Board of Directors

President J.J. Belanger

J.J.’s career began in the hospitality industry in the late 70’s at a very young age, he learned that working

smart with a focus on guest pampering and attention to detail were the keys to success.

He has worked with a variety of great companies such as Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Intrawest, Rocky

Mountaineer Vacations, Aquilini Investment Group, Golf BC and the Northern Bear Golf Course a Jack

Nicklaus Signature Course. These roles are where he honed his skills in management and providing

exceptional guest service. In his past he has led various developments in a project management role,

including the creation of a variety of Restaurants and Pubs in the lower mainland and Whistler,

renovation and construction of branded hotels such as Holiday Inn, Best Western, Days Inn, Quality Inn,

Wingate, Howard Johnson, Super 8’s and a variety of un-branded lodging and camping locations in

Western Canada. He helped in the creation of a Government funded project that has become BC Select

Lodging. He is currently the Chair of TIABC, Past President of the BCLCA, Past Chair of Tourism Tofino,

Past Chair of GO2HR and has sat on various boards in the past such as the BC Restaurant Association,

the BC Hotel Association assisting with the 2010 Olympic bid hospitality committee. He is currently the

General Manager of the spectacular Crystal Cove Beach Resort in Tofino B.C. where he oversees the

daily operations of this award winning resort.

Vice President Charles McDiarmid

Charles Richmond McDiarmid is the Managing Director of the Wickaninnish Inn.

McDiarmid was raised in Tofino and in his high school years in Victoria and graduated from Cornell University in 1979 with a BSc. in Hotel Administration.  He worked for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts for over 13 years in various management roles across the USA and Canada.  He wrote the business plan for the Wickaninnish Inn while in Seattle.  

He moved to Vancouver as the Director of Sales for Tourism Vancouver.  During his time in Vancouver, McDiarmid also secured financing to build the Wickaninnish Inn.  

In 1995, McDiarmid moved back to Tofino and co-managed the construction of the Wickaninnish Inn, which opened in 1996.  He has remained the Inn’s guiding force ever since and has served on the Board of Destination BC and other Tourism boards.

Director Shane Richards

A native British Columbian, Shane moved to California in 2005 to pursue a career in natural food sales. After several years in San Francisco and Los Angeles, where he was caught by the surfing bug, Shane returned to Canada to seize an opportunity at Ocean Village in Tofino BC. 

During his 5 years as General Manager and 3 years as Resort Director Shane oversaw a “tip-to-tail” renovation focussed on sustainable choices. His efforts lead to doubling revenue.  After 8 years as GM, Resort Director and owner Shane seized the opportunity to become involved in ownership at Pacific Sands Beach Resort. 

From 2015 – 2019 Shane was acting General Manager of Pacific Sands Beach Resort. Shane oversaw a renovation of the resort’s existing 79 rooms and helped deliver an addition of 43 modern units. During his 4-year time at Pacific Sands Shane almost doubled revenue and implemented efficiencies resulting in significant growth in margins.

Shane left his role at Pacific Sands to build & manage Surf Grove Campground located on Cox Bay Beach in Tofino, an 84 acre parcel of land, where he has implemented his 13 years of local knowledge and relationships to build out another thriving business in the Tourism sector.

Shane rejoined the ownership group at Ocean Village Resort in late 2022 and is the acting Managing Partner where he works closely with the Management team to continue to ensure Ocean Village is a family favorite for generations to come.

Shane is a proud parent of a first generation Tofitian daughter, Ryley and newly born daughter Lou Richards. Shane enjoys the many activities that has made Tofino such a destination for travellers, like: surfing, hiking, camping, fishing and dirt biking. Shane is thrilled to share these activities that make Tofino such a special place with Ryley, Lou and partner Beau. 

Shane has been on the Board of Directors for Tourism Tofino since 2012. Shane served as chair from 2019-2021 and currently sits on the board as past chair.

Director Jared Beaton

Jared Beaton is a seasoned hospitality executive with a wealth of leadership experience in the industry. He currently serves as the Executive General Manager of Best Western Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort in Tofino, where he oversees all operations, capital activities, and HR relations. Previously, Jared worked as the Regional Director of Operations at Lighthouse Camp Services Ltd, where he developed and monitored service standards and coordinated activities to ensure high-quality service across the company. He has also served as a Camp Manager at Husky Sunrise Site (1482 guest rooms) and Clean Harbours in Fort McMurray, AB, where he provided exceptional service excellence while overseeing all areas of the camp. Jared is widely known for his business acumen, positive attitude, and his ability to create a positive work culture.

Aside from his impressive professional accomplishments, Jared is also a man with a range of diverse interests and passions. As a father of two, family is a significant part of his life, and he enjoys spending time with his precious daughter and son. Jared is also an animal lover and advocate, with a soft spot for dogs and cats. His Siamese cat, Leo, and German Shepherd, Lexie, are beloved members of his family and provide him with much joy and companionship. A lover of the outdoors, Jared and his Partner enjoy spending time at their acreage home, engaging in activities such as trailblazing off-road with his quad, summer yard work, camping, and exploring. These activities are a testament to his appreciation for the natural world and his desire to immerse himself in it.

Jared’s passion for hospitality is inspiring, and he takes pride in making all families’ vacations memorable at the Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort. In addition, Jared has had the privilege of working alongside the Tla-qui-aht First Nation to assist in growing the endless opportunities within the Indigenous culture and their economic development, an effort that speaks to his commitment to promoting inclusivity, diversity, truth and reconciliation in our community