Executive Director of the Grand Theatre stepping down after 22 years
Deb Harvey arrived at the historic Grand Theatre in London, Ont. at a time when it was in danger of closing its doors. Twenty-two years later she is stepping down as executive director after overseeing 21 years of surpluses.
“Our industry is calling for change. At the Grand, as we re-open post-COVID, we talk about telling new stories and hearing new voice. Some of those new voices need to be those of new leaders,” said Harvey in a statement.
President of the Board of Directors of the Grand Theatre Anita Shah announced Thursday in a release that Harvey would be stepping down after the 2021/22 season.
“We knew this day was coming eventually, but that doesn’t make it any easier,” said Shah in a statement. “It will be difficult to replace Deb, her leadership, and her dedication to the theatre.”
Harvey first arrived in London 22 years ago on a six-month contract at a time when the theatre was in danger of shutting down due to debt.
Since then she led the theatre to 21 straight years of surplus, a streak broken only last year due to COVID-19.
She has been a staple in the community with her more than two decades with the Grand Theatre. In that time, she has worked with 11 board presidents, three different artistic directors and six mayors.
In 2019 she was awared the YMCA Women of Excellence Award, and has been specifically supportive of the many youth programs at the Grand such as the High School Project.
Harvey said she looks forward to enjoying the newly renovated space in her last year and that she will continue to put her whole hear into her work until her last day as executive director.
“We need to get back to business, tell new stories, share our new spaces, and welcome audiences back. And most importantly, together, we are planning for the bright future that lies ahead for the Grand.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Trump's lawyers grill ex-tabloid publisher as 1st week of hush money trial testimony nears a close
After prosecutors' lead witness painted a tawdry portrait of “catch-and-kill” tabloid schemes, defence lawyers in Donald Trump's criminal trial on Friday sought to dig into an account of the former publisher of the National Enquirer and his efforts to protect Trump from negative stories during the 2016 election.