TIANB Team
Executive Director
Ron Drisdelle (since 2013)
Ron is a results-oriented bilingual managerial professional with solid experience in all aspects of business management including private and community-based sectors at the provincial, national, and international level. Ron possesses highly developed managerial and communication skills and has a proven ability to develop strategic direction and motivate change. Ron has contributed in senior management positions throughout his career and is equipped with substantial experience and knowledge of the business environment both in Canada and abroad. Time and time again Ron has delivered innovative and creative solutions for meeting high client expectations.
Ron holds a Bachelors degree in Social work, an MBA and is a Certified International Trade Professional. Ron has worked as a Senior Trade Consultant for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and has held
the positions of Executive Director for both the Conseil Économique du Nouveau-Brunswick and the Centre Samuel de Champlain.
Sheila Atkinson, Operations and Programs Manager (since 2007)
Having been with TIANB for over five years Sheila is proud to say she has found her dream job
Her responsibilities as manager of programs allows her to lead an extraordinary team of professionals wealthy in tourism knowledge
Her responsibilities as inhouse accountant are assisted by her love for all numbers, big and small and her expertise in finance for not-for-profits
She has 17 years of experience with human resource management as well as extensive experience in project management
Sheila is principal in the development of industry relations as it pertains to tailoring programs for occupation specific training
She is the chair of the tourism action committee's HR working group for the tourism strategy 2010-13
She sits on the national board of the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council and many of its committees
Sheila has owned and operated her own catering company and has a passion for art and fine cooking
Her first career took her across the country and to Japan. During those 25 years she played the roles of stage, production and general managers for numerous theatre companies including the Stratford Festival, the National Arts Centre, Theatre New Brunswick and Theatre Calgary
Working with Bobby Orr and opening of the Skydome in Toronto are some of the older highlights of her previous career
Catherine Speight (McPhee), Education Resource Coordinator (since 2008)
Catherine holds an Arts Degree-English and Linguistics, as well as a Hospitality and Tourism Management Diploma from NBCC St Andrews.
She knows first hand what it's like to be a Tourism student in NB and shares these experiences with other students.
She also shares first hand industry knowledge and 10 years of experience with those interested in a tourism career.
Catherine promotes tourism across the province as a valid career option and assists interested parties in their job search.
She believes in quality bilingual customer service and is the first member contact to phone or e-mail.
She is trained in SuperHost and Responsible Beverage and is a trainer for Workplace Etiquette.
Catherine recently achieved emerit Professional Certified Event Coordinator.
Ann Purdy, Professional Development & Training Coordinator (since 2008)
Ann has over 12 years of hands on work experience in various roles in the Tourism Industry.
She posesses an educational background consisting of Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship.
She is a certified Instructor for First Aid CPR, Food Safety , and Tourism Training. Ann is also a Master Trainer for the National Food Safety program.
Ann specializes in developing customized training programs, with the objective of teaching not only the fundamentals of hospitality and customer satisfaction but also how to focus on establishing a renewed approach to providing quality product and services before, during and after a customer's visit.
Thanks to her strong understanding of the many different learning principles, Ann is able to facilitate a variety of programs to a diverse clientele assisting them in implementing the new information in their day to day practices.
Warren Maddox, Skills Development Coordinator (since 2010)
Warren comes to TIANB after serving as Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the Town of Sackville, NB
He has 20 years experience in the not-for-profit sector
His experience with numerous arts organizations allows him the unique ability to communicate with community leaders
He has been involved in project work for some of the most progressive organizations in the province
He enjoys good food, fine wine and life at home in Fredericton with his menagerie of SPCA animals.
Along with his responsibilities as Essential Skills coordinator Warren also assists with various marketing and communication activities
