tourism consulting firm and is a partner in an insurance and risk management consulting firm.