PEOPLE update August 13, 2019

Ian Goard is the Hotel Grand Pacific’s new executive chef, taking over from Rick Choy, Goard’s long-time mentor, who had held the position since 2007. Goard had been the hotel’s executive sous chef under Choy since 2011, ensuring a smooth transition among the culinary team after Choy’s retirement in March. Goard grew up in Victoria and loved cooking from an early age. After completing a History degree at the University of Victoria, he took the culinary program at Thompson Rivers University, moved to Whistler to complete his apprenticeship, and went on to hold the position of sous chef at the Whistler Conference Centre. In 2004, he moved back to Victoria to accept a position at the Hotel Grand Pacific.

Linda Crouch has left the Hotel Association of Canada to work as a registration service representative at Service Ontario. She had worked as executive assistant and secretary to the board at the Hotel Association since 2011, under the leadership of former president and CEO Tony Pollard and current president and CEO Susie Grynol. Prior to her role with HAC, she worked as office manager for Tracon Consultants for more than 12 years. The HAC is currently seeking someone to fill Linda’s position.

Melissa Boisvert has joined the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) as Communications Manager. Boisvert has worked in communications for 20 years, specializing in corporate communications, marketing, media and public relations, brand and reputation management, and event and project management. Prior to joining the AHLA, she served as Communications Manager at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Arts for 12 years, as well as eight years combined at the Edmonton Humane Society, Canadian Blood Services and the Edmonton Heritage Festival.

The energy filled Calgary Hotel Association is looking for an Executive Director. The irreplaceable and invincible Peggy Athans is moving on to brighter pastures on home turf and will be severely missed. Athans has been the Calgary Hotel Association executive director since June 2017. Athans’ role focused on advocacy, education and collaboration with industry stakeholders.Her undivided attention and uncompromising character saw the Calgary Hotel Community thrive during her tenure. The association is currently seeking someone who interested in taking the Association to a new level.

Andrew Craig has taken on a new position as food and beverage manager at the Fairmont Kea Lani on the island of Maui, Hawaii. He previously worked as outlet manager at the Fairmont Royal York hotel in Toronto for more than two years, and was part of the SUMMIT Aspiring Leader Program, working at the Bow Valley Grill and Rundle Lounge in the Banff Springs Hotel as a supervisor. He has worked at Vintage Hotels’ Pillar & Post Hotel, Benchmark Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., and Taboo Resort in Muskoka, Ont.

Dr. Statia Elliot, director of the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management (HFTM) has been appointed associate dean for External Relations, for the Lang School of Business and Economic, and will be in this role for the next 20 months. Dr. Chris Choi will take over as acting director of HFTM.

In related news, the College was recently renamed, thanks to a $21-million gift from Stu and Kim Lang, the largest single gift ever given to the university. The College became the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics on April 3rd, 2019, honouring Stu's late father.