Somers named executive director of On Screen Manitoba

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This article was published 28/09/2023 (974 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

First, Osborne Village. Now, On Screen Manitoba.

Lindsay Somers, the outgoing Osborne Village Business Improvement Zone executive director, will take the lead as On Screen Manitoba’s executive director.

“I’m really excited and honoured to take on this role,” said Somers, 44.

She headed the business improvement zone for two years, receiving praise from locals for helping to grow the economy. Her final day is Oct. 13; the BIZ is looking for a new executive director.

Somers begins at On Screen Manitoba, an organization representing more than 2,000 film industry professionals, on Nov. 6.

The non-profit works to grow the film sector and liaises with members of various positions, from producers to labour organizations. It requires a collaborative leader, said Brandice Vivier, On Screen Manitoba’s co-chair.

“(Somers) has a ton of energy, and she has a really collaborative approach,” Vivier said. “(It’s) an incredible asset.”

Vivier knew Somers and thought, while Somers was a BIZ executive director, she’d do well at On Screen Manitoba.

“Lindsay is a big picture thinker, she always has been,” Vivier said.

When On Screen Manitoba’s executive director position opened, Somers was among a pool of talented candidates to apply. Somers stood out, Vivier said.

The new hire is well versed in stakeholder relations, communication and fundraising — all important for the non-profit, Vivier noted. Further, Somers is passionate about her co-workers and the industry, Vivier continued.

She’s looking to the new director to be proactive, planning for the future, after a pandemic-era period of reactiveness in the industry.

It’s something Somers says she’s ready for.

“It’s a good time to take a step back and plan for the future, and all of the complexities and challenges along the way,” Somers stated, adding it’s an “important time” to foster talent.

She plans to “start by listening.”

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com