1. Bio for Margaret McCormick
Margaret McCormick is a senior business professional who has enjoyed a long career in public
service working for the provincial tourism authority in a variety of positions of increased
responsibility.
Margaret’s most recent role was as the Executive Director, Corporate Transformation Destination
British Columbia and as a key member of the executive, was the lead on delivering Destination
British Columbia’s People goal to build a collaborative, insights-driven, results focused team.
Over her thirty-four year career, Margaret has enjoyed many aspects of the tourism industry
beginning as a summer student in a Visitor Centre. Margaret was Manager responsible for creating
the Visitor Centre Network and also spent time directing programs that support industry
development. Collaborating with tourism partners to develop and deliver an incredible visitor
experience for guests during the 2010 winter Olympics Margaret considers a career highlight and her
most recent role managing the organization through change and setting up HR programs her most
rewarding.
Margaret is recently semi- retired enjoying the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that
utilize her talents and experience.
Excerpt from staff communication from Marsha Walden, Destination BC CEO on Margaret’s retirement
“For over 30 years, Margaret has dedicated her career to supporting the tourism industry. She is among
the rarified few who have steadfastly helped our industry thrive under many global circumstances,
multiple management models, a long list of Ministers, a Winter Olympics, and a great variety of tourism
roles. …Since 2014, as Executive Director Corporate Transformation, she led the re-focus of our business
– both human and operational – and she has done so with amazing smarts, grace, compassion, and
devotion. As a highly-respected member of our Executive Team, she has been a key contributor to our
strategic direction, our cultural evolution, and our strong relationship with the Board.
Margaret’s career in tourism leaves an impressive footprint. Here are just a few of the highlights along
the way:
• She played an instrumental role in the successful development of the first Destination Management
System – providing a passionate, informed and articulate voice for the needs of industry;
• She oversaw the capital investment in our Gateway Visitor Centres;
• She co-chaired the Visitor Services Tourism Consortium as part of the hugely successful 2010 Winter
Olympics
• She led major initiatives across the company – in visitor services, call center operations, WorldHost
training, British Columbia Magazine, Tourism Product Management, Quality Assurance and
Accommodation Guide, Merchandising and Distribution and partnership programs with
Regions/Cities/Sectors.
Thank you, Marg, for always being an exceptionally positive force in our midst – for having a bias for
action, for delivering on your commitments, for modeling the way in empowerment, and for being just
plain fun to work alongside.”