Announcing the departure of Executive Director Leo Keiser
Leo Keiser, Executive Director (left) with Amber Goodwyn, Artistic Director, at the 52nd edition of the Regina Folk Festival in 2023. Photo by Rae Graham.
The Regina Folk Festival (RFF) Board of Directors announces the departure of Executive Director Leo Keiser, effective August 31, 2024. Leo has been a crucial part of the RFF team since 2017, initially supporting administrative operations and finances, then as Executive Director since 2023. Of their time with the organization, Leo said:
“In so many ways, it has been a central joy in my life to help create meaningful experiences with and for the community, alongside so many wonderful people. Through my seven years with the organization, I am extremely grateful to have worked with so many RFF staff, board members, volunteers, suppliers, funders, sponsors, donors, community partners, patrons, and music lovers, toward the wild goal of creating shared meaning through art. It has been a joy to connect with so many of you through this work and I sincerely hope that we get to connect again soon. Thank you for welcoming me into this work with you—it has meant an immense amount to me.
I have confidence that the current team of staff, board, and volunteers will continue to bring the organization back to stable ground in these trying times. While the organization is not out of the woods yet, I am proud to have contributed my energies toward an immense ‘first lift’ of organizational recovery. I am proud of the collective tenacity that the RFF has demonstrated through this period and excited to see what comes next.”
Board President, Risa Payant, shared the following about Leo’s upcoming departure:
“While Leo was only Executive Director for a little over a year, they stepped into the role during a challenging time for the organization and worked diligently to stabilize operational finances and strengthen the organization’s infrastructure as presenting arts organizations and festivals across the country reckoned with ever-shifting realities. I am sincerely grateful for their work, not just in their time as part of our phenomenal co-leadership team (alongside Artistic Director Amber Goodwyn), but for their many contributions over the seven years they’ve been with the RFF. The sense of care and rigour Leo brings to their work is admirable, and they’re leaving very big shoes to fill, indeed. It’s never fun to say goodbye to a colleague, but we wish Leo all the very best as they pursue the next steps of their career.”
The Board of Directors will begin their search for a new Executive Director on July 25, 2024. Please keep an eye on our social media for more information on how to apply.