AHLA - Key Persons
Current position: Executive Vice-President of Canalta Hotels
Current position: Owner of Mount Robson Inn and Mountaineer Lodge since 2012
Job Titles:
- Manager, Member Relations
Danielle proudly joined the AHLA as Chief Operating Officer in 2023, bringing her back to the industry that helped launch her career in 2001 at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (JPL).
Danielle understands the work ethic, opportunities, and rewards that a career in hospitality offers-not only from her tenure at JPL, but also from her role in supporting the launch, service offering, and development of The Luxus Group for over 13 years.
She is an experienced Leader, Coach, and EOS Integrator with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality, real estate, investment, and property management sectors. Danielle is passionate about helping organizations obtain clarity on their vision, stay focused on priorities, and achieve results.
As a Certified Executive Coach (CEC) and Six Types of Working Genius Facilitator, Danielle supports leaders and teams committed to their development and growth. She is also a Rotarian, Board Member with the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE), and proud graduate of the University of Alberta, School of Business.
When she's not at work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter and travel experiences with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- General Manager
- Vice Chair
Jacqui is responsible for much of the day-to-day accounting tasks of the AHLA. Since 2007, she has been making sure our vendors are paid and member accounts are up-to-date.
She holds an Accounting Certificate from Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. She started her career as a travel agent, where she transitioned into accounting, and hasn't looked back since.
Jacqui keeps her co-workers smiling with delicious baked treats that frequently show up in the staff kitchen. As the office's aficionado of clotheslines, she refuses to dry her clothes indoors if it's more than 10 degrees outside. She dares anyone to try and beat her record of air-drying seven loads of laundry in one weekend, which, to this point, has gone unchallenged by the rest of us who prefer to take the easy way out and use the dryer.
Current position: GM of Metterra Hotel on Whyte, the Matrix & Varscona Hotel on Whyte since 2019
Current position: General Manager at Staybridge Suites West Edmonton
Current position: General Manager, The Westin Edmonton, since 2012
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Public Affairs
Laurie is a dynamic government relations and communications practitioner with more than 15 years' experience in both the public and private sector.
Prior to joining the AHLA, Laurie was the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary to the Minister of Advanced Education, where she helped lead the development and implementation of the largest review of post-secondary in Alberta in over a decade. Laurie also served as the official spokesperson for the Ministry. Laurie has also worked as a government relations consultant and domestic violence prevention advocate. Laurie knows how to bring people together and build coalitions. She has led industry-wide initiatives and helped clients develop positions and messages that resonate with decisions-makers. Over the years, Laurie continues to work with individuals who have experienced domestic violence.
A graduate of Carleton University, Laurie has led grassroots advocacy campaigns, proactive communications, media relations and issues management on various high profile and sensitive files. She volunteered for her first campaign at the age of 16 and has worked continuously on election campaigns across the country and has served 4 conservative Premier's in Alberta in varying political roles.
Natalie is the AHLA's HR and safety expert. She ensures hotels have the resources and information they need on Occupational Health & Safety, the Workers' Compensation Board, and HR practices. Properties are invited to contact Natalie anytime if they have a question about HR and health & safety practices.
With a Bachelor of Business degree with a major in Human Resources Management from NAIT, Natalie began her career as an HR Coordinator with AdaptAbilities, a not-for-profit organization that helps individuals with special needs develop essential life skills. She made the jump to the hospitality industry when she was hired as the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District's HR Generalist in 2018, prior to their opening.
In the winter, Natalie can be found tearing up the slopes at Lake Louise on her snowboard. In the summer, she loves to smack golf balls down the fairway; walk her Goldendoodle, Oliver; or enjoy her newest hobby - sailing. Although everyone at the AHLA really likes Natalie, we refuse to ride in a car with her because she insists on making everyone participate in sing-a-longs. Sorry, Natalie, none of us gets paid enough to do that.
Job Titles:
- VP of Operations and Legal Counsel
Current position: VP of Operations and Legal Counsel, Holiday Inn Express Calgary & Holiday Inn Calgary Airport North
Sandra started as Controller for the AHLA in 1998 and served as VP Finance from 2005 until 2009, when she transitioned to part-time IT Manager - Financial Systems to raise her three children. She assumed her current role as Director of Finance in 2019. Her goal is to provide sound financial advice and robust data integration in support of AHLA's strategic goals. She oversees the financial operations and strategic IT initiatives of the AHLA and its client companies.
She graduated from the University of Alberta with a BComm, majoring in international business, following with an MBA with an emphasis in accounting.
Sandra may look like she's sitting still at her desk, but her feet are usually tapping because she's an avid country and swing dancer. As one of the "crafty" AHLA staff members, you'll often find her knitting or scrapbooking or making other beautiful things. On stressful days, Sandra claims the title of Favourite Staff Member because of the bottomless bowl of chocolate on her desk.
Job Titles:
- Director, HR & Safety Services
Teri has been leading various AHLA projects since 1994, including the Centennial project in 2019, and most recently the launch of our TourismWorks online learning portal. Teri's passion for adult learning, health & safety, and continuous improvement is a huge asset to our team. Her favourite part of the job is the people she gets to work with, and her approach truly embodies her favourite quote:
Tracy joined the AHLA in 2001. Since then, she has applied her years of hotel experience every day in service of the AHLA's members and safety subscribers. Tracy believes strongly that sound governance is fundamental to success in any organization. As CEO, Tracy leads the association's skilled and dedicated staff, working with both the AHLA and AHLA Services Corporation boards to bring together Alberta hotels, and help our members prosper.
Tracy started in the hotel industry working in the hotel her father managed in Lloydminster. In the banquet department, she learned a lot about hard work, service, and respect. During and after university, she worked throughout other areas of the hotel, including the front desk, marketing, lounge, liquor store, and housekeeping, even becoming a Peer Auditor and building the hotel's health & safety program.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Alberta, and working for the Alberta Summer Games, Tracy became the youngest woman ever to be elected to Lloydminster City Council. While serving as a councilor she opened a 63 room hotel right across the street from the one where she started her career. A competitive rider, Tracy's love of horses gave her the opportunity to volunteer with people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, and the local agricultural society.
Her keen interest in governance led her to be selected as a volunteer instructor for the Government of Alberta's Board Development Program, and to take the Institute of Corporate Directors Governance Essentials Program for Directors of Not-for- Profit Organizations. She applied this knowledge not only by supporting the AHLA's board governance, but also as a member of the Board of Directors of the Alberta SPCA, and by facilitating board governance & strategic planning workshops for DMFs and other not-for-profit organizations. Throughout her time with the AHLA, Tracy has enjoyed working with the Board Chairs and Directors, many of whom have helped shape the professional she is today.
Through her professional, volunteer, and elected experience Tracy has developed extensive knowledge of governance, advocacy, strategic planning, communications, and member relations. In 2022 she achieved the Certified Association Executive designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives.