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Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations & Revenue Generation Nicole’s leadership of the Ottawa Arts Council for the past five years was rooted in positioning the organization as a passionate and influential voice; as a champion for an engaged, thriving and connected arts community; as a facilitator in creating a healthier, more sustainable arts sector; and as an effective collaborator in building diversity and inclusion in the arts. A dedicated advocate for Ottawa’s vibrant arts community, Nicole brings 30 years of experience in arts administration, fundraising, marketing, communications, strategic planning, and community engagement. Her work with the Ottawa Arts Council, Great Canadian Theatre Company, Canada’s National Arts Centre, and the Canada Council for the Arts have offered her unique opportunities to shape and support the city’s dynamic cultural landscape. Nicole is committed to advancing the arts through innovative approaches, fostering collaboration, and building meaningful connections within the community.

Cassandra Olsthoorn Co-Leadership, Strategy & Community Mobilization Cassandra has been leading and developing noteworthy projects for the Ottawa arts community through different roles at Arts Network Ottawa for 15 years. Her visionary, thoughtful approach to a team-driven workplace focuses on the delivery of dynamic programming and services to the community. Her unique brand of leadership has positioned Arts Network as a collaborative champion within the sector. Cassandra is passionate about Ottawa and believes that the arts help build strong, vibrant communities.

ART+ Series

Brooklyn Marok Digital Engagement & Design As the Communications Coordinator for Arts Ottawa, Brooklyn plays a key role in connecting the local arts community. She is the primary point of contact for sharing exciting events and opportunities, helping to amplify these initiatives through our social media, website, and newsletters. Her goal is to strengthen and foster a more inclusive, connected arts ecosystem in Ottawa. Brooklyn manages the organization’s social media, so if you message us, you’re likely chatting with her! Additionally, she handles the creation of graphics, ensuring our visual identity reflects the vibrancy of our community. Brooklyn supports all communications efforts to maintain clear, engaging messaging that keeps the arts community informed, involved, and excited about what's happening in Ottawa.

Joni Hamlin Community Liaison & Project Management Born and raised in Ottawa, Joni has over 20 years of experience working in event management, volunteer coordination, and office administration. Her superior organizational skills allow her to stay on top of all aspects of an event—staff, artists, volunteers, transportation, production, scheduling, contracts, venues, marketing, timeline, budget, and more—to ensure everything runs smoothly. Joni is deeply passionate about supporting and engaging with the arts community. She takes the responsibility of building a safe, inclusive, professional, and fun environment very seriously. She enjoys collaborating, making new connections and working to support the arts in our community.

Alex Maltby Programming & Partnerships Alex is a musician, arts administrator and programmer, living and working on unceded Algonquin Anishnaabe territory. He has played an active role in the local music and arts scene for nearly two decades, with a focus on community engagement, equity, and relationship building. At Arts Ottawa, Alex collaborates with various interest holders to develop and expand programs and strategic partnerships that support Ottawa's arts community. Past artistic experience includes programming and performing at renowned festivals across Canada, such as Pop Montreal, Megaphono, Bluesfest, CityFolk, Westfest, Arboretum Arts Festival, Ottawa International Animation Festival, as well as participating in international events like PATIOS in León, Spain.

Curtis Gero Communications & Marketing Curtis is an entrepreneurial community organizer with a dynamic presence in Ottawa's creative industries, and a love for music. He has a remarkable ability to foster brand growth while empowering individuals and companies to discover and refine their artistic identities. His expertise spans networking, conflict resolution, and digital literacy, all underpinned by a creative leadership style that consistently delivers innovative solutions. Curtis is driven by a passion for bringing fresh content, brands, and visions to fruition, combining business acumen with an unbridled spirit of innovation.

Arts Leaders Breakfast Series

Meet the Arts Ottawa Team Alex Maltby Programming & Partnerships Alex is a musician, arts administrator and programmer, living and working on unceded Algonquin Anishnaabe territory. He has played an active role in the local music and arts scene for nearly two decades, with a focus on community engagement, equity, and relationship building. At Arts Ottawa, Alex collaborates with various interest holders to develop and expand programs and strategic partnerships that support Ottawa's arts community. Past artistic experience includes programming and performing at renowned festivals across Canada, such as Pop Montreal, Megaphono, Bluesfest, CityFolk, Westfest, Arboretum Arts Festival, Ottawa International Animation Festival, as well as participating in international events like PATIOS in León, Spain. Brooklyn Marok Digital Engagement & Design As the Communications Coordinator for Arts Ottawa, Brooklyn plays a key role in connecting the local arts community. She is the primary point of contact for sharing exciting events and opportunities, helping to amplify these initiatives through our social media, website, and newsletters. Her goal is to strengthen and foster a more inclusive, connected arts ecosystem in Ottawa. Brooklyn manages the organization’s social media, so if you message us, you’re likely chatting with her! Additionally, she handles the creation of graphics, ensuring our visual identity reflects the vibrancy of our community. Brooklyn supports all communications efforts to maintain clear, engaging messaging that keeps the arts community informed, involved, and excited about what's happening in Ottawa. Cassandra Olsthoorn Co-Leadership, Strategy & Community Mobilization Cassandra has been leading and developing noteworthy projects for the Ottawa arts community through different roles at Arts Network Ottawa for 15 years. Her visionary, thoughtful approach to a team-driven workplace focuses on the delivery of dynamic programming and services to the community. Her unique brand of leadership has positioned Arts Network as a collaborative champion within the sector. Cassandra is passionate about Ottawa and believes that the arts help build strong, vibrant communities. Curtis Gero Communications & Marketing Curtis is an entrepreneurial community organizer with a dynamic presence in Ottawa's creative industries, and a love for music. He has a remarkable ability to foster brand growth while empowering individuals and companies to discover and refine their artistic identities. His expertise spans networking, conflict resolution, and digital literacy, all underpinned by a creative leadership style that consistently delivers innovative solutions. Curtis is driven by a passion for bringing fresh content, brands, and visions to fruition, combining business acumen with an unbridled spirit of innovation. Joni Hamlin Community Liaison & Project Management Born and raised in Ottawa, Joni has over 20 years of experience working in event management, volunteer coordination, and office administration. Her superior organizational skills allow her to stay on top of all aspects of an event—staff, artists, volunteers, transportation, production, scheduling, contracts, venues, marketing, timeline, budget, and more—to ensure everything runs smoothly. Joni is deeply passionate about supporting and engaging with the arts community. She takes the responsibility of building a safe, inclusive, professional, and fun environment very seriously. She enjoys collaborating, making new connections and working to support the arts in our community. Nicole Milne Co-Leadership, Operations & Revenue Generation Nicole’s leadership of the Ottawa Arts Council for the past five years was rooted in positioning the organization as a passionate and influential voice; as a champion for an engaged, thriving and connected arts community; as a facilitator in creating a healthier, more sustainable arts sector; and as an effective collaborator in building diversity and inclusion in the arts. A dedicated advocate for Ottawa’s vibrant arts community, Nicole brings 30 years of experience in arts administration, fundraising, marketing, communications, strategic planning, and community engagement. Board of Directors Waris Dualeh Robert Henderson Murray Dineen John Hong Isabel Metcalfe Dan Pujdak Claudia Salguero Chris Johnson Alyssa English Core Leadership Circle Name Bio Name Bio Name Bio Name Bio Name Bio Name Bio Name Bio Name Bio Name Bio