Markham announces four appointments to Destination Markham Corporation Board of Directors

MARKHAM, ON – November 26, 2024 – The City of Markham is pleased to announce four appointments to Destination Markham’s Board of Directors. Beginning November 28, 2024, Danielle Russell, Harold Ho, Christine Martin Bevilacqua and Sam Erry will serve as independent Directors for a term of three years.

“I am pleased to welcome our newest members to Destination Markham’s board of directors,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Their expertise and varied backgrounds are a great addition, and I know they will provide valuable input to the ongoing initiatives we have to promote Markham and attract visitors to our community.”

“I look forward to working with the appointees over the next three years,” said Destination Markham Chair Andrew Keyes. “I am confident their proven leadership skills and vision will benefit the work we undertake at Destination Markham and, as a result, the Markham community as a whole.”

Danielle Russell

Danielle is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Chartered Director (C.Dir) and the Executive Director of Canadian Defence Lawyers. Previously, she worked for the Air Cadet League of Canada as their Executive Director and two of Canada’s leading Association Management Companies (AMCs), after starting her career in the Office of Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Danielle is an active volunteer, serving on the Boards of Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association and is also the Chair of the City of Markham Race Relations Committee.

Harold Ho 

Harold has over 20 years of Destination Marketing and Tour Operator experience and over 10 years of Senior Sales, Marketing and Hotel Management experience. He has broad expertise in various sectors of the tourism industry and is currently the Senior Vice President of Royal Scenic, a leading travel company with their head office in Markham. He is also a Professor at Seneca Polytechnic and teaches the next generation of hospitality professionals at the School of Hospitality and Tourism.

Christine Martin Bevilacqua

Christine is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of leadership experience, most recently as the Chief Administrative Officer for Pet Valu Canada. She brings strong human resources management, legal and governance background having worked as the Vice President, Corporate Services and AVP, Human Resources at HB Insurance Management Ltd.  Christine also draws on her extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, where she served as Regional Director, Human Resources at Delta Hotels and Resorts, Toronto for many years.  

Sam Erry

Sam is a values-based, transformational leader with over 15 years senior executive experience in service delivery modernization, public-private partnerships, collaborative management and commercial growth. Sam has proven capabilities in defining a strategic vision and developing a road map for results. He held various senior executive positions in the government of Ontario including as Deputy Solicitor General of Ontario and Deputy Minister of the Anti-Racism Directorate.

Launched in 2020, Destination Markham’s purpose is to promote Markham as a remarkable destination for visitors, including tourists, sport and festival attendees, meetings, conference delegates and business travellers. 

— 30 — 

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: 
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca. 

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:   
media@markham.ca.  

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 362,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy.  

Stay Connected: Visit our newsroom or search #MarkhamNews and #MarkhamEvents for the latest information on City programs, services and events.