Board of Directors

Executive

Jean Fortier, President
Drew Mandigo, Vice-President
Julia Stanley, Treasurer
Tara Wong, Secretary

Directors

Rupert Allen
Daniel Boivin
Michael Carty
Geneviève Couillard
Beverly Ford
Julia Johnston
Tom Pierson
Ruth Secunda

CAO Board of Directors
July 2009 - July 2010

Six Directors to complete terms in July 2010

Rupert Allen began his involvement with the Council for the Arts in Ottawa in October 2002 as a volunteer. In 2003-2004 he continued to work with the CAO as a Carleton University intern while maintaining a volunteer position on specific projects. Rupert received a Bachelors Degree in Art History in 2004 from Carleton University and in 2007a Masters Degree in Arts History and Philosophy from the University of Essex in England. Rupert accepted his second opportunity to work in Venice this summer at the U.S. pavilion at the International Visual Art Biennale.

Daniel Boivin joined the CAO in 1995. He is a partner at the law firm of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP. Daniel received his education at the University of Ottawa and was called to the bar in 1993. He has assisted the Board with advice on numerous projects and has taken a particular interest in the annual Victor Tolgesy Award, which his firm has sponsored for the past eleven years. Daniel and his wife, Dr. Ginette Goulard, have four sons who keep them active when they get home from court and the clinic.

With a diploma in Visual Arts, Geneviève Couillard first became engaged with la Fédération de la jeunesse franco-ontarienne (FESFO) as a coordinator in visual arts at the Jeux franco-ontariens. In 1999 she became manager for a special project to counter violence against women. She has been Executive Director of FESFO since 2005. Geneviève has served on the boards of Saw Gallery, la Nouvelle Scène and Vox Théâtre.

Beverly Ford comes to the CAO from Ottawa's information technology community bringing her expertise in marketing, communications and business development. Beverly has a strong interest in the arts and is a closet artist–privately developing her skills in oil painting and sculpture. She joins the CAO to lend a hand in cultivating and promoting Ottawa's ever-growing arts community.

Ottawa born Drew Mandigo returned home after 25 years working around the world in the animation industry, and was a member of a Daytime Emmy-winning team for the children's series "Arthur", produced in Montreal. He still currently works in animation, working at a local animation studio in several capacities including Assistant Director and Animation Director. He has been involved with the CAO for three years now, after having first attending all their parties. He also has a passion for architecture, design and 'Green' building, and is acting Chair of the ContainR Project committee.

Julia Stanley is a manager at Ginsberg, Gluzman, Fage & Levitz, LLP. She obtained her Chartered Accountancy (CA) designation in 2004, after initially majoring in accounting at Dalhousie University. Julia is Treasurer and an active member of the Nepean Concert Band where she plays the flute. She is also an avid skier and loves to travel. Julia was initially elected to the position of Treasurer in 2005.

Six Directors to complete terms in July 2011

Michael Carty has been signing professionally in Ottawa for the past four years. He has studied voice with teachers in Ottawa and Montreal and has performed both solo and choral music. He worked with the CAO in 2000 as a summer student and continues to be involved as a volunteer. In addition to being fluent in French and English, Michael also speaks Spanish, which he learned during his family's residency in Central America. Over the past two years Michael's music career has included performances in Italy, France, Germany and the United States. He held the position of Chair of the Advocacy Committee in the past year.

Jean Fortier worked in the public sector for over 12 years in human resources, finance and business management. During that time he was involved with labour negotiations, coordinating the implementation of federal programs and managing process change measurements. Originally from Quebec City, he moved to Ottawa to attend the University of Ottawa, graduating in 1985 with a B.A. with Honours in Economics and in 1998 with an M.B.A. Jean held a two-year contract position with the CAO as Communications Director until December 2002, and held the Executive position of Vice-President in 2005-2006.

Julia Johnston graduated with Honours in Theatre and Arts Administration at the University of Ottawa in 2006. Julia first connected with the CAO in 2005 when she accepted an internship position in the office that lead to some contract work the following year. Continuing to volunteer at CAO events, Julia joined the board in 2007. In addition to the CAO, Julia as been involved with the GCTC through an internship aimed to support fundraising efforts during their Capital Campaign and continues to volunteer at events in their new home.

Tom Pierson has several years of dynamic consultative sales experience in working with both local and international private sector businesses in the Ottawa region. After moving to Ottawa to major in Political Science at Carleton University, he was immediately drawn to the thriving art scene and sought out ways to become more actively involved. A consummate professional, Tom brings an expertise in complex negotiations, developing strong partnerships, and highly effective communication.

Ruth Secunda, a visual artist and performance artist returned to her hometown of Ottawa in 202 after 20 years. Prior to leaving Ottawa she helped establish 85 Clarence, a noted artist cooperative that contributed to a growing local visual arts community. After five years in Montreal, Ruth was awarded a Canada Council writing grant in 1986. This grant took her to the Banff School of Fine Arts and following completion of her project, she remained a Banff resident for the next sixteen years. Ruth has had extensive volunteer experience including the establishment of Banff's First Night celebrations, the development of the Banff Arts Council and numerous visual arts projects. Since her return to Ottawa she has been involved with numerous solo and group exhibitions.

Tara Wong is currently the Integrated Systems Librarian for the Ottawa Public Library. Prior to completing her Masters in Library and Information Studies at Dalhousie University, she was the Registration Database Systems Manager at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Tara holds a number of degrees and certificates related to the communications field. In addition to her interest in the arts, Tara is also an avid runner and works with Somersault Promotions to bring sporting events to the Ottawa region.