Penny Walsh-McGuire

Upon graduating Holland College’s Event and Conventions Management program in 2000, Penny immediately entered her field of study with the Capital Commission of Prince Edward Island as Events Manager. After some time, she returned to school to complete her business degree at UPEI, after which she moved to work in New York City where she was an account manager with advertising agency Young and Rubicam.

Penny returned to PEI in 2006 and took the position of Sales and Marketing Coordinator with the Confederation Centre of the Arts until 2009, and then moved into the role of Chief Marketing Officer until 2012. In this role, Penny led the marketing and communications for the award-winning Atlantic Canada Cultural House at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. In 2012, Penny moved on to PEI 2014 Inc., where she took on the role of VP of Marketing and Partnership, before becoming the Executive Director in 2013. During this period, Penny also completed her Executive MBA.

In 2016, Penny took on the role of CEO of Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce and was the voice of business in Charlottetown for the next five years. In 2021, Penny was appointed to the role of Executive Director of the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL), a national biomanufacturing skills and training organization. As Executive Director, Penny has led CASTL to become an essential part of the Canadian life sciences ecosystem with training facilities in Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and British Columbia (opening summer 2024).

Over the years, Penny has served the community of Charlottetown extensively through her tireless work and efforts. Penny has also spent her time volunteering in the community with the PEI Humane Society and Rotary. She also served as the 27th Chair of Holland College Board of Governors, during which time, she was an active member of the Finance Committee and brought a wide variety of talents to her leadership position. She is an alum of the Governor General of Canada Leadership Conference (2017) and is also a recipient of the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Penny’s drive, professionalism, and leadership has helped her build an incredible career. She is an inspiration to many, both professionally and personally, and has been a pillar of strength and positivity in the community.

Penny received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2023.