Regina Folk Festival announces Executive Director Leo Keiser
The Regina Folk Festival (RFF) Board of Directors announces the hiring of Leo Keiser (they/them) as Executive Director effective immediately. Leo has been acting as Interim Executive Director since May 29, 2023.
“It’s no secret that this year has been challenging for the RFF,” said President Risa Payant (she/her). “After a national search, it was clear that Leo is best placed to step into the permanent role of Executive Director. The Board of Directors has absolute confidence in their ability to shepard the organization in the coming years and have been blown away by the diligent, thoughtful, and strategic progress they’ve made in the interim role. Leo and Artistic Director Amber Goodwyn (she/her) are a powerhouse team, and we’re thrilled that they’ll be continuing to work together this fall and beyond!”
Leo is a loud-laughing, number-crunching, community-minded leader in the arts, with over 10 years of experience working in the sector in Saskatchewan. Most recently, Leo has served as the RFF’s Finance Manager and has also enjoyed involvement (both paid and volunteer) with Common Weal Community Arts, GRR! Rock Camps, Queer City Cinema, The 5th Parallel Gallery, Neutral Ground Artist Run Centre, and more. When they’re not completely immersed in a spreadsheet, Leo is usually playing bass, growing some tomatoes, or connecting with their family and community.
Since joining the Regina Folk Festival team in 2017, Leo has shown considerable strengths in financial and operational leadership, proving themselves to be a diligent administrator.
“As a musician and festival-lover, I care deeply about live music and its role in a vibrant, well-connected, resilient society,” said Leo. “RFF plays a vital part in this locally, provincially, and nationally. Alongside the incredible community surrounding the RFF, I look forward to helping stabilize and evolve this organization so that it can continue to animate urban spaces, build meaningful connections between artists and audiences, and inspire magic and imagination in the community for years to come. I look forward to meeting you in Victoria Park for the 52nd edition of the Regina Folk Festival Aug 11 to 13. Let’s build toward a long and vibrant future, and let’s start now!”
Those excited about this announcement and interested in supporting the festival can encourage their network to buy tickets in advance of next weekend and celebrate with us in Victoria Park. Can’t make it on festival weekend? Please consider making a donation or signing up as a festival sponsor.
Media requests can be directed to:
Melanie Metcalf, Communications & Marketing Manager
melanie@reginafolkfestival.com
(306) 757-0308