TORONTO, September 29, 2021 – Following its annual general meeting this afternoon, the Canadian Media Producers Association unveiled its Board of Directors for the 2021-2023 term (listed below). Senior staffing updates within the CMPA’s human resources and finance departments were also announced.

“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. “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 organization, which represents a record-level 550 independent production companies, also announced two senior staffing updates.

Rob Searle, previously the CMPA’s Senior Vice President of finance, has been promoted to the role of Chief Financial Officer. In this role, he joins the CMPA’s executive leadership team, reporting to the CMPA’s President and CEO, Reynolds Mastin, and will oversee the organization’s finances, financial planning and risk management.

In addition, the CMPA has hired Chris Kelsey for the newly-created role of Lead, Human Resources. In this role, she will develop and lead HR strategy and related initiatives, including the implementation of an internal equity, diversity and inclusion strategy. Previously, Kelsey was the Director of Human Resources at TO Live and also worked for the ACTRA Performers’ Rights Society.

“I am thrilled to announce these new staffing moves,” noted 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)

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ABOUT THE CMPA
The Canadian Media Producers Association is the national advocacy organization for independent producers, representing hundreds of companies engaged in the development, production, and distribution of English-language content made for television, cinema, and digital media channels. We work to promote the continued success of the Canadian production sector and to ensure a bright future for the diverse content made by our members for both domestic and international audiences.  cmpa.ca

For more information:

Kyle O’Byrne
Manager, Media Relations & Communications, CMPA
kyle.obyrne@cmpa.ca