Destination Toronto hires Kelly Jackson as VP, destination development

Destination Toronto has appointed Kelly Jackson as vice-president of destination development, effective Jan. 20, 2025.

With 20 years of experience in government relations, stakeholder and community engagement, and communications, Jackson joins the organization to help elevate Toronto’s destination experience and drive community engagement with its visitor economy.

”Kelly Jackson is a passionate Torontonian with a strong record of building strategic stakeholder relationships,” said Andrew Weir, president and CEO of Destination Toronto. “She joins in a critical role at a critical time as we work to position our destination for sustained growth and competitiveness.”

Jackson most recently held the position of  vice-president, external affairs and professional learning at Humber Polytechnic, one of Canada’s largest institutions of higher education. At Humber, she served as a member of the college’s executive team and played a key leadership role in connecting the college to a broad community and industry network, and in the delivery of  programs providing corporate training and professional learning to more than 40,000 individuals each year.

Prior to joining Humber, Kelly held numerous roles in the Ontario Government, including Director of Communications to the Minister of Finance, Director of Policy to the Minister of Education, and Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Jackson is a past president of the Empire Club of Canada, one of the country’s oldest and leading speakers’ forums that hosts top thinkers and leaders from Canada’s civic and corporate communities. She continues to serve on the Board as co-chair of the Nation Builder Award Selection Committee and Chair of the Nominating Committee. Kelly is also a director on the board of the North York Harvest Food Bank, a long-time member of the Canadian Chapter of Atlantik Brücke and a supporter of the Canadian Children’s Opera Company.

“I’m thrilled to join the talented team at Destination Toronto and contribute to the continued growth and success of this vibrant city,” said Jackson. “Toronto is a unique global hub of culture and innovation, filled with amazing experiences for visitors from near and far. I look forward to collaborating with members, partners and stakeholders across the tourism and hospitality sectors to attract visitors, support local businesses and strengthen Toronto’s position as a leading global travel destination.”