HI Canada Governance

Lenore Neudorf, Chair

Lenore is passionate about hostelling and the connections and fellowship it provides. As a retired senior executive and lawyer, she has brought her extensive experience to Hostelling International Canada for over 20 years, both regionally and nationally. In her free time, Lenore loves to travel, golf and pursue her interest in art.

Othello Tuason, 1st Vice Chair

Othello is trained in finance and strategy (University of Calgary, BComm, and Dalhousie University, MBA). His work spans West Coast, Prairies, and Central Canada – credentials on LinkedIn.

Othello has seen each province, and plans on the territories (fishing, hiking?). Internationally, he’s seen North and Central America, Europe, Africa and Pac-Asia. Combining work, education, and travel creates a unique perspective. Othello lives in Calgary, enjoys the mountains with his wife and their two children, and owns a boutique corporate finance advisory.

Jason Demers, 2nd Vice Chair

Jason is an active hosteller and life-time member. His first introduction to hostelling was on his first European trip where many friendships were formed along his travels. This has continued closer to home where he has introduced many to the value and beauty of the HI network in the west.

When not working or volunteering Jason can be found on a road (gravel or paved), trail hiking or body of water kayaking.

Shane Kerpan, Director

My experience with HI began in 1998 when I took on the role of Hostel Manager at the Kamloops Old Courthouse Hostel. During the following 2.5 years, not only was I successful in turning around a troubled operation, but I also had the privilege of holding what I still consider to be the most enjoyable job I have ever had. The experience of meeting new people, learning about different cultures and embarking on hostelling myself is one I have always treasured.

John Hutchings, Director

Growing up both in Ottawa and outside Canada, John came to know travel and intercultural exchange through his family’s frequent moves – gaining not only some wanderlust to see more of Canada and more of the world, but an appreciation of how travellers can come together to enrich themselves and their communities. Now a lawyer practising in Toronto, he works as legal counsel to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) where he has also served in adjudicative, policy and managerial roles. John first joined Canada’s public service in 2007. He has also worked for the Ontario public service and as a director of a community legal clinic in Montreal. He is keen to contribute to HI Canada’s vision of conscious travel and community.

James Wyatt, Director

James has enjoyed hostels for many years and strongly believes in the mission statement of Hostelling International. He brings years of experience in the fields of tourism, education, and sports and recreation. After 7 years of regional board service including service as Chair, he is proud to now serve at the national level on the HI Canada Board. He is committed to strong governance that is reflective of its members and embraces the opportunity to assist the national board in fulfilling its various roles and responsibilities. While appreciative of the degree to which traveling and the subsequent socio-cultural experiences enrich people’s lives he is inspired by the fact that hostelling is a wonderful opportunity to broadens one’s horizons and to ultimately galvanize the global citizen.

Jeremy Fowler, Director

Jeremy had his first hostel experience in 2013 when he travelled to Malaysia and has been hooked ever since - he joined the HI-Atlantic board soon after that trip. Whether at home or on a hostel trip, this East Coaster is typically found running through the woods or constantly snapping photos.

Peter Nietresta, Director

Peter is passionate about the hostelling movement and HI's members. As an avid global hosteller, Peter is committed to enhancing opportunities for member engagement so that the Board can remain in tune with member expectations and improve the hostelling experience in Canada. Peter is excited to finally see a single mission focused HI organization serving all of our members throughout the country.

Victoria Oppenlander, Director

Victoria has been an avid hosteller for over a decade and through her work on the board, is eager to continue fostering the sense of community that hostelling brings. In her free time, you can usually find Victoria on an adventure, or planning the next one!

Kevin Pals, Director

Growing up in Alberta, Kevin enjoyed all the outdoor activities offered in the Rocky Mountains. He has also lived, worked and travelled to several countries and experienced first-hand the value that travel and hosteling brings to young people. Eventually combining his passion for travel with a career in tourism and hospitality, Kevin currently works at a travel technology company in Vancouver, supporting strategic planning, community engagement, and destination development. Having lived in BC and Alberta, Kevin knows the Pacific Mountain Region well and is excited to help the HI Canada network grow.