Manitoba Music
OCFF Announces New Executive Director
The Board of the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (OCFF) is thrilled to announce the hiring of Peter MacDonald as its new Executive Director, a position he assumes November 3rd. Mr. MacDonald was the successful candidate in a rigorous nine month long national search, and replaces Erin Benjamin who left the OCFF in early 2008.
Mr. MacDonald has been active in the Canadian folk music community for more than a dozen years as an artist manager, concert presenter, and owner of Nutshell Music Inc., providing production support to many member Festivals, organizations and artists as well as various corporate and not-for-profit clients. He is also a long-time member of the OCFF and a former member of its Board of Directors, where he served as Treasurer during a critical and successful period of deficit reduction.
OCFF Board President Aengus Finnan states, "Peter brings a unique perspective to this role, one that is grounded in an intimate awareness of our operations, challenges, opportunities, and fiscal needs, and matched by a rich and sound vision for the future."
In addition to bringing vast experience and skill to the position, including critical knowledge of arts and not-for-profit administration, Peter impressed the Board with his vision of a long-term strategy for the OCFF and his depth of passion for the potential of the organization. In accepting the E.D. position Peter said, "The OCFF plays a vital role within the Ontario Arts community, and indeed across Canada and internationally, and I look forward to leading a collaborative team with our volunteer Board, our talented staff in Ottawa, and our many sponsors and supporters."
The OCFF is the largest folk and roots music organization in Canada, balancing the needs of festivals, music presenters, organizations and individuals through education, networking and advocacy.
"My initial focus will be on the membership, specifically establishing a more detailed understanding of their interests and needs in relation to the current deliverables of the OCFF. Combined with the organization’s ongoing stakeholder research, this information will inform a critical review of the OCFF’s mandate and activities and provide the foundation for a Strategic Plan to see us into the next three to five years and beyond. It is my goal to ensure that every single person, organization and festival who contributes to this sector has a dynamic and meaningful place in our thriving organization," explained Mr. MacDonald.
The Board and staff of the OCFF look forward to working with Peter as the organization moves forward into a new and exciting phase of its history.
Mr. MacDonald has been active in the Canadian folk music community for more than a dozen years as an artist manager, concert presenter, and owner of Nutshell Music Inc., providing production support to many member Festivals, organizations and artists as well as various corporate and not-for-profit clients. He is also a long-time member of the OCFF and a former member of its Board of Directors, where he served as Treasurer during a critical and successful period of deficit reduction.
OCFF Board President Aengus Finnan states, "Peter brings a unique perspective to this role, one that is grounded in an intimate awareness of our operations, challenges, opportunities, and fiscal needs, and matched by a rich and sound vision for the future."
In addition to bringing vast experience and skill to the position, including critical knowledge of arts and not-for-profit administration, Peter impressed the Board with his vision of a long-term strategy for the OCFF and his depth of passion for the potential of the organization. In accepting the E.D. position Peter said, "The OCFF plays a vital role within the Ontario Arts community, and indeed across Canada and internationally, and I look forward to leading a collaborative team with our volunteer Board, our talented staff in Ottawa, and our many sponsors and supporters."
The OCFF is the largest folk and roots music organization in Canada, balancing the needs of festivals, music presenters, organizations and individuals through education, networking and advocacy.
"My initial focus will be on the membership, specifically establishing a more detailed understanding of their interests and needs in relation to the current deliverables of the OCFF. Combined with the organization’s ongoing stakeholder research, this information will inform a critical review of the OCFF’s mandate and activities and provide the foundation for a Strategic Plan to see us into the next three to five years and beyond. It is my goal to ensure that every single person, organization and festival who contributes to this sector has a dynamic and meaningful place in our thriving organization," explained Mr. MacDonald.
The Board and staff of the OCFF look forward to working with Peter as the organization moves forward into a new and exciting phase of its history.