Kelsey Stefanizyn

Kelsey Stefanizyn

Age: 33

It’s clear to anyone who’s spent time in Wood Buffalo that the Regional Recreation Corporation (RRC) and the facilities they operate are a quintessential part of all of the communities they serve.

Perhaps more notably, over the past decade the team at the RRC has distinguished themselves with a reputation for having developed a world-class business and event portfolio, while maintaining a strong community-first focus.

In the director’s seat behind the development of that model you will find Fort McMurray native, Kelsey Stefanizyn - Director of Events & Business Development for the RRC.

Known for combining a signature style with vision and creativity, Kelsey leans into her years of industry experience to bring extraordinary event experiences to her hometown. Looking back on nearly a decade of memories with the Corporation, Stefanizyn recounts some of her proudest moments,

“It really all comes down to the people in this community. This is my hometown and after so many years my heart still skips a beat when I see people singing out loud to their favourite entertainer, crossing the finish line at the Fort McMurray Marathon or just having a simple moment creating memories together,” she said. “Much of what we do can be months, sometimes years in the making but it’s so worth it!”

Stefaniyzn discovered her passion for the sales, event and production industry after completing post secondary training in Toronto, where she went on to work with international brands in beauty and fashion, representing these major labels in the field of Events and Public Relations.

In 2010, Fort McMurray called Stefaniyzn to come home. She accepted a position at the ever-expanding MacDonald Island Park in an exciting new role where her mandate was clear: grow the event portfolio for the Corporation and bring unparalleled live event experiences to the region.

Today, Kelsey revels in the responsibility of leading a multi-faceted team of sales and events professionals. She spends her days pridefully mentoring, coaching and guiding a talented group who share her love of community. Together they play a leading role in executing many of the region’s largest events. Kelsey and team are responsible for procuring and welcoming some of the world’s largest live entertainment acts to Wood Buffalo, including KISS, Aerosmith, Carrie Underwood, Nitro Circus, John Fogerty, Monster X Tour, Nickelback, Bryan Adams & many more. In 2018, Kelsey and team developed and delivered the first Summer Sounds  FM Music Festival with a goal of creating a new annual tradition in the community.

When she’s not working with her team; Stefaniyzn is volunteering her time to the social profit sector; she sits as a board member for the Wood Buffalo Food Bank and supports the YMM Helping Others Christmas Drive each year.

Giving back is essential to her foundation, one that she credits much to the hard work of her parents;

“In recent years, due to some personal circumstances I’ve realized the support and kindness we can give to others is really important”, she said. “It’s changed the way I carry myself, the empathy I have towards others, and it’s certainly changed my outlook on the challenges life throws our way.”