On this Page:

• Executive Committee
• Directors at Large
• Staff

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Gilles Latour, President: Toronto, Ontario

Gilles Latour is the Chief Operating Office at the Canadian Education Association, a not for profit organization that initiates and sustains dialogue throughout the country influencing public policy issues in education. Gilles is a part time wood carver and is also a member of the Ontario Woodcarvers Association. He has contributed greatly towards the OCC in many capacities, including being Chair of the Board from 1997-98. Gilles currently sits on two OCC committees and chairs the Fundraising Committee. He is also the OCC’s representative to the Canadian Craft Federation. 

Gord Thompson, Vice-President: Toronto, Ontario  

Gord Thompson teaches at the Ontario College of Art and Design where he is also a techinician in the ceramics studio. He teaches in the Crafts and Design program at Sheridan College as well. Gord is currently persuing a PhD in the department of Communication and Culture at York University with a research interest in craft and cultural theory.

James A. (Jay) Richardson, Treasurer: Toronto, Ontario

Jay Richardson is a Canadian Chartered Accountant whose career has moved him around the world. Born and brought up in Toronto, schooled at Upper Canada College and the University of Toronto (Hons B.A. in economics, 1967), he qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1970. He has been a Partner of Clarkson Gordon, Arthur Young (Vancouver and Singapore) and KPMG (London, UK). More recently, he has been one of the founders of First Metals Inc., a copper/zinc/gold/silver mine, and serves on the board of several other public copmanies including the Argus Corporation, Goldstone Resources Inc. and Waseco Resources Inc. His current charitable Board memberships are the Weir Foundation (RiverBrink Art Museum) and the McLaughlin Gallery having previously served on several others including Open Studio, Burnaby Art Gallery and the Art Gallery of Northumberland.  

Susan Rothfels, Secretary: Toronto, Ontario

Susan Rothfels is a lawyer and an avid supporter of the local arts cummunity. A member of the board of the OCC since 2006, she currently acts as Secretary.

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DIRECTORS AT LARGE:

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ONTARIO CRAFTS COUNCIL STAFF: 

	Emma Quin, Executive Director With over seventeen years at the Ontario Crafts Council, Emma Quin has developed valuable and healthy relationships with the cultural sector. She has an important grasp of the OCC's history as an organization, and understands issues and concerns faced by craftspeople. Emma's leadership and dedication to the organization have instituted major changes. Specifically, in terms of the OCC's overall financial health she is recognized for accurate budgeting practices in both creating and managing a $1.7 million operating budget. She has also initiated a revitalized engagement between the organization, makers, and the public. Emma has helped the OCC redefine its goals and business practice, as well as what it delivers and how it functions - effectively making the OCC a valuable cultural institution that gives back to the community.
	Janna Hiemstra, Programs Manager Janna's employment with the Ontario Crafts Council started in 2007 through grants with Service Canada and Young Canada Works. In 2009 she graduated from a curatorial degree at OCAD University, in addition to holding a BA in Philosophy from King’s University College (2001). Janna has recently taken up the newly developed position of Programs Manager to administrate the OCC Gallery, CraftSmarts and CraftTalks programming, as well as various communication roles. She also brings superior writing skills to the organization that contribute to successful foundation and corporate grant applications.
	Paul Wilson, Operations and Accounting Manager Paul began with the OCC in 2005. Since that time he has worked at both The Guild Shop and the head office, where he currently provides excellent leadership in financial management, along with IT support. Paul is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Accounting Department, including the coordination of cheques to members who have sold their work either at The Guild Shop or Gallery; ensuring accuracy and completeness of accounting records; analyzing financial information; and providing short-term analysis of the OCC's current financial position.
	Cailtin Plewes, Development Coordinator Caitlin first became involved with the OCC as a volunteer, working primarily on the Cheongju International Craft Biennale. She brings a diverse set of skills to her role, having graduated from the University of Waterloo's School of Architecture and Sheridan College's Furniture Studio. As Development Coordinator she provides organizational support for the OCC's special projects and the Award & Scholarships program. In a development capacity, working alongside the Executive Director, she coordinates fundraising events and activities, while acting as the main liason for Patrons and Sponsors.
	Maxine Bell, Communications Coordinator Maxine joined the Ontario Crafts Council in 2009 through grants from Service Canada's young Canada Works program, and now contributes to the OCC on a full-time basis. In 2010 she graduated with a Bachelor of Design in Environmental Design from OCAD Univserity. As the Communications Coordinator, Maxine develops print and promotional material for OCC programs and events such as brochures and catalogues, as well as administers the Portfolio of Makers component of the website and Craftfl@sh monthly newsletter. She works closely with the Programs Coordinator to receive and design ads for clients advertising in CraftSource publication, Craftfl@sh e-newsletter and Studio magazine. Her keen sense for graphic design has allowed her to work in this capacity on many different projects, in addition to delivering administrative support for events, fundraising, and exhibitions.
	Grace Donati, Member Services Coordinator Grace is an established ceramics and hair designer who graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design completing her Bachelor Degree in Design with a major in Ceramics. She has years of experience in the professional art world as a teacher, artist, event organizer, coordinator and arts advocate. Aside from passionately working in her crafts she also takes great pleasure in the inspirations gained and given when being a facilitator for the community. Her involvement in the membership role runs parallel with her gregarious philosophy on relationship building and the sharing of ideas. As the Member Services Coordinator Grace is the primary contact for membership and the management of member information. Special focus on membership development/recruitment and record management, including sending out timely renewal notices, communicating with members on current issues, keeping accurate membership profiles in the database and answering member inquires in a timely and efficient manner.
	Christine Lawrance, Programs Coordinator Christine received her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Fine Arts from the University of Guelph. She moved to Vancouver in 1993, where she worked as a curator and arts administrator for various public art galleries. She has been actively involved in community exhibitions, program development, website and social media as well as curatorial work. In her last position as Communications Coordinator for Circle Craft Co-operative, she had the opportunity to work closely with the crafts community both locally and nationally. As Programs Coordinator Christine works to coordinate and deliver CraftSmarts workshops, CraftSource publication, and Marketing Your Craft; while providing logistical support to the CraftTalks lecture Series, Exhibitions, and the Awards & Scholarships program and the sale of advertisements in all OCC publications.
	Iwona Gontarska Iwona has been involved in fibre arts since hr graduation from the Textile program at Sheridan College in 2004. In 2008, Iwona became a co-owner of The Knit Café located steps from the OCC gallery. On most days, she is involved in the day-to-day management of The Knit Café plus designing patterns, teaching workshops and creating knit installations. In 2010, Iwona joined the OCC's creative team where she continues to expand the CraftSource pulication.
	Jude Ortiz, Northeastern Ontario Coordinator Jude Ortiz has worked in the arts and culture sector her entire life. As a studio goldsmith she has operated a successful studio goldsmithing business and been invited to participate in local, Canadian and international exhibitions. Jude has coordinated and delivered fine arts post-secondary education in Ontario and the Canadian arctic providing her considerable experience in working and liaising with a variety of Indigenous peoples, governments and funding agencies. She is currently working on a strategic plan to develop Northern Ontario’s culture and creative sector.
	Stephanie Gardiner, Northern Community Officer Stephanie was raised in Tilbury, Ontario and completed her Honours BA in Sociology at the University of Waterloo, and her MA in Sociology at the University of Windsor. Throughout her life, she has involved herself in many different community organizations and volunteer positions; such as Food Banks in both the Kitchener/Waterloo and Windsor regions, volunteering at the Kitchener/Waterloo Soup Kitchen, actively participating and raising monies for Walk-A-Thons and assisting at the local North Bay Humane Society. She is currently helping local organizations provide education for the youth/young people in the North Bay Region about the dangers of substance abuse and the community resources