Dave Cowen is proud to be associated with The Butchart Gardens. As a biology undergraduate, Dave's career began on the front line and progressed through the operational and business sides of The Gardens. He currently holds the position of CEO, and is responsible for overseeing daily operations and strategic initiatives. Active in developing Garden Tourism as a vibrant provincial and national tourism sector, Dave serves as Past President of Gardens British Columbia and is a board member of the National Garden Tourism Council. Mr. Cowen is currently Chair of the Greater Victoria Harbor Authority and is the Private Sector Co-chair of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region’s Tourism Working Group. He serves as immediate Past Chair of Tourism Victoria and is also active in SKAL. Dave has previously served on the board for the Vancouver Island Flower & Garden Show, the Victoria Esquimalt Harbor Society, the BC Council of Tourism Associations and the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. He has over twenty-five years’ experience as a public speaking trainer assisting various community organizations, including the Victoria Quality Council and the University of Victoria's Diploma in Business Program.