Announcing Brad Lepp as PACT's new Executive Director

July 18, 2023

July 18, 2023 – After an extensive national search, the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) is excited to announce BRAD LEPP as PACT’s next Executive Director, effective August 8, 2023.

Brad Lepp (he/him) joins the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) following twenty years in the theatre sector, including being part of the executive teams at Soulpepper Theatre and Luminato Festival, seven years on the PACT advocacy committee, and a decade of volunteering with local and national boards, including The Theatre Centre, the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA), and Actors Repertory Company (ARC). His experience has demonstrated leadership through transition, fostering genuine collaboration, and coalition-building around shared priorities. 

His love of theatre has included time as a producer, tour manager, instructor, stage manager, production manager, director, playwright, conference organizer, and board volunteer. Brad holds a Masters degree in Drama Studies, and an Executive MBA in Social Enterprises. He is a Banff Centre / Toronto Arts Council Cultural Leaders Lab Fellow.

He returns to the cultural sector following his role as the Director of Public Affairs within the healthcare landscape which saw him working with national and provincial partners to advance treatment access for veterans, refugees, and rural communities; as well as incubating the first Indigenous Chiropractic Caucus.

Mike Payette, chair of PACT’s ED search committee, and PACT’s board vice president, remarked regarding the search process:

"After a lengthy, thorough & national search, the committee was unanimous in recommending Brad Lepp as PACT’s next Executive Director.  Brad’s strong focus on sector capacity-building, on advocacy, on good governance and leadership by example are just some of the traits that led us to recognize Brad as PACT’s next ED. 

I’d like to thank all members of the search committee for their dedication and perspective, and in particular we acknowledge the extraordinary work of our search firm, LeSage Arts, for their invaluable assistance and perspective, as well as ensuring the search process was equitable & inclusive.  Thank-you, Jeanne." 

Nina Lee Aquino, PACT’s board president, remarked on Brad’s appointment:

"As PACT embarks on this next chapter of organizational leadership, the board is excited to work with Brad to help build back the theatre sector in these challenging times.  Brad will be a welcome partner for theatres of every shape and size, and his expertise with government relations & advocacy will be particularly valuable as we move forward."

Brad Lepp, PACT’s next Executive Director, commented:

"I am deeply appreciative of the PACT Board of Directors for entrusting me with this role at this critical time. We all know the challenges ahead, and I am committed to supporting the resilience of our member companies.

I am grateful for the experience of Boomer Stacey and the hard-working team at PACT for their dedicated service to this profession. By continually rising to the challenge of the past few years and finding innovative ways to serve our members, associations like PACT reminded us what we can achieve together. I’m energized by the opportunity to support this incredibly important next chapter in Canadian theatre which PACT members are writing every day."

Brad’s work will begin immediately with transition planning with outgoing Executive Director, Boomer Stacey, and the PACT staff team.  Brad begins full-time service at PACT on August 8, 2023.

Welcome, Brad!

For more information, please contact:

Evan Klassen
PACT Treasurer
eklassen@grandtheatre.com

Josh Marchesini
Membership & Communications Associate
PACT
joshm@pact.ca 

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