Michele is an internationally recognized expert in economic development and sustainable tourism, with experience across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. She previously served as President and CEO of Destination Canada and as Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Heritage for Nova Scotia. She currently leads J.E. Austin Associates’ (now part of Civitta) work on a Sustainable Tourism Management Strategy for Bar Harbor, Maine, and has developed national and regional tourism strategies across Canada, the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. Michele is a graduate of Dalhousie University and a recipient of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s Lifetime Achievement Award.