Ottawa Festivals Elects New Board of Directors in its 10th Anniversary Year

Ottawa – Ottawa Festivals (formally Ottawa Festival Network) announces the new Board of Directors who will lead the multi-million dollar festival industry and the decade-long involvement of Ottawa Festivals in showcasing and promoting art, culture and entertainment in Canada’s Capital Region into the 21st century.

Julian Armour – President & Chair (Artistic & Executive Director, Ottawa Chamber Music Society)

Wally Rayne – Category A Representative (Executive Director, Caribe-Expo: Ottawa Caribbean Festival)

Gene Swimmer – Category B Representative (Director and President, Ottawa Folk Festival)

Joe Pavia – Category C Representative (Program & Marketing Director, SUPEREX)

John Brooman – Director at Large (Executive Director, Nortel Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival)

Kelly Neil – Director at Large (Executive Director, Ottawa International Animation Festival)

Aldo Chiappa – Director at Large (Senior Special Events Advisor, City of Ottawa)

Barbara Stacey – Ex-officio (Executive Director, Ottawa Festivals d’Ottawa)

Barbara Stacey says “Over the years Ottawa Festivals has been working to make local events world-class and to promote Ottawa as an exciting tourist destination while making a significant impact on the local economy and greatly enhancing our region’s image.”

“I am absolute delighted by the caliber of people who have agreed to sit on the Ottawa Festivals Board and I am very pleased to be serving a second term as president. Festivals play an important role in the quality of life of Ottawa and we are now in a strong position to make this a truly exceptional 10th Anniversary festival season.” Mr. Armour said.

The Board of Directors wishes to thank the thousands of volunteers, festival and event organizers, sponsors, and exhibitors who have dedicated their time and energy to the festival industry. “The City of Ottawa and the festival industry would not be what it is today without the contribution, commitment, and dedication from the community – thank you” says Joe Pavia.

About Ottawa Festivals:

Ottawa Festivals, a not-for-profit member-based organization, was established in 1996 in response to festival organizers, politicians and the tourism industry recognizing the need for Ottawa’s events to be carefully scheduled, properly planned and effectively promoted. At present, there are over 33 not-for-profit festivals and special events that are members of Ottawa Festivals. As a cohesive body, Ottawa Festivals is able to advocate on issues affecting festivals and assist festivals of varying sizes attain their goals. Ottawa Festivals is dedicated to providing support, presenting a united voice, and creating an effective networking environment.

- 30 -

For more information:
Afonso da Silva
Director of Marketing & Communications
613.233.1085
adasilva@ottawafestivals.ca

Tags: Board, governance