The Tourism Abbotsford Society has announced a new executive director.
Clare Seeley brings more than 25 years of experience in the tourism sector internationally and across the Fraser Valley.
The announcement marks the conclusion of a province-wide recruitment process, overseen by an executive search committee of Tourism Abbotsford board directors with support from search firm Chemistry Consulting.
Daniel Laverick, president of the Tourism Abbotsford board, said they are “delighted” to have Seeley join them.
“Clare can really take tourism in Abbotsford to the next level as we continue to develop this destination, and we look forward to seeing Abbotsford’s Tourism community continue to flourish under her leadership,” he said.
Seeley was previously the manager of tourism and film for the City of Mission.
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She is well connected to the Abbotsford and Fraser Valley communities and has established relationships with Destination BC and the local Indigenous communities, focusing on destination marketing, destination development, and stakeholder support across the Fraser Valley.
Seeley said she is passionate about finding creative solutions and strategic ways to collaborate.
She moved in 2006 to Canada from the UK, where her career and education focused on business and tourism in the public and private sectors, seeing her travel across North America as a consultant and trainer for the industry.
“I am thrilled to be joining the passionate and dynamic team at Tourism Abbotsford,” she said.
“Tourism continues to offer new challenges and opportunities that have kept me invested in the industry throughout my career. (Former executive director) Craig Nichols has left a wonderful legacy that I look forward to building upon, seeing Abbotsford’s strong reputation continue to flourish and creating a year-round visitor economy to support the business and community’s success.”