New Strategic Plan, New Board Leadership

Dear OAG Members, Friends, and Supporters,

As we embarked on the planning and implementation of the Gallery’s new Strategic Plan, Past-Chair, Vic Duret, compelled us to think big and think bold! Casting our minds into the future, we engaged thought leaders from Canada and around the globe to help us imagine what the world would be like in thirty-years. What strategies would ensure our relevancy as a cultural anchor in our city; would allow us to hold space as vital participants in the greater, global conversation?

This process was led by our incoming Chair, Mark Schaan, who encouraged us to move past a one-day session with sticky notes on a wall and, to instead, engage in an iterative and ongoing dialogue that included the board and staff, as well as established and underserved members of our community. What first emerged as a messy jumble of important threads, are now woven together into a strong and nimble Strategic Plan that will guide our efforts in the years to come.

One of the most important lessons gleaned from this planning process was that OAG must be a resilient learning institution that is listening all of the time.

To guide this work, Mark is joined by Vice-Chair, Vanessa Pilotte. These two dynamic and passionate professionals are adept at community consultation and leading change.  Mark hails from the Government of Canada, where he is now the Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and has a strong belief in the fundamental importance of cultural institutions, particularly their role as community builders, provocateurs, and storytellers. As a public affairs and sustainability leader, Vanessa, is driven by connecting people, promoting social responsibility, and building strong and lasting relationships.

Four new board members will join Mark and Vanessa:

As Director and CEO, and on behalf of the OAG team, we are excited to work with our excellent Board of Directors to enact a progressive and responsive set of Strategic Priorities. Please click HERE to learn more about our new plan.

Sincerely;

Alexandra Badzak, Director and Chief Executive Officer