The Speakers
Jonathon Potts
Born and raised in southwest Saskatchewan, Jonathan Potts has spent over 25 years working with Saskatchewan’s tourism industry. A University of Saskatchewan graduate, Jonathan spent a decade as an industry consultant in Saskatoon before joining Tourism Saskatchewan in 2006 as Director of Industry Development. He transitioned to the role of Director of Marketing in 2010 and was appointed Executive Director of Marketing and Communications in 2014. On July 1, 2021, he began his tenure as CEO. Jonathan’s leadership and expertise are recognized by colleagues across Canada. He has contributed to national committees and helped forge solid relationships with provincial and national partners. Along with the rest of the Tourism Saskatchewan team, Jonathan is committed to the continuous growth and success of the provincial tourism industry.
Brendan Manz
With over 20 years experience, Brendan is no stranger to the tourism and economic development sectors in Saskatchewan.
Prior to his role with Tourism Saskatchewan, Brendan worked as part of the Community Economic Development team with Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) and as Event and Convention Business Development Manager with Economic Development Regina. In that role at EDR, he lead the Bid to bring the 2024 Montana's Brier to Regina and recently served as an event Co-Chair on the Host Committee.
Brendan is likely best known for his 10 years as Community Development Officer for the Watrous Manitou Marketing Group. In that role, he led all aspects of Watrous-Manitou's tourism and community economic development. During this time, the area saw incredible growth and its businesses received numerous provincial and national awards. He also oversaw development of several new annual community events, main street revitalization initiatives, and the opening of Watrous' first Community Daycare Centre.
Brendan began his career with the Saskatchewan South East Tourism Region and also worked as Promotions Officer with Parks Canada serving all of Saskatchewan's National Historic Sites and Grasslands National Park.
Jace Anderson
Not born in the prairies, Jace moved here the moment he was old enough to make his own decisions. He is the founding Executive Director of the Medicine Hat DMO, Tourism Medicine Hat. A marketing and project management career spans more than 20 years, 11 of which in his current role. Jace earned his Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) accreditation from Destination International in 2016, and currently participates on the Canadian Destination Leadership Council. Focusing on community and economic development aligned goals that power the visitor economy Jace encourages small-budget, rural and emerging DMO's. Since 2019 he represents Alberta DMO's as a Board Member of the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta. All this to say that he loves his home community just as much as each of you love yours. Destinations are the heart-beat of travel and tourism, and we are in the inspiration business.
Kyla Bouvier
Kyla Bouvier is the owner/operator of Back2Nature Wellness & Adventures and has a lifelong passion for the outdoors and promotes an inner journey in the outdoors!
She has a passion for assisting others in cultivating self-awareness and connection with self in an outdoor experience. She has worked as a biologist and environmental planner for the past 16 years and cultivated an awareness and connection for the outdoors. Kyla has been guiding participants on outdoor adventures for the past four years.
She is a self-awareness educator with certifications in BodyTalk, MindScape, Access Bars, Conscious Living Investigation, Embodiment Breathwork and Reiki. Through her own life experiences, Kyla has transformed and aligned by investigating her own internal environment and journey's through life with a self-reflective mindset.
Kyla resides in a small town outside of Saskatoon with her two boys, they enjoy outdoor adventures and spending many hours in the rink playing hockey in the winter and on the ball diamond in the spring!
Ashley Stone
Ashley Stone is the owner of Field and Grow Consulting, which specializes in product development, destination marketing and in-destination experience. She has extensive experience working with not-for-profit organizations, community and municipal government organizations in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
By focusing on community building, Ashley has been able to put her Bachelor of Applied Science in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership earned at Medicine Hat College to good use. Ashley is passionate about the opportunity of working visitors and communities, and is
always looking for ways that small actions can impact the greater vision. Over the years, Ashley’s has garnered recognition for her dedication to the industry by being nominated and named the '2019 Tourism Ambassador of the Year' by the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards.
Growing up in East Central Alberta, Ashley has always had a passion for driving small communities to their greatest potential whether it be through asset development, mainstreet enhancements or community events. In her free time, Ashley spends her time at their acreage in her 3-acre garden and with her three children and spouse just outside of Regina, Saskatchewan.
Annie Charles
Annie Charles is a Woodland & Atikamekw Cree woman that recognizes her German heritage. She was born and raised on Treaty 6 territory in La Ronge, Saskatchewan and is a proud member of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, Quebec. She currently resides on Treaty 4 territory in Regina, Saskatchewan and is the inaugural Executive Director of Indigenous Destinations
Saskatchewan aimed to support the Indigenous tourism across Saskatchewan.
Annie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Human Resources from First Nations University of Canada in 2016. Her education led her to gain experience volunteering on various committees and boards. After graduation, she worked her way up in the non-profit sector and at the University of Regina.
Most recently Annie has had the pleasure with working with FHQ Developments Ltd as the Economic Development & Relationship Consultant. Before that, she was the Student Success Facilitator for the nitôncipâmin omâ Student Success Program (The OMA Program) at the University of Regina assisting first year Indigenous students.
Annie is committed to helping others, takes pride in her relationship building, thrives in program management related work, event planning and enjoys networking. She is very passionate about serving the Indigenous tourism industry, highlighting community development and entrepreneurship.
Jeannette Lye
Jeannette joined Tourism Saskatchewan as Director of Planning and Research in early 2018. She also serves at the Chair of Destination Canada's research advisory committee. Jeannette’s role has provided amazing opportunities to explore Saskatchewan and be part of an enthusiastic team of people who love travel, food, and fun. She is passionate about leveraging research and data to help build a future-ready tourism industry.