Passport

Staff & Board Member

Travis Johnson,

President

Travis, the President of Tourism New Westminster, is a multifaceted individual with a remarkable journey deeply rooted in the world of circus and trampoline in New Westminster. Beginning his competitive trampoline journey at a young age, he clinched numerous Western Canadian championships before redirecting his passion towards the realm of business development. In 2004, Travis, in collaboration with his father, pioneered the establishment of the Vancouver Circus School, driven by the vision to foster a holistic approach to physical fitness that also nurtures personal growth. Over the years, this endeavor has empowered tens of thousands of students and engaged exceptional instructors. Witnessing their enterprise flourish, they birthed VCS Events, a professional entertainment entity responsible for orchestrating over 600 events worldwide. In 2012, Travis assumed the role of a co-founder within the Asia-Pacific Social Circus Association (ASCA), a significant partnership involving Cirque du Soleil and numerous global social circus organizations. This collaboration led to the inception of Social Circus Day, an internationally celebrated event uniting circus enthusiasts in over 75 countries. In 2019, Travis established the Social Circus Foundation, a registered charity dedicated to supporting at-risk and marginalized youth, both locally and internationally. This foundation encompasses tailored programs for the Squamish Nation, SOS Children’s Village BC, and Acrobats Abroad. Recognizing his expertise and dedication, Travis was appointed as Team Canada Coach for the 2021 World Age Group Competition held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Throughout his illustrious career, he has garnered prestigious accolades like Small Business of the Year (New West Chamber of Commerce), NEXT UP (Tourism New West), and nominations for Builder’s Choice and Best Fitness Entrepreneur in Vancouver (Notable Awards). His entrepreneurial acumen was also showcased successfully on CBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2017. In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Travis serves as a coach developer for Gymnastics Canada, certifying coaches in coaching theory and trampoline at levels 1 and 2. Travis’ steadfast commitment to giving back to the community stands as an exemplary model for all. During his leisure moments, he cherishes quality time with his daughter and indulges in the joys of traveling.

Staff & Board

Gerardo Corro

Executive Director

Gerardo brings over two decades of tourism and hospitality experience to New Westminster. He has spearheaded successful tourism initiatives, fostered collaborative partnerships, and developed comprehensive strategies for various destinations around the world. His track record has proven to drive growth and generate exceptional results, through leveraging the unique charm and cultural heritage of the destinations while preserving their authenticity and integrity.
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Jasmine Crisp

Marketing Coordinator

Jasmine is a passionate marketing professional with over 7 years of experience in marketing communications and a background in design. She has a proven track record of developing and executing a wide variety of successful marketing campaigns and holds expansive knowledge and experience within the arts and culture, not for profit and tourism industry. Jasmine’s journey to Tourism New Westminster has been marked by her diverse roles within the cultural sector. From fabrication to visitor services and the marketing department, she has showcased her adaptability and commitment to enhancing the experiences of both residents and visitors alike. Her background as a freelance graphic designer and her time in customer service roles, including management responsibilities, have further honed her skills in understanding audience needs and creating impactful digital content. A “New Westie” through and through, Jasmine’s connection to the city is deeply rooted. Her genuine enthusiasm for showcasing the city’s hidden gems and its vibrant culture is palpable!
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Travis Johnson,

President

Travis, the President of Tourism New Westminster, is a multifaceted individual with a remarkable journey deeply rooted in the world of circus and trampoline in New Westminster. Beginning his competitive trampoline journey at a young age, he clinched numerous Western Canadian championships before redirecting his passion towards the realm of business development. In 2004, Travis, in collaboration with his father, pioneered the establishment of the Vancouver Circus School, driven by the vision to foster a holistic approach to physical fitness that also nurtures personal growth. Over the years, this endeavor has empowered tens of thousands of students and engaged exceptional instructors. Witnessing their enterprise flourish, they birthed VCS Events, a professional entertainment entity responsible for orchestrating over 600 events worldwide. In 2012, Travis assumed the role of a co-founder within the Asia-Pacific Social Circus Association (ASCA), a significant partnership involving Cirque du Soleil and numerous global social circus organizations. This collaboration led to the inception of Social Circus Day, an internationally celebrated event uniting circus enthusiasts in over 75 countries. In 2019, Travis established the Social Circus Foundation, a registered charity dedicated to supporting at-risk and marginalized youth, both locally and internationally. This foundation encompasses tailored programs for the Squamish Nation, SOS Children’s Village BC, and Acrobats Abroad. Recognizing his expertise and dedication, Travis was appointed as Team Canada Coach for the 2021 World Age Group Competition held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Throughout his illustrious career, he has garnered prestigious accolades like Small Business of the Year (New West Chamber of Commerce), NEXT UP (Tourism New West), and nominations for Builder’s Choice and Best Fitness Entrepreneur in Vancouver (Notable Awards). His entrepreneurial acumen was also showcased successfully on CBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2017. In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Travis serves as a coach developer for Gymnastics Canada, certifying coaches in coaching theory and trampoline at levels 1 and 2. Travis’ steadfast commitment to giving back to the community stands as an exemplary model for all. During his leisure moments, he cherishes quality time with his daughter and indulges in the joys of traveling.
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Debbie Yule

Vice-President

Debbie is the current vice-president of the board of directors, past president, board member since 2019, and resident of New Westminster for over 25 years. Debbie has been employed in the tourism industry since her teen years, initially as a server and ultimately in a variety of senior management roles at the provincial tourism HR association over 14 years, leading marketing & communications, program management, industry health & safety, industry HR, and industry training. Previous owner of a tourism operation and now a part-time business consultant who works for shoe money and pursuit of her dance passion. She is an avid Afro-Cuban/Cuban cabaret dancer studying and performing locally and internationally with 3 companies.
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Vini Starling

Treasurer

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Laura Grady

Secretary

Laura Grady is passionate about building relationships between artists and the community. As a creative person who has been surrounded by arts and crafts her entire life, Laura values the role art plays in our lives. Through her work, she is committed to programming spaces and fostering opportunities for artists that celebrate inclusion and diversity. As Executive Director of Arts New West, Laura has been at the centre of our city’s cultural vibe and growth. She has played a lead role in organizing and facilitating a collection of small and large-scale art-based events and programs that have attracted visitors from across the region. Prior to her role as Executive Director of Arts New West, Laura spent over 15 years as a freelance writer producing content for various newspapers, online publications and National magazines such as Canadian Living, BC Business and Today’s Parent. Laura spent 10 years operating a monthly film series and partnered with independent movie theatres across the Lower Mainland. Laura has volunteered her time and communication skills to multiple organizations, including Union Gospel Mission and The Vancouver International Children’s Festival. When not coordinating arts events, Laura is often behind her camera capturing people and moments in and around New Westminster.
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Karen Lee

Director

Karen is currently Director of Operations at the Fraser River Discovery Centre and is pleased to be on the board of Tourism New West. Karen loves that New West is home to amazing restaurants! She is passionate about helping to develop New Westminster into a prime tourist destination for visitors from BC and abroad.
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Kathy Mackerricher

Director

Kathy joined the Inn at the Quay in 1988 when the hotel welcomed it’s first guest. She has been the GM for the past 33 years and is passionate about the Inn’s unique design, riverfront location and amazing team of 40 associates. Kathy is a dedicated Rotarian with 30 years of giving back to the community of New Westminster. Kathy & her husband Bob, have 5 children and 10 grandchildren and enjoy spending time with them. Travel is a huge interest and is enjoyed with both family and friends. Kathy looks forward to the opportunity of rejoining TNW and to continue welcoming the world to New Westminster.
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Sally Lore

Director

Sally has over 25 years in senior management, with a background of learning and development, recruitment and succession planning. As a recent arrival to New Westminster, she wanted to continue to being involved in the community. With a history of volunteering, she was a board director of Easter Seals; with Rotary for 25 years, and Senator at the University of Alberta. She has been on the Board of New West Tourism since June 2022. Her continued focus is to provide development and promote New Westminster as a tourist destination.
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Vali Marling

Director

With 35 years in the Metro Vancouver event management and tourism industry, there are few major venues that haven’t been touched by Vali’s facilities management and leadership skills. Vali cut her teeth at PavCo (B.C. Pavilion Corporation), where, over a 15-year career, she worked with the teams at BC Place Stadium, Vancouver Convention Centre, Robson Square Conference Centre, and Tradex. After joining PavCo in 1987 in facility services, she rose to Manager, Employee Training and Performance. When Tradex was transferred to the Tourism Abbotsford Society, Vali moved into the position of Event Manager and then Director of Operations for Tradex, a position she held for over 12 years. Vali moved to Anvil Centre, leading the opening of the venue and continues in the position of General Manager. In 2016, Anvil Centre was awarded the Industry Influence Award for the team’s unique approach to events, arts and culture. Vali is a past Board member on the Meeting Professionals International – VP Vancouver Chapter Events & Education Board, is a past long-term Board member of the Abbotsford International Airshow and a current Board member of Tourism NW. Pivotal to Vali’s success has been her relationship-building skills—with clients, suppliers, contractors, and her staff alongside her commitment to the industry.
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Wallie Sohl

Director

Wallie brings 36 years in Real Estate sales, project sales, land assembly, investments and rentals. He has also been a landlord for 35yrs and has money in the Redfrog Panama resort. He is the owner of the Queens Hotel and liquor store in Queensborough. He wanted to be on the Tourism New West Board to remind people Queensborough is still New West! He loves to travel and has been to 53 countries so far. He has traveled most of Canada and the U.S.A. covering West and East on motorcycle He has also travelled in Asia, Latin America and Europe. He loves sailing, enjoying the water on his power boat, scuba diving, salsa dancing, martial arts and cars. He has a collection of classic cars and motorcycles and he loves learning and keeping in good health.. exercise daily!
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Jen Arbo

Staff Liaison (Non-Voting)

Jen Arbo is the City of New Westminster’s Economic Development Coordinator and works to support tourism activity in the City. She is a non-voting staff liaison to the Board of Directors.
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