APA appoints new Executive Director

September 17, 2012 | (Charlottetown) – The board of directors of the Atlantic Presenters Association is very pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie Gillis to the role of Executive Director.

No stranger to the region’s cultural sector, Ms. Gillis has served in various capacities with a number of regional arts and cultural organizations. She managed cultural programs and ceremonies for the 2011 Canada Games, held various portfolios with the East Coast Music Association, Contact East (Atlantic Presenters Association) and most recently held the position of Executive Director with Debut Atlantic.

“The board is thrilled to have Laurie join us as our second Executive Director,” says Tim Yerxa, President of the APA. “She is well respected in our sector and brings a strong set of relationships with presenters, artists, agents, managers, and funders to her new role. We are very fortunate to have her join us in this capacity and we are excited to see her bring her ideas and leadership to the Atlantic Canadian presenting field.”

Gillis assumes her new role on October 15th. She takes the helm of the organization’s professional team from its founding Executive Director, Sue Urquhart, who left last month to pursue new career opportunities.

“I am thrilled to be working with such a nationally respected and vibrant organization” says Gillis. “I look forward to connecting with the membership and working with the Board of Directors to continue to move the organization and the presenting sector forward in the region.”

A member-based, regional arts service organization, the Atlantic Presenters Association delivers programs and services that build capacity, develop leaders and create opportunities for its members in Atlantic Canada’s performing arts presenting field. Its members are the venues, festivals, and series that bring live professional performing arts experiences to Atlantic Canadians.

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Contacts:

Tim Yerxa

tim@theplayhouse.ca

506.459.6203

Laurie Gillis

lauriegillis@hotmail.com

902.425.9723