Meet Our Executive Team

Paul Drummond - General Manager

Paul has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, growing from server to maitre d’ at the Westin in Edmonton, working in catering at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver, and working in hotels in Malaysia, Egypt and Minneapolis. In Chicago, he accepted the position of general manager of a boutique hotel awarded the Best New Hotel in Chicago in 2005 by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Paul has been with Tigh-Na-Mara since 2007, and is actively involved in the area as a member of the Board of Directors for Golf Vancouver Island and is the Past Chair for Oceanside Tourism Association after sitting as Chair for the 4 years.

Jim Hykaway - Assistant General Manager

Jim received his Commerce degree in Tourism Management from the University of Victoria, and spent the next 10 years working in Victoria’s hotel industry. Jim has been the Director of Rooms at Tigh-Na-Mara since 2005, and oversees various areas such as revenue management, front office, and the gift shop. Jim is an active volunteer in the community, a Chamber member, and coaches youth hockey and baseball.

Joanne Thomson - Director of Sales & Marketing

Joanne is a relative newcomer to Tigh-Na-Mara, although she has been a happy customer for many years.  Joanne spent the previous 10 years in Director of Sales & Marketing roles with Marriott Hotels & Resorts in Vancouver and Victoria.   Prior to Marriott, Joanne was self-employed in the hotel industry for 19 years and had the opportunity to provide sales, marketing and pre-opening services to several properties in Whistler, Toronto, Niagara,  Seattle, New York State, and Florida.  She has driven or participated in fundraising efforts for BC Children’s Hospital, Alzheimer’s Society, Children's Miracle Network and is happy to support and participate in Tigh-Na-Mara’s many charitable fundraising efforts.  Whilst Joanne has had an opportunity to travel extensively,  Vancouver Island is now home, and she enjoys welcoming other newcomers to our island paradise and Tigh-Na-Mara.  

Paulina Alexander - Director of Grotto Spa

Paulina has been with Tigh-Na-Mara since 2001, and prior to her position as Spa Director she worked as a Front Desk/Reservations Agent, Night Auditor, Office Supervisor, and Spa Guest Services Manager. She is passionate about creating memorable experiences for all guests and is proud of the award winning team at the spa. Paulina has been recognized locally as the recipient of Tourism Vancouver Island (TAVI) Employee of the Year award, provincially as the BC Hospitality Industry Employee of the Year finalist for Management and nationally as the recipient of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) Employee of the Year award. Most recently, the Grotto Spa was named #1 Spa in Canada and the #1 Spa in BC by Spas of America and is also Quality Assurance Approved by Leading Spas of Canada.

Bryan Stokes - Director of Food and Beverage

Bryan has managed food and beverage functions in a variety of industries and locations, including the Panorama Mountain Village, and in Toronto at the Angus Glen Golf Course and the Esplanade Bier Markt. Before joining Tigh-Na-Mara in 2011, he was Director of Food and Beverage at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Bryan is a Red Seal Chef, and has shown his environmental commitment through initiatives such as food composting and using recycled take out containers.

Andrea Tessmann, CPA, CMA - Comptroller/Director of Finance

After graduating from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Commerce, Hospitality Administration and Management, Andrea spent the next 9 years with Fairmont Hotels. Working in Victoria and then Jasper, she started as Income Auditor and moved up to Accountant and then Assistant Director of Finance.  Andrea then joined Tigh-Na-Mara in 2017 bringing with her a wealth of knowledge.