Telefilm Canada has announced that Executive Director and CEO Christa Dickenson will be moving on from the organization in September.
Dickenson has been with the Crown corporation since July 2018, arriving from Interactive Ontario where she served as President & CEO after being elevated from the position of Executive Director. Dickenson’s three decades in media and telecommunications, include 15 years with Rogers, where she ended her tenure as Managing Director, International Client Relations & Events. She started her career behind-the-scenes with CTV and CPAC.
“It was a difficult decision to make, but since I set out to make meaningful change, I felt that after all we accomplished together, I could leave to take on a new challenge within another organization,” said Dickenson, in a release. “I am proud of the Telefilm team, an accomplished and passionate team of dedicated professionals who have proven to be particularly agile and determined during this period of profound transformation. Telefilm has a solid foundation to continue to support the audiovisual industry as a whole and enable it to flourish. The future of this industry is promising.”
Over the past four years, Dickenson led Telefilm through its largest-ever consultation on its Success Index, Development Program and Talent to Watch Program, and helped institute clearer direction around transparency, equity and representation.
Under her leadership, Telefilm was allocated $105M in additional funding over a three-year period. The agency was also entrusted with administering the Canadian Audio-Visual Short-Term Compensation Fund, and additional funding to support post-pandemic recovery of the arts and culture sector.
Robert Spickler, Chair of Telefilm Canada’s Board, lauded Dickenson for helping guide the industry through the pandemic.
“The optimization of programs combined with the management of emergency measures and funds for the industry, due to the pandemic, demonstrate that her contribution has not only been considerable but vital,” said Spickler. “She has been rigorous, bold and skilled at leading the change within the organization and has put in place an experienced executive leadership team that will ensure continuity in the service of Telefilm’s mission.”
Spickler said a comprehensive search will be undertaken to identify Dickenson’s successor. Her last day with Telefilm will be Sept. 9.
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