The esteemed arts enthusiast, coalition builder and community advocate will bring a fresh perspective and passion to the beloved Toronto institution
June 26, 2024 – TORONTO – Today, Harbourfront Centre announced Cathy Loblaw has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer for the esteemed international centre for contemporary arts, culture and ideas after a competitive search.
As a charitable, not-for-profit cultural organization operating a 10-acre campus on Toronto’s central waterfront, Cathy is a natural fit to lead Harbourfront Centre as it paves its way to a bright and bold future. She has led change initiatives in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors by developing strategic partnerships that have had a direct and lasting impact on social issues affecting Canadians.
“As a born and raised Torontonian, and a past waterfront resident, I am a passionate advocate of the Harbourfront and deeply inspired to see it live into its fullest purpose,” said Cathy Loblaw. “As CEO, I am honoured to build upon Harbourfront Centre as the heartbeat of our waterfront, complete with arts and culture programming, and recreational activities that speak to all audiences year-round. No matter your age or interests, Harbourfront Centre will be a place where creativity thrives, artistic talent is nurtured and communities connect.”
Moving forward, Cathy will manage the future growth of the centre, including nurturing community support, strengthening relationships with government and stakeholders, and attracting more visitors—locally, nationally and internationally. Her vision, combined with her wealth of expertise, will bring a spark of creativity, strategy and care to the historic cultural hub.
Cathy’s illustrious career includes serving as as Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada (RMHC) for more than 13 years, while acting as a leading member of the RMHC Global Advisory Council. During her time at RMHC, she also served on McDonald’s Canada Extended Leadership team and held the role as Vice-Chair McDonald’s Women’s Leadership Network, growing the company’s social purpose and brand reputation. Throughout her life, Cathy has been an enthusiastic champion of Canadian families, women and children, dedicating her time and energy as life-long volunteer, mentor and people champion.
She has worn many different hats, including 15-year President of Concerned Children’s Advertisers (CCA), now known as Companies Committed to Kids; founding board director and Executive Director of PREVNet; active member of the Canadian Advisory Committee of Neuchatel Junior College in Neuchatel, Switzerland; and a consulting partner to King’s Trust Canada.
“We are simply thrilled to have Cathy join Harbourfront Centre. Her vast experience in the not-for-profit sector, combined with her proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and community groups is the leadership we need for the organization going forward,” said Tenio Evangelista, Chair of Harbourfront Centre. “Cathy is a visionary who is eager to advocate for the arts and the diverse rich programming that defines Harbourfront.”
As a continuation of its 50th Anniversary festivities, Habourfront Centre is looking forward to reflecting on its many accomplishments and celebrating its roots. But ultimately, this summer commences a celebration of the exciting developments to unfold with Cathy at the helm.
About Harbourfront Centre
Harbourfront Centre is a leading international centre for contemporary arts, culture and ideas, and a registered, charitable not-for-profit cultural organization operating a 10-acre campus on Toronto’s central waterfront. Harbourfront Centre provides year-round programming 52 weeks a year, seven days a week, supporting a wide range of artists and communities. We inspire audiences and visitors with a breadth of bold, ambitious and engaging experiences. We champion contemporary Canadian artists throughout their careers, presenting them alongside international artists and fostering national and international artistic exchange between disciplines and cultures.
Harbourfront Centre acknowledges the generous support of Site Partners: Government of Canada and the City of Toronto; Programming Partners: Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Government of Ontario, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and the City of Toronto and its Corporate Site Partner, Labatt.
Learn more about Harbourfront Centre at harbourfrontcentre.com. Cathy’s headshot and bio can be found here.
Media Contacts
Katie Duklas Katie.Duklas@mediaprofile.com |(905) 703-5841
Stephanie Kesler Stephanie.Kesler@mediaprofile.com | (647) 454-7655