Press Release - Tourism Golden Transition

Tourism Golden announces leadership transition as longtime Executive Director prepares to retire.

Golden, BC — November 12, 2025  – Tourism Golden today announced that longtime Executive Director Joanne Sweeting will retire at the end of 2025, concluding nearly 14 years of exceptional leadership that helped shape Golden into one of British Columbia’s most respected destination marketing organizations.

During her tenure, Joanne’s vision, dedication, and collaboration with community, regional, and provincial partners elevated Tourism Golden to new heights. Her tireless work and commitment to promoting Golden’s natural beauty, culture, and adventure opportunities have earned her deep respect across the tourism industry and the community she proudly represents.

Under Joanne’s leadership, Golden’s tourism industry has evolved and diversified significantly. She has guided the organization through a period of sustainable growth, marked by the expansion of year-round tourism offerings and the creation of programs that benefit both residents and visitors. Her efforts have helped foster a thriving environment where locals can participate in and benefit from the tourism economy, inspiring many residents to launch successful tourism-related businesses that reflect Golden’s unique character and community spirit.

“My time with Tourism Golden has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career,” said Joanne Sweeting. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together — building a responsible, sustainable tourism industry that truly reflects the spirit of this community. As I look toward retirement, I feel deep gratitude for the partnerships and passion that have made our success possible, and confidence knowing Andy and the incredible team we have built will continue to achieve great things.”

“Joanne’s leadership has been instrumental in building Tourism Golden into a high-functioning and well-regarded organization,” said Toby Barrett, President of the Tourism Golden Board of Directors. “Her passion for this community and her collaborative approach have left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit Golden for years to come.”

Following Joanne’s retirement, Andy Brown, Tourism Golden’s current Communications Manager, will assume the role of Executive Director beginning January 2026. This transition follows a year-long succession planning process undertaken by the organization to ensure continuity in leadership, maintain strategic momentum, and support a smooth transfer of knowledge and responsibilities.

Andy has been with Tourism Golden for over nine years, playing a key role in raising Golden’s profile across national and international media, coordinating press and influencer trips, and strengthening the destination’s reputation as an authentic mountain community. His experience and deep understanding of the organization’s values and vision make him a natural successor to continue building on Joanne’s legacy. As Tourism Golden looks ahead, the organization remains focused on sustainable tourism growth, community collaboration, and promoting Golden’s unique mountain culture.

“I’ve learned so much from Joanne over the years, and I’m really grateful for everything she’s done for this organization,” said Andy Brown. “Tourism Golden has such a strong foundation, and I’m looking forward to carrying that forward — and keeping Golden’s story out there in a way that makes our community proud.”

Tourism Golden’s Board of Directors have and will continue to work closely with Joanne and Andy to ensure a smooth transition. The organization extends its sincere appreciation to Joanne for her years of service and dedication to Golden’s tourism community.

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Media Contact:

Andy Brown, Tourism Golden Communications Manager
250.939.8076

media@tourismgolden.com                    

About Tourism Golden: http://www.tourismgolden.com

Tourism Golden is a non-profit, tourism industry-led Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) representing the Town of Golden & surrounding area known as Kicking Horse Country in British Columbia, Canada. 

 

We are grateful to live, work, and play on the traditional unceded territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc peoples, which is also the chosen home to the Métis Nation Columbia River Society.