Barrett Fisher oversees marketing and sales departments, the Telus Whistler Conference Centre, Whistler Golf Club and the whistler.com website. And as if that doesn’t keep her busy enough, she’s also on the corporate board of Vancouver’s organizing committee for the 2010 Olympic Games (VANOC).

Fisher is also active on several committees. She is chair of the marketing committee of Hosting the World, a board established to maximize opportunities surrounding the 2010 Olympics. She sits on the One Whistler committee, a think tank comprised of senior community leaders in Whistler. And she is on both the economic and partnership committees for the Municipality of Whistler.

Before Fisher embarked on her current tourism career, the North Vancouver native was an award-winning reporter and managing editor of the North Shore News until 1990.

“I chose to move to Whistler because of my love of the resort and skiing and recreation,” she said. “I’ve been on the ground level of seeing the resort grow and change to be the success that it is today.”

What professional achievement are you most proud of?

Being able to successfully negotiate multi-million dollar corporate partnerships and co-operative marketing programs for Tourism Whistler.

What’s the greatest barrier you’ve had to overcome in your career?

While there are numerous challenges in life, there have been no barriers for me. I believe we each have the power within us to achieve great things.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?

My father, Robert Fisher, because he always said that “anything is possible” and “you can do or be whatever you want.”

What network or organization has most helped you in your career?

Tourism Whistler because it has large membership base and complex business model that has taught me an appreciation for varied points of view. I’ve served on various committees and boards through my career.

What was your toughest decision?

Accepting the position of Tourism Whistler president in 2002 when the tourism industry was hit hard economically, politically and socially.