Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization - 2026 Application for Nomination to the Board of Directors

Overview
In 2009, the Province of Ontario created a Regional Tourism Organization structure whereby 13 regions were established and governed by not-for-profit corporations funded by the Province to carry out the provincial mandate for growing tourism in Ontario. The OHTO Board chose to adopt the Carver Policy Governance model to fulfill its mandate and funding obligations. The Carver model has very clear lines of delegation between the Executive Director and the Board. The Board is responsible for gathering input from the tourism industry in Ontario’s Highlands and defining the strategic priorities of the organization based on that input. The Executive Director is responsible for making operational decisions regarding how the strategic priorities will be achieved within established Executive Limitation Policies set by the Board and within provincial funding guidelines. The Board monitors the Executive Director on the achievement of the strategic priorities and compliance with policy. Click here for more information about the Carver Model.

Term Length and Time Commitment
Each director is expected to serve for a three-year term that can be renewed twice to a maximum of nine consecutive years on the board. These terms have been staggered so that no more than a third of the seats become vacant each year. Shorter terms may be available due to resignations and candidates will be informed if this option is available.

The annual board term includes a committment to attend a two-day retreat in November to review strategic priorities and establish board and committee workplans and schedules. Following the retreat, the board meets in person approximately five times per year for roughly five hours and as necessary via tele/video-conference call. Committee work is typically carried out virtually as needed. Basecamp is used for distributing documents, meeting materials and on occasion, for discussion in lieu of an organized meeting.

Reimbursements
Directors serve in a volunteer capacity but will be reimbursed for mileage, meals and accommodation for attending OHTO board and committee meetings.

The membership, through the OHTO bylaws, entrusts the Nominating Committee to conduct a recruitment and vetting process in order to bring forward qualified and suitable candidates for consideration at the Annual General Meeting. The Nominating Committee works with the board each year to identify the desired profile of candidates which becomes the basis for recruitment and selection.

Key Responsibilities
Successful applicants will be required to:

• sign a confidentiality agreement and an attestation to act in accordance with OHTO Bylaws and Board Policies,
• take part in board orientation and training,
• attend and actively participate in board meetings and committee work,
• be prepared to set aside local agendas and serve on behalf of all tourism operators, communities, and visitors of the region,
• actively participate in OHTO's efforts in tourism advocacy and community engagement,
• uphold the organziation's values of inclusivity, sustainability, and community alignment,

Ideal Candidate Attributes
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate:

• they are a member of OHTO and authorized representative, (only one individual from a member organization can apply for directorship) If you are unsure of your membership status please contact us,
• a strong understanding of tourism, economic development, or community engagement in Ontario’s Highlands,
• alignment with OHTO’s vision and values, including a commitment to regional collaboration, innovation and leadership,
• a relevant skill set to round out board competencies such as governance, finance, HR management, legal or risk management,
• the ability to provide strategic input and oversight on organizational priorities while effectively delegating operational decisions to the Executive Director,
• they are thoughtful, respectful, and collaborative in group decision-making,
• they meet the board’s criteria for balance in its representation of skill set, geography, and private/public representation. Elected officials are ineligible

Nominations Process
The goal of the nomination process is to bring forward a slate of nominees to present to the membership at the Annual General Meeting. The membership through the OHTO bylaws entrusts the vetting process to the Nominating Committee so they may have confidence the individuals presented at the AGM are qualified and suitable to act on their behalf. The nominations process is as follows:

1. Reach out to find out more about the opportunity (if needed)
2. Fill out and submit an application
3. Call for Nominations closes Aug 28, 2026
4. Nominating Committee reviews and scores applications
5. Applicants are notified if they have advanced to the interview stage
6. Interviews are conducted
7. References are checked
8. Applicants are notified of the result
9. If successful, applicants submit a brief bio and picture to include in the delegate kit for the AGM
10. Slate of nominees is presented to the membership at the AGM on Oct 7, 2026 and election conducted if needed
11. New directors are contacted to schedule onboarding shortly following the AGM