Kerry Duff: Today’s Notable Young Professional

Today’s Notable Young Professional is Kerry Duff, Public Relations Director at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, a location that’s always been a favourite of hers both for its pristine location and the fact that she had her first date with her husband at the hotel’s Mallard Lounge…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
Public Relations Director for The Fairmont Chateau Whistler.  It’s my job to raise the profile of the hotel.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
My previous career was in broadcast production – producing for numerous national programs. I was field directing a documentary on the building of the Peak 2 Peak in Whistler for Discovery Channel when I met my husband. Long story short, I ended up moving to Whistler and working for Tourism Whistler in media relations.

I moved over to The Fairmont Chateau Whistler as PR Director in July of 2013. I’ve always loved the Fairmont brand and had stayed at many of their hotels over the years. But the Whistler property was always a favourite of mine for the location… and the fact that my husband and I had our very first date in the Mallard Lounge!

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I get to share my passion for Whistler and our hotel with journalists on a daily basis. The most challenging part is balancing the long hours with family time. My son is just over a year old – which is such an incredibly fun age.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Working for Fairmont in a regional capacity or taking on a role with a property overseas.

What does success look like to you?
Success is having a happy and healthy family along with a job that invigorates me!

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
2010 Olympic Winter Games; directing the sports production content for the big screen at Whistler Olympic Park. Life changing. I still get chills thinking of how inspiring the athletes were. 

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I’ll refer to something the Great One once said: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?

1. Canuck Place Children’s Hospice – They help children and families of children with potentially terminal illnesses. They help families through some of the toughest situations imaginable. Now that I have a son, I can’t imagine him being sick.

2. Get Bear Smart Society – a non-profit organization working hard to ensure people and bears safely and respectfully coexist in Whistler. They were here first and we need to do what we can to ensure they continually have a home here.

What to you is notable?
Being passionate is notable! I can’t stand apathy. 

BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone! Although I still miss my BlackBerry keyboard. Looking forward to sampling TYPO’s new keyboard for iPhones.