Tourism Kamloops - Meet the Staff

MEET OUR TEAM

Ms. Lee Morris, Chief Executive Officer

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Ms. Lee Morris

Tourism Kamloops is under the strong leadership of CEO Ms. Lee Morris, who brings a world’s worth of tourism, management, marketing and strategic planning knowledge and experience to the organization. Lee is no stranger to the tourism industry, having worked for 25 years in senior management roles, of which 19 years were in a Destination Marketing capacity.

In understanding the business of tourism, it is essential to have a strong understanding of business. Lee has had firsthand experience, having owned Tourism Interior Marketing Services. The company, founded in July of 1997, provided marketing services to the tourism industry within BC’s Interior. Lee also served as the Executive Director for 9 years with the High Country Tourism Association and was responsible for developing and delivering a $900,000 per annum tourism marketing budget, providing leadership to the private sector and communities on tourism marketing and development strategies, and the direct delivery of all international marketing initiatives.

Experience and contact throughout the industry for Lee have been made through chairing committees and through numerous volunteer opportunities such as spending 14 years as a volunteer to the Cattle Drive Society. She returned from Victoria after 7 years as Director of Sales & Marketing to Kamloops where she hold the position as CEO of Tourism Kamloops, is currently a Director with CITAP (Canadian Inbound Tourism Association - Asia Pacific), and enjoys the challenges ahead in leading the Tourism Kamloops team on to further success.

MANAGER, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Howard Grieve

Howard Grieve joined Tourism Kamloops in January, 2007 and brings over 24 years experience in the Tourism Industry to the team. Howard began his career in the Tour and Travel sector as a Certified Travel Counsellor and specialized in designing, marketing and operating both inbound and outbound tours. Combining his experience with a BC Instructor’s Diploma, Howard spent the next 10 years as a tourism educator and curriculum designer. Making a lifestyle change in 1998, he and his family moved from the lower mainland choosing Kamloops as their new home. Howard became involved in the restoration of the 2141 steam locomotive ‘Spirit of Kamloops’ as a volunteer and helped the society to complete the restoration. The society contracted Howard to create a business plan, fund raise and start up the Kamloops Heritage Railway and over the past seven years it has become one the premier tourism attractions in the area.

Howard has been active in the community serving as past Chairman of the Juniper Ridge Community Association, and has served on the boards of Venture Kamloops, Kamloops Heritage Railway Society and is an active member of the board of the BIG Little Science Centre Society. Howard, his wife and one daughter enjoy the outdoors and hike regularly in the grasslands taking advantage of the dry climate they sought out when leaving the west coast. His family also enjoys the wide range of winter activities especially skiing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing at Harper Mountain and Sun Peaks Resort.

COORDINATOR, MARKETING & SALES
Maria Buff

Maria Buff is a new addition to Tourism Kamloops as Coordinator, Marketing & Sales. Maria is from the Kamloops area and is a graduate of Thompson Rivers University with a Bachelor of Tourism Management degree (BTM).

With previous work experience in guest services, she found she is partial to working with people and taking on new challenges and opportunities as they arise. Tourism Kamloops allows her to expand her skills in being creative and working with both local and international tourism businesses.

Apart from work, Maria appreciates going out horseback riding, swimming and spending time with friends and family.

COORDINATOR, SPORTS & EVENTS
Lisa Strachan

Lisa Strachan is another new edition to the team, coming on as the Coordinator for Sports and Events. Lisa has recently graduated with the Sport Event Management Diploma at Thompson Rivers University.

Lisa spent many years playing volleyball at the college level and upon completion decided to take time off and travel to South America. Lisa spent a total of 11 months in Brazil, learning their culture and language. She plans to return some day.

Outside of work Lisa stays very active in the sports community. She plays soccer, volleyball and softball.

Lisa enjoys new challenges and looks forward to an exciting career with Tourism Kamloops.