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People on the Move: Tara Shannon takes over at Ottawa Festival Network as city’s arts landscape shifts

June 27, 2024

The Ottawa Festival Network announced last week that Tara Shannon, who helped establish the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, has joined the organization as its new executive director.

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The Ottawa Festival Network announced last week that Tara Shannon, who helped establish the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, has joined the organization as its new executive director. In a press release, OFN said Shannon’s experience in the business and entertainment spans multiple roles throughout her career, from musician and producer to coach and author. Her leadership roles include president of Northeast Regional Folk Alliance, and president and CEO of Ottawa record label Willow Sound Records. Over the past six years, she’s helped advocate for artists and the local music industry as director and treasurer of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition. "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,” said co-chair Blair Campbell. “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.” She joins the organization as the city’s arts and culture landscape shifts. “Amidst ongoing funding and sustainability challenges, Ottawa’s cultural stakeholders are also developing exciting new partnerships and initiatives,” OFN said in its press release. “Tara is eager to lead the OFN with renewed focus and expand its impact through greater industry collaboration and advocacy.” The network, which was established in 1996, represents more than 70 organizations across the National Capital Region. Its work includes efforts to ensure emerging and established festivals, fairs and special events are adequately supported to make Ottawa a vibrant festival city.

Other people on the move in Ottawa

AI-powered auditing and financial analysis platform MindBridge announced this month that Karthik Manimozhi has been appointed as chief growth officer. Manimozhi brings 20 years of experience in international management with tech leaders like SAP and Dell. He also previously worked as executive vice-president of global sales at Kyriba, where he built and managed a team that tripled global revenues. Manimozhi joins MindBridge as it pursues significant enterprise expansion. In his new role, he will lead customer and partner ecosystem development, which includes improving the company’s global go-to-market strategy. After two decades with the company, Justin Ferns has taken over as CEO of Ottawa-based Iron Horse Security. Ferns began his career at the company as a security guard, then went on to become chief operations officer. In that role, he was instrumental in improving operational frameworks and customer service standards. In a press release, the company said Ferns’ firsthand experience across many different roles makes him the ideal leader. Public affairs firm Compass Rose announced this month that it is expanding its leadership team. Jacquie LaRocque, who founded the company in 2015 and remains its chief lobbyist, will assume the role of CEO. Meanwhile Marci Surkes, who joined the company as an adviser two years ago, has taken over as chief strategy officer. With 15 years of experience as a public policy leader, Surkes will lead an expanded team of public affairs counsellors to guide clients’ government relations, public policy engagement, and strategic business considerations.

Hats off!

Ottawa developer Windmill Development Group has been designated a Global Leader under the One Planet Living framework. According to Bioregional, the U.K.-based consultancy behind the framework, the Global Leader distinction recognizes companies that go above and beyond in fulfilling all principles of the framework, raising the bar for sustainable placemaking. It’s the first time the endorsement has been bestowed on any company, as well as the first time a North American company has received leadership distinction as a corporate entity. The University of Ottawa Alumni Association has named Kathryn Tremblay, co-founder and owner of Altis Recruitment and Technology, as its 2024 Alumna of the Year. An award-winning entrepreneur with 35 years of experience in human resources, Tremblay graduated from the university’s bachelor of commerce program in 1995. She co-founded her company — which was known at the time as excelHR — in only her second year at what is now the Telfer School of Management. Jason Burggraaf, executive director of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, won Executive Officer of the Year at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association national conference last month. His organization was also recognized as HBA of the year. In a LinkedIn post, Burggraaf said the awards reflected the hard work and dedication of staff, board members and volunteers.