JENNIFER JOHNSON
Regina
Summary
An energetic leader that inspires and unites her team in a shared vision. Jennifer recently took on the task of moving Tourism Regina into the City of Regina, and completely rebuilding the DMO. Jennifer has more than 15 years of senior government experience and a variety of accolades for her work including a Premier’s Award for the Saskatchewan Pavilion at the Vancouver Olympics and multiple awards for a social media marketing campaign called the Saskatchewanderer. As Assistant Deputy Minister for the parks division she led all strategic and operational decisions including the marketing of provincial parks in Saskatchewan which attract 4 million visits a year.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy City Manager
City of Regina
12.2023 - Current
- Oversee all marketing, communications and media relations for the city
- Transition Tourism Regina in to City Administration, and re-build the destination marketing organization from the ground up
- Build and maintain critical relationships with tourism stakeholders
- Oversee all customer interactions and service requests for the city through Service Regina
- Improve resident sentiment through a variety of communications and public outreach programs and events
- Increase overall visitors spend in Regina.
Assistant Deputy Minister
Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, Government of Saskatchewan
01.2016 - 12.2023
- Managed the provincial parks system in Saskatchewan, which receives 4 million visits a year
- Balanced recreation and protection mandates for 36 provincial parks and128 recreation sites
- Led a team of 6 direct reports, and an overall workforce of nearly 600 people in peak season
- Led significant change management during the global pandemic
- Inspired and convinced Government to allow provincial parks to open safely, resulting in a strong 2020, and a record-breaking 2021 for visitation
- Led division strategic planning, challenged the status quo, encouraged continuous improvement
- Drove the creation of the Business Development Framework – a visionary plan to work with nearly 200 commercial lessees in the parks system, and attract new businesses
- Oversaw operations, including the management of 5 diverse regions
- Oversaw an approximately $32 million operating budget and a $10 million annual capital budget
- Provided strategic advice to various Cabinet Committees, Executive Council, the Deputy Minister and the Minister
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, Government of Saskatchewan
01.2009 - 01.2016
- Oversaw all marketing, communications and media relations for the Ministry
- Created and implemented annual marketing and communications plans
- Oversaw all communications and media relations for the award-winning Saskatchewan Pavilion at the Vancouver Olympics in2010
- Created and launched the award-winning ‘Saskatchewanderer’ social media marketing pilot project (go to saskatchewanderer.ca to learn more)
- Oversaw the creation and implementation of a new brand for the Ministry
- Wrote speeches, news releases, messages for the Minister, editorials
- Provided strategic communications advice to Executive Council, the Deputy Minister and the Minister
Media Relations Officer and Assistant Speechwriter to the Premier
Executive Council, Government of Saskatchewan
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Wrote speeches for the Premier, and Ministers
- Wrote and edited news releases
- Set up interviews for media and briefed Ministers for those interviews
- Provided strategic communications and marketing advice to Ministries
- Staffed the Premier and Ministers at events
- Approved advertising and communications strategies
- Coordinated messaging, and timing of media releases, with all Ministries across Government
Reporter
CBC Television and Radio, Brandon, MB
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Reported on-air for both radio and tv
- Covered local and national stories
- Worked alone in a bureau that reported to Winnipeg
- Shot all my own video for television stories; edited both radio and television stories
Associate Producer and Reporter
CBC Television and Radio, Regina
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Reported on-air for both radio and television
- Produced current affairs pieces and first person features
- Did research and interviews at the Provincial Legislature
- Researched archival material for CBC’s50th anniversary special
- Wrote material for both radio and tv shows
Education
University of Regina's School of Journalism
Regina, SK01.2002
Bilingual Diploma - undefined
Vanier Collegiate
Moose Jaw, SK01.1998
Skills
- Executive Team Leadership
- Government Relations
- Media Relations
- Written and Verbal Communications
Awards
Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Public Service, 2022 (Business Development)
Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Public Service, 2021 (Programming during Pandemic)
Canadian Parks Council Agency Award of Excellence, 2020
Online Marketing Campaign of the Year, Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence, 2011
Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Public Service, 2010 (Olympic Pavilion)
Affiliations
- 2023-2024 Vice-Chair, Interim Board of Directors for REAL (Regina Exhibition Association Ltd)
- 2021-2023– Member of the Canadian Parks Council Board of Directors
- 2021-2023– Member of the Saskatchewan Science Centre Board of Directors
- 2019-2023– Member of the ADM Forum Executive Steering Committee
- 2016-2023– Member of the Safety Champion Council
- 2014-2016 – Member of the Executive Director Network Forum
- 2010-2012 – Member of the Marketing Advisory Council with Tourism Saskatchewan
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Timeline
Deputy City Manager
City of Regina
12.2023 - Current
Assistant Deputy Minister
Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, Government of Saskatchewan
01.2016 - 12.2023
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, Government of Saskatchewan
01.2009 - 01.2016
Media Relations Officer and Assistant Speechwriter to the Premier
Executive Council, Government of Saskatchewan
01.2008 - 01.2009
Reporter
CBC Television and Radio, Brandon, MB
01.2004 - 01.2008
Associate Producer and Reporter
CBC Television and Radio, Regina
01.2002 - 01.2004
Bilingual Diploma - undefined
Vanier Collegiate
University of Regina's School of Journalism
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