TORONTO — The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) announced today its board of directors for the 2021-2023 term, following its annual general meeting this afternoon.
The organization, which represents 550 independent production companies, also announced senior staffing updates within its human resources and finance departments.
“Through our continued efforts to increase diversity around the CMPA board table, the incoming board of directors has a depth of experience and range of perspectives that will serve our membership extremely well,” said CMPA chair Erin Haskett, in a press release.
“I look forward to working with this talented group to help ensure Canada’s independent production community is positioned to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.”
The new board members for the 2021-2023 term are listed below.
As for the senior staffing changes, CMPA’s senior vice-president of finance, Rob Searle, has been promoted to the role of chief financial officer and will oversee the organization’s finances, financial planning and risk management. Searle now joins the CMPA’s executive leadership team and reports to CMPA president and CEO Reynolds Mastin.
In addition, Chris Kelsey has been hired for the newly created role of lead, human resources. In this role, she will develop and lead CMPA’s human resources strategy and related initiatives, including the implementation of an internal equity, diversity and inclusion strategy. Kelsey was previously the director of human resources at TO Live, and she has also worked for the ACTRA Performers’ Rights Society.
“I am thrilled to announce these new staffing moves,” said Mastin. “With an all-star board of directors, a strong, steady hand overseeing our finances, and a respected HR leader driving our corporate culture, the CMPA stands in good stead to help our members, and the broader Canadian industry, thrive in the years ahead.”
2021-2023 CMPA Board of Directors
British Columbia
Erin Haskett (Lark Productions)
Sarah Nathanson (Thunderbird Entertainment)
Steven Thibault (BRON Studios)
Elyot Waller (Mainframe Studios)
Haydn Wazelle (Tabula Dada Productions)
Catherine Winder (Wind Sun Sky Entertainment)
Alberta
Michelle Wong (SEVEN24 Films)
Saskatchewan
Wally Start (Angel Entertainment)
Manitoba
Kyle Irving (Eagle Vision)
Darcy Waite (Turtle Mountain Media)
Ontario
Maria Armstrong (Big Coat Media)
Mark Bishop (marblemedia)
Julie Chang (Blue Ant Studios)
Lauren Corber (LoCo Motion Pictures)
Damon D’Oliveira (Conquering Lion Pictures)
Scott Garvie (Shaftesbury)
Jennifer Holness (Hungry Eyes Media)
Chantal Jackson (Vendetta Entertainment)
Anne Loi (WildBrain)
Kate Sangster-Poole (Entertainment One)
Vanessa Steinmetz (Stone Carver Media)
Kim Todd (Original Pictures)
Quebec
Aren Prupas (Muse Entertainment)
Josette D. Normandeau (Ideacom International)
Archita Ghosh (E.D. Films)
Atlantic
Marc Almon (Holdfast Pictures)
Ann Bernier (Auguste Content)
Allison White (Sara Fost Pictures)
