McMichael Canadian Art Collection announces CEO resignation
July 30, 2010 Kleinburg, ON —The McMichael Canadian Art Collection today announced the resignation of its CEO and Executive Director, Thomas Smart.
“We thank Tom for his dedicated service and contribution to the gallery and wish him well in his future endeavours,” said Upkar Arora, Chair, McMichael Board of Trustees. “Under his watch, the organization has flourished and achieved many successes.”
“The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is a treasured part of Canada’s cultural world and is today a vibrant, resurgent organization full of optimism about its heritage, its collections, and which has momentum for the future,” said Tom Smart. “I am honoured to have been its leader through the significant accomplishments of the past four years and I am confident that this is the right time to begin an orderly transition in leadership. The current momentum, the strength of the people and the programs in place, all make me confident that the McMichael has a great future – and that the McMichael will continue to serve both Canadian Art and the people of Ontario very well.”
The Board of Trustees has appointed Peter Ross as CEO on an interim basis. Mr. Ross has been the Gallery’s Director of Development, Marketing and Communications for the past five years. His knowledge, experience and expertise will be assets during this transitional phase. Mr. Ross will be working closely with Mr. Smart prior to his departure at the beginning of October 2010.
The McMichael Board of Trustees, working with an executive search firm will begin a search for a new CEO shortly.
About the Gallery
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Culture. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of more than 5,500 artworks, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, First Nations and Inuit artists.
The gallery is located on Islington Avenue, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Kleinburg, and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Media Contact:
Upkar Arora, Chair, McMichael Board of Trustees
c/o Stephen Weir, McMichael Publicist
Gallery: 905.893.1121 ext. 2529
Toronto Office: 416.489.5868
Cell: 416.801.3101
sweir@mcmichael.com
