Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government & Destination Affairs at Carnival Corp, has been appointed to Chair the FCCA Operations Committee of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the trade association that represents the mutual interests of destinations and stakeholders throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.
Her appointment, following unanimous approval by the Operations Committee, is Carnival Corp’s nomination for this rotating position, which changes every two years to ensure all FCCA Member Lines have representation.
She succeeds Daniel Farkas, Executive Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), who will continue to serve on the Committee.
“I am honoured to step into the role of FCCA Operations Committee Chair and look forward to the next two years of collaboration and progress,” McKenzie said.
“I want to thank Dan for his exceptional leadership and guidance, and I am proud to be the first woman to hold this position,” she said.
Having worked closely with the committee members, she understands that this role requires more than simply occupying a seat; “it’s about action, engagement and collective effort.”
“I invite all members to contribute their ideas, support, and partnership to drive meaningful impact in the region. I am eager to work together to serve and strengthen our cruise tourism community,” she stressed.
As Chair, McKenzie will lead initiatives, such as 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 on board ‘MSC Divina’ earlier this month, the upcoming PAMAC Summit in Aruba (18th to 20th June), and the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show – the region’s official cruise conference and trade event – which will return to San Juan, Puerto Rico between 20th and 24th October.
Michele Paige, FCCA CEO, added: “I am humbled by the continued commitment of FCCA Member Line executives and their dedication to our mission of strengthening mutual understanding and success with destinations and stakeholders. 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.”
