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. 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.

Victoria Oppenlander, Director

Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Victoria has been an avid hosteller for over a decade. Through her work on the board, she 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!

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.

Brandon Sousa, Director

Brandon is an experienced corporate communications professional who has worked for some of Canada’s largest brands and publicly traded companies. He is a passionate traveller, having over 50 countries stamped in his passport. He believes that adventure can foster personal development and create positive economic impacts. As a former accredited travel writer, Brandon actively choses to stay in hostels as an opportunity to connect with fellow backpackers. Brandon brings eight years of board and governance experience, serving as a director with a provincial members association for professional craft artists.

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. John is a lawyer with expertise in human rights, migration and Canada's administrative justice system. He first joined Canada's public service in 2007, and has also worked for the Ontario public service in Toronto and as a legal clinic director in Montreal.

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 has experienced first-hand the value that hosteling brings to young people. Combining his passion for travel with a career in tourism, Kevin currently works at a travel technology company in Vancouver. He supports strategic planning, community engagement, and destination development in his role. Kevin is excited to help HI Canada’s network grow coast to coast.

Veronique Lescaut , Director

With extensive travel experience throughout Latin America, Veronique has cherished memories of staying in hostels, which fueled a passion for tourism and sustainability. After living and working in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Veronique moved to Canada a few years ago with her Quebecois husband and three boys for them to grow up at home. She spends a lot of her time discovering the joys of outdoor life in Canada though she has yet to become friends with the black flies! Veronique brings valuable expertise in corporate management in the travel and tourism industry and a dedication to fostering connections among travelers. Excited to contribute to HI Canada's mission, Veronique believes in the organization's power to create meaningful travel experiences.