Carnival's Marie McKenzie new FCCA Operations Committee chairCarnival's Marie McKenzie new FCCA Operations Committee chair

Marie McKenzie, SVP government & destination affairs for Carnival Corp. & plc, was appointed chair of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association's Operations Committee.

Appreciation for outgoing chair Dan Farkas

She succeeds Dan Farkas, EVP and general counsel, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, who completed his two-year term as chair and continues on the committee.

McKenzie thanked Farkas for his 'exceptional leadership and guidance,' adding that this role is more than just occupying a seat: 'It’s about action, engagement and collective effort.'

McKenzie invited all FCCA members to 'contribute their ideas, support and partnership to drive meaningful impact in the region' and expressed her eagerness to 'work together to serve and strengthen our cruise tourism community.'

She's also proud to become the first woman to chair the Operations Committee.

Responsibilities

McKenzie will lead monthly meetings open to the committee and FCCA partners, as well as online and in-person meetings with destinations and stakeholders. Her duties include leading site visits, town hall meetings and product evaluations, and educating public and private sector partners. She will lead discussions and workshops during annual FCCA events, including the PAMAC Cruise Summit, which took place aboard MSC Divina (Jan. 6-10), the upcoming PAMAC Summit in Aruba (June 18-20) and the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show (which will return to San Juan, Puerto Rico Oct. 20-24).

The Operations Committee focuses on tourism development, port operations, safety and security, and fostering a deeper understanding of the cruise industry and its practices.

Economic opportunities

Additionally, McKenzie said she aims to build bilateral relationships with partner destination stakeholders to generate increased economic opportunities for ports and destinations and enhance the destination experience.

FCCA CEO Michele Paige expressed her appreciation for the member line executives' support of the association's 'mission of strengthening mutual understanding and success with destinations and stakeholders,' adding: 'I believe that cause speaks personally to Marie, a Caribbean national and self-described "island woman" and her perspective will steer us to an even brighter future for all.'