Meet Our Executive Team

Jim Hykaway - General Manager

Jim grew up on beautiful Vancouver Island and has raised his family here too.  A graduate from University of Victoria’s Bachelor of Commerce Tourism Management Program, Jim spent 10 years in Victoria’s hotel industry, in Front Office and Revenue Management, with independent properties as well as Delta Hotels.  Jim joined Tigh-Na-Mara in 2005, as Director of Rooms as well as overseeing the hotel’s renovation and sustainability programs, then Assistant General Manager in 2019 and General Manager in 2023.  Jim is an outdoor enthusiast, an active volunteer in the community and board member for Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association. 

Jordon Ozero - Director of rooms

Jordon has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. A large part of this time was spent managing cruise ship hotel operations for Royal Caribbean International and MSC Cruises. He also spent two years as General Manager of a 5-star beach resort on Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. Jordon holds a master’s degree in Tourism Management from Royal Roads University where he focused on the emerging field of transformational tourism. As Director of Rooms, Jordon oversees areas such as revenue management, front office, IT, maintenance, and housekeeping. 

Joanne Thomson - Director of Sales & Marketing

Originally a happy Tigh-Na-Mara customer for many years, Joanne spent 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. The Grotto Spa has been 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.  The spa celebrated it's 20th Anniversary in 2023!

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.