Provincial Government Announces Appointments to The Rooms Corporation Board of Directors

  • Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

March 14, 2018

The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, today announced appointments and re-appointments to the Board of Directors of The Rooms Corporation.

Margaret Allan has been appointed chair of the board, while five new board members – Michelle Baikie, Heidi Bonnell, Katherine Hickey, Earl Ludlow and Gary Newell – have been appointed for three-year terms. Mary McCarthy and Jeff Pardy have been re-appointed for three-year terms, joining Kathi Stacey and Dawn Baker.

Biographical information for board members is available in the backgrounder below.

These appointments were recommended though the merit-based Independent Appointments Commission. Members of the public interested in opportunities to serve on provincial agencies, boards and commissions are encouraged to complete an application at www.iacnl.ca .

Quotes
“The governing boards of our agencies, boards and commissions should be reflective of the diversity of the communities and people they serve. This new board will offer considerable experience and a fresh perspective to The Rooms, while the returning members will continue to build on the achievements to date. I thank former Chair, Tom Foran, and the other departing board members for their service and dedication, and I look forward to The Rooms continuing to foster the history, heritage and artistic expression of Newfoundland and Labrador.” 
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

“The new appointees to the Board of Directors of The Rooms Corporation will help us greatly as we increase visitation and earned revenue in the years ahead. Together with the four board members who will continue their service on the board, we have six new members who will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the board’s deliberations.” 
Dean Brinton, CEO
The Rooms Corporation

– 30 –

Learn More
The Rooms – therooms.ca 

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @TCII_GovNL 

Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Jena Mitchell
Marketing Manager
709-757-8144
jenamitchell@therooms.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Biographies for The Rooms Corporation Board of Directors

Margaret Allan has been Manager, Regulatory Affairs and Administration, for Husky Energy since 2000. Prior to joining Husky, Ms. Allan spent 17 years with the Provincial Government, including three years as Assistant Deputy Minister with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. She brings considerable board experience, and holds a Master of Business Administration from Memorial University.

Dawn Baker has been a full-time visual artist and children’s writer since 1992. Ms. Baker studied at Memorial University, earning a Bachelor of Education (post-secondary) and a certificate in library studies.

Michelle Baikie is an educator and an artist. Ms. Baikie is currently a Cultural Consultant/Counsellor for the Nunatsiavut Government, where she provides cultural advice and counseling to Memorial University Faculty instructors and Inuit Bachelor of Education Degree Program students. She holds a Masters of Educational Research from the University of Cambridge, and a Masters in Literacy from Mount Saint Vincent University in Nova Scotia.

Heidi Bonnell is Vice-President, Federal Government Affairs, at Rogers Communications. Prior to joining Rogers, she spent 10 years in various roles with both federal and provincial governments. Ms. Bonnell served as Director of Communications for the Office of the Premier from 1996 to 2000, and worked on the original development plan for The Rooms.

Katharine Hickey is the owner/operator of Plank Marketing & Communications. She has three decades of experience in the marketing and communications sector creating success stories for her clients. Ms. Hickey graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, and is currently serving an elected position on the Memorial University Board of Regents as an Alumni Representative.

Earl Ludlow recently retired as EVP and Operational Advisor to the President and CEO of Fortis Inc. His career with the Fortis Group spanned nearly 40 years. Mr. Ludlow earned a Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Business Administration from Memorial University. He is a member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador, a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and a member of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mary McCarthy has been the director of the Grand Bank Regional Theatre since 2005. A retired high school English teacher, she is a lifelong resident of the Burin Peninsula. An active community volunteer, Ms. McCarthy is a returning member of The Rooms Corporation Board of Directors.

Gary Newell has been the president of the Grenfell Historical Society since 1998. He is very proud and active in the community, serving on a number of boards on the Northern Peninsula. Mr. Newell served on the inaugural Board of Directors for The Rooms in 2003. He is a retired dental technician, who enjoys collecting archival material related to the life of Sir Wilfred Grenfell.

Jeff Pardy spent 38 years with Grant Thornton LLP until his retirement in 2012. He is a Chartered Accountant, has served on numerous boards and committees in St. John’s and area. Mr. Pardy is a returning member to the Board of Directors of The Rooms Corporation.

Kathi Stacey is the Executive Director for Legendary Coasts, and has many years of experience working in tourism development, marketing and public relations.

2018 03 14 3:15 pm