Ottawa Festival Network Welcomes New Executive Director

The Ottawa Festival Network is thrilled to announce Tara Shannon (she/her) as its new Executive Director. Tara is an accomplished business builder, musician, producer, coach and author. She brings a wealth of knowledge and resources from the business and entertainment industries that will greatly serve the OFN. President of Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) as well as President and CEO of Willow Sound Records, Tara is known for her strategic leadership, community engagement and resource optimization. Over the past 6 years she also helped establish The Ottawa Music Industry Coalition as Director/Treasurer and advocate for artists and the local music industry.   "Tara brings to OFN solid backgrounds in the arts, both as a performer and facilitator, in business as an entrepreneur well versed in the Ottawa scene, and as a leader with her educational and coaching experience. This combination of proven skills and experience will continue to expand OFN's impact on behalf of its members and foster the continued growth of Ottawa's diverse and vibrant festival scene. We are excited - welcome Tara!" - Blair Campbell, Co-Chair, OFN & Co-founder, The Ottawa Canadian Film Festival   Tara joins the OFN at a time when the city’s arts and culture landscape is undergoing significant shifts. Amidst ongoing funding and sustainability challenges, Ottawa’s cultural stakeholders are also developing exciting new partnerships and initiatives. Tara is eager to lead the OFN with renewed focus and expand its impact through greater industry collaboration and advocacy. With its diverse membership of over 70 organizations, OFN strives to ensure emerging, growing and established festivals, special events and fairs are adequately supported and celebrated in the National Capital Region. The OFN staff and board welcome Tara to the team and together will continue their work to make Ottawa a vibrant, inspired and prosperous festival capital.   About Ottawa Festival Network  The Ottawa Festival Network (OFN) is Ottawa’s only festival, special event and fair industry service organization in operation since 1996. OFN advances a dynamic industry through research, advocacy and education. We create an effective networking environment for festivals, special events and fairs in Canada’s Capital Region. A not-for-profit service organization, we work cooperatively with members and partners towards a vibrant, inspired and prosperous festival capital.   More Information communications@ottawafestivals.ca 613.233.1085