Arts and culture professional Kelly McIntosh to take the reins
November 1, 2023
The Stratford Perth Museum’s Board of Directors is excited to announce that Kelly McIntosh, known locally for her extensive work in theatre and arts and heritage administration, has been appointed to the position of General Manager, effective November 20.
In this role, Kelly will head up the staff team and be the primary link to the volunteer Museum Board and its committee network. Kelly replaces John Kastner, who is retiring from his GM role at the end of November.
“Kelly’s going to be a fabulous addition to the Museum team,” says Board Chair, David Stones. “Kelly’s experience in fundraising, member and donor stewardship, grant writing, sponsorship, and volunteer management, along with a wealth of associated leadership skills, will be invaluable to our Museum operation. And Kelly’s strong theatre and performance background opens many doors to our programming options and how we might animate the diverse local stories that are so vital to our local cultural heritage.”
Ms. McIntosh has enjoyed some 30 years in arts and heritage administration, along with a very active theatre performance career. Kelly worked previously at the Museum for four years in the capacity of administrative and membership coordinator, engaging daily with Museum staff, members, key donors, volunteers, students and patrons.
Ms. McIntosh was recently pivotal in the writing and staging of the hit Kroehler Girls stage production, as well as the previously successful Ladies Of The CNR, which toured southwestern Ontario. Most recently, Kelly has worked as audience development coordinator & artistic associate at Blythe Festival Theatre, with primary responsibilities for donor, sponsor and member relations.
“I’m overjoyed to be returning to the Museum in such an auspicious role,” says Ms. McIntosh. “The stories of Stratford and Perth County have leapt off the history pages and into my heart for over a decade now.
“It will be an honour to take the lead in continuing to enrich myself and the community with stories that matter. And what a joy to return to such an inspiring community of staff, volunteers and supporters who are truly a force.”
“Kelly’s sector experience and business acumen are key to this hire,” Stones says. “But her theatre background and creative mind will also be powerful adjuncts to what Kelly brings to our table. Museums are very much about stories, and this will be a fascinating one.
“We’re striking our next iteration of our strategic plan early in the new year. It will be wonderful to have Kelly on the team as we map out the next five years of Museum excellence.”
Stones also highlights once again John Kastner’s superb leadership and contributions to the Museum over the past 10 plus years, and wishes him the very best in his retirement from the GM role.
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