Joan Steckhan owns and operates Prairie River Cruises Ltd. (PRCL) and Inland Marine Technologies Ltd. (IMT) with Mike Steckhan. She serves as CFO for both companies and acts as Director of Administration and Marketing for PRCL in the operation of The Prairie Lily Riverboat in Saskatoon. She is a management professional with a passion for strategic purpose, business process, and growth. The Prairie Lily has operated under her direction since 2012, becoming one of Saskatoon’s most iconic attractions.

A graduate of the University of Saskatchewan in Political Science, Joan is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with a significant career leading not-for-profit corporations including serving as the Executive Director of the Kinsmen Foundation for 12 years, Director of Finance and Business Development for Sask Pork 2000 – 2003, and the Director of Finance and Administration at the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority 1994-2000. Joan serves as a community volunteer in a of number areas, including a member of the Board of Governors for the North Saskatchewan Branch of the Corps of Commissionaires and the Blucher Aberdeen Volunteer Fire Department. She is a past and founding Board member of Canada’s Passenger and Commercial Vessel Association and member of the Patience Lake Heritage Committee. For entertainment Joan enjoys gardening and is a member of the Stone Frigate Big Band.

While Dan may be new to the role of CEO, he’s been a familiar face at Prairieland for over 30 years. Before moving into top position in November 2022, Dan spent the last 26 leading the Accounting Department as Chief Financial Officer. Dan holds the designations of Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. Dan oversaw both the Food & Beverage Department and Sports On Tap and has been instrumental in the conceptualization of many Prairieland projects over the years.

Current or most recent involvement with Discover Saskatoon 
Previous Discover Saskatoon Board Member and Board Chair (2023-2024)
Specific Strengths & Sector Knowledge
•    Business Development
•    Aviation
•     Air Route Development
•     Government Relations
•     Stakeholder Relations
•    Marketing & Communications
•    Strategic Planning
•    Executive Leadership
•     Contract Negotiation
Favorite Things About Saskatoon
Our beautiful summers, endless blue skies and afternoons spent on the river.
Why Discover Saskatoon Board
I am excited to continue to promote our city and share all the wonderful things we have to offer with the world, with a focus on air travel.

Current or most recent involvement with Discover Saskatoon 
I work with the team at Discover Saskatoon very regularly.  We are always looking for opportunities to bid on events such as the CCMA's, Brier or World Junior's.

Current and Previous Roles on other Boards of Directors
Sponsorships - KidSport Peters and Pilon Tournament.  Board Member - Birch Narrows Dene Development Corporation. Juno Awards - Operations co-chair.
Specific Strengths & Sector Knowledge
•    Marketing & Communications
•     Board Governance
•    Sponsorship
•    Strong business network

Favorite Things About Saskatoon
It won't surprise you that I love all the events! Coors Event Centre, TCU Place, Jazz Fest, Fringe Fest, Fireworks Fest and of course SaskTel Centre events including Rock the River.
Why Discover Saskatoon Board
My skill set and network is suited to help DS through attracting and curating experiences.  It is all about heads in beds, driving more visits to the city.  I would love the opportunity to help Discover continue the work of putting Saskatoon on the map!

Current or most recent involvement with Discover Saskatoon 
I was on the Board of Directors, in the position of Vice Chair, until May 2024, when I resigned my seat, upon the contract completion as Wanuskewin's CEO.
Current and Previous Roles on other Boards of Directors
I am on no boards as of present.
Specific Strengths & Sector Knowledge
•    Finance
•    Strategic Planning
•    Marketing &Communications
•    Policy Development
•    Community Networks
•    HR Experience
•    Sponsorship Development
•    Government 
•    Not for Profit Board experience (former Nutrien Wonderhub Board of Director).

Favorite Things About Saskatoon
My favorite part of Saskatoon is that it is a four-season city that has a variety of attractions, events and businesses that draw visitors from across the globe.   
Why Discover Saskatoon Board
To give back to the City that I have called home all my adult life.   This board's composition is made up of people who are passionate about letting the world know why Saskatoon is a top destination of choice.  

Current or most recent involvement with Discover Saskatoon 
Cedar + Sage is a current member of Discover Saskatoon, with an active interest in advancing Indigenous tourism and creating meaningful cultural visitor experiences.
Current and Previous Roles on other Boards of Directors
Board member: SaskTel Centre, United Way Saskatoon, Muskoday MEDA. Past: Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry and various Indigenous and nonprofit boards.
Specific Strengths & Sector Knowledge
I bring deep experience in Indigenous business, tourism, and governance, with strong skills in stakeholder engagement, strategy, and community-driven development
Favorite Things About Saskatoon
The people. Saskatoon is a place of creativity, warmth, and connection. I love how community and culture are woven into the fabric of the city!
Why Discover Saskatoon Board
I want to help strengthen inclusive tourism, amplify Indigenous voices, and support innovative visitor experiences that reflect the true spirit of Saskatoon.
 

Accomplished public venue leader known for developing high-performance teams who excel in outstanding hospitality and facility management. Experience in transitioning teams, organizational restructuring, and realignment of priorities and resources to meet corporate objectives. Proven success in surpassing goals with a balanced scorecard. Accountable for full P&L. Highly skilled in strategic thinking, visionary leadership, change management, exceeding organizational targets, developing leaders around me, and collaborative management.

My superpower is helping people, organizations, and communities build their capacity.

• Experienced in a variety of venues; Convention Centres, Performing Arts Centres, and Arena 
• Success with pre-opening, building teams, strategic and culture re-brand
• Specialize in leading teams to award-winning levels of service, operational and financial success
• Practiced and skilled agent of change in merging, transitioning, and developing organizations
• Highly experienced in accountable performance to government bodies, boards, and municipalities
• Successful in generating sponsorship, activating sponsors, and building sponsor partnerships
 

Currently I am Managing Director of Express Employment Professionals and President of Hemani Management Group Inc. I have earned over 20 years of Sales, Marketing, and Management Experience, both Nationally and Locally. I bring a unique breadth of experience coupled with a passion for performance, to provide clients with staffing, employment, and management solutions.

I have a proven record of exceptional performance with multiple recognition accolades, and strong endorsements from my employees, colleagues, vendors, and partnered stakeholders.

My companies are currently involved in the Recruitment, Staffing and Management of the following positions:
Director level positions, Sales Manager, General Manager, Engineer, IT, Accountant, Admin Assistant, Receptionist, Clerical Assistant, Accounting Assistant, Legal Assistant, Paralegal, Executive Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Plumber, Electrician, Class 1A drivers, general trades.

I remain grounded by continually reminding myself of the following phrase: "I complained because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet" - count our blessings.

If you want things to change....you must change things!

I believe we have the most beautiful city in the world; but it’s the people who truly make it shine. We’re a proud, deeply rooted community that is richly diverse in culture, heritage and business opportunities. In my opinion, Saskatoon is the best place to live, work and invest which is why my family and I have made it our home. I am a proud father of two beautiful children; Emma & Theydon with an amazingly supportive and like-minded business professional wife; Karen.

As a Director of Operations professional with over 25 years of progressive experience within the hospitality and tourism sector, I have had the privilege to interact with thousands of business people and community members that have taught me all that I know to this day. The last decade and a half of my experience has been spent working for P.R. Hotels Group of Companies with IHG and Marriott hotel branded properties across North America. During the earlier days of my career, I have also had the honour to work within important community organizations such as SIGA and several local restaurants in Saskatoon.

It is my mission to continue to nurture human connections through hospitality – one guest, one colleague, and one community at a time. I believe firmly in taking care of one another, celebrating successes, learning from failures, seeking opportunities, communicating freely, respecting each other, and most of all – loving what we do. I’m proud to be a part of the SDMH and value the hands-on approach of the hospitality professionals within the volunteer board that keep an educated “pulse” on the industry to achieve award winning results for Saskatoon.

I have worked in the hospitality sector for 24 years and I have been at my current position as General Manager for 23 years at Super 8 East by Wyndham. I have had the wonderful opportunity of winning General Manager of the year for Wyndham Worldwide as well as President of our Saskatoon Hotel Association past 7 years.

I believe we have the most beautiful city in the world; but it’s the people who truly make it shine. We’re a proud, deeply rooted community that is richly diverse in culture, heritage and business opportunities. In my opinion, Saskatoon is the best place to live, work and invest which is why my family and I have made it our home. I am a proud father of two beautiful children; Emma & Theydon with an amazingly supportive and like-minded business professional wife; Karen.

As a Director of Operations professional with over 25 years of progressive experience within the hospitality and tourism sector, I have had the privilege to interact with thousands of business people and community members that have taught me all that I know to this day. The last decade and a half of my experience has been spent working for P.R. Hotels Group of Companies with IHG and Marriott hotel branded properties across North America. During the earlier days of my career, I have also had the honour to work within important community organizations such as SIGA and several local restaurants in Saskatoon.

It is my mission to continue to nurture human connections through hospitality – one guest, one colleague, and one community at a time. I believe firmly in taking care of one another, celebrating successes, learning from failures, seeking opportunities, communicating freely, respecting each other, and most of all – loving what we do. I’m proud to be a part of the SDMH and value the hands-on approach of the hospitality professionals within the volunteer board that keep an educated “pulse” on the industry to achieve award winning results for Saskatoon.

I have worked in the hospitality sector for 24 years and I have been at my current position as General Manager for 23 years at Super 8 East by Wyndham. I have had the wonderful opportunity of winning General Manager of the year for Wyndham Worldwide as well as President of our Saskatoon Hotel Association past 7 years. 

Director of Sales & Marketing for both the Delta Bessborough and the new Delta Saskatoon Downtown.

With 20 years in hospitality, specializing in sales, events, and marketing, I’ve mastered the art of making things happen. As the Marketing Director of Sales for the stunning Delta Saskatoon Downtown and the iconic Bessborough Hotel, I’m all about helping my team crush their goals and create unforgettable experiences. When I’m not closing deals, you’ll find me travelling, belting out country tunes at a concert, or cheering at a football game – bonus points if I can do all three in one trip.

Having grown up in the hospitality industry with my parents owning and operating a hotel and other business throughout my youth, I can truly say the culture has been ingrained in me my whole life!   It is a passion for working with people that brought me back to the industry almost 14 years ago.

Coming from a background in Local Government Administration and having completed my education through the U or R in the early 2000’s, I was looking for a change when I took a chance and started working at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saskatoon Centre 14 years ago.  I moved my way up the hotel ladder and found myself in the GM role almost 9 years ago.

I am married to my husband Ryan, and we have two boys, Gabriel and Luke.  We are raising our boys in a rural community outside of the city, but Saskatoon is where both our careers are based.  We love to support all the great activities and events the beautiful city of Saskatoon has to offer!   From the Jazz Festival to taking in a Rush game, from the Fireworks Festival to the Saskatoon Zoo my family loves it all.

I am looking forward to my new venture with the SDMH!

Experienced General Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry for over 25 years. Strong operations professional with education focused in Business Administration from Red River College and Accounting and Finance from CMA. 

Skilled in financial accounting and operations management with employment in real estate development, manufacturing and hotel operations. Winner of the Platinum award with Choice Hotels. Winner of the Diamond General Manager of the year with Marriott Hotels as well multi winner of the Platinum Award for TownePlace Suites by Marriott Saskatoon. 
Currently the General Manager/Partner with TownePlace Suites by Marriott Saskatoon and Board Member of the SDMH. 
Teamwork, shared vision and continuous improvement are the pillars of success.
 

Jeet Jani is the General Manager at Alt Hotel Saskatoon, with over 12 years of experience in the hotel industry. He has a proven track record of enhancing business growth through exceptional guest and team member experiences. Jeet has taken on progressively responsible roles across various departments, including new hotel openings, operations, events management, and business development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Hotel Management from Royal Roads University and a Diploma in Hospitality Management from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Jeet enjoys cycling the Meewasin Valley trails, exploring Saskatoon’s dining scene, and spending time with his family, especially his 2-year-old nephew, Rudra. He resides in Saskatoon with his wife, Bansari, and has lived in four Canadian provinces (BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland & Labrador), gaining a wealth of diverse experiences. 

Jesse Tiefenbach’s journey with d3h Hotels began in 2007. Since joining the company, Jesse has worked in a variety of roles in different cities including Medicine Hat, Regina, Yorkton, and Saskatoon. During the past 15 years, Jesse has built a fundamental understanding of the hotel industry and operations. Jesse has spent time working with various hotel projects including Days Inn Regina-Airport West, Home Inn & Suites-Swift Current, Home Inn & Suites-Regina Airport, and Home Inn & Suites-Yorkton where he took on the role of General Manager. During this time, Jesse completed his Guest Service Representative Journeyperson status and retained his Certified Hotel General Manager credential.  

Jesse’s passion for people led him to the d3h Hotels head office in 2015 where he worked to cultivate and better the amazing d3h work environment. Jesse’s strong love for the d3h culture has provided him with the drive and determination to make d3h the best employer that it possibly can be. Jesse continues to lead the d3h Human Resources team and oversees the day-to-day Human Resource functions of d3h Hotels Inc. In addition to his responsibilities in Human Resources, Jesse Tiefenbach is also one of the Owners and Managing Partners with d3h. Jesse’s responsibilities as an Owner allow him to have a full understanding of all components of the business and its functions. Currently, d3h has 12 hotel locations across Alberta and Saskatchewan with plans for further expansion. Along with Jesse’s responsibilities at d3h, Jesse also participates and sits on several different Boards and Committees, including the Board of Directors for Saskatoon Destination Marketing Hotels (SDMH Inc.) and the Human Resources Advisory Committee of the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association. 

Kecia is the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Park Town Hotel, bringing over 14 years of experience in the hotel industry. Throughout her career, Kecia has held various roles, including front desk associate, Sales Manager, Sr. Sales Manager, Catering Manager, and Business Development Manager, before advancing to her current position as Director. She has been instrumental in the opening of three hotels in Saskatoon, a journey that inspired her to earn a certificate in Hotel Planning and Design from Cornell University’s eCornell program. Additionally, Kecia holds a Digital Marketing Certificate from Blue Moose Media.

Originally raised in Moose Jaw, Kecia moved to Houston Texas in the early 90’s before settling in Saskatoon in 2000. It was here that she met her husband, Travis, and together they raised two sons. Their boys have since moved to Alberta to pursue college and play for the ACAC Soccer league.

Outside of her professional life, Kecia enjoys traveling to watch her boys compete in soccer, downhill skiing, and spending time with her friends and family.