June 16, 2021

Kjipuktuk/Halifax, NS – It is with bittersweet sentiment that Strategic Arts Management announces the departure of Dr. Cat MacKeigan, our Director of External Operations since 2014.

Cat (they/them) is moving on from SAM to assume the role of Executive Director of Theatre Nova Scotia. The remaining staff and board members could not be more thrilled for Cat and their exciting new position. While a loss for our own organization, it is certainly a win for theatre in the province! Read the Theatre NS announcement here.

Those who came to know Cat during their time with SAM know them to be a passionate, knowledgeable, and highly capable administrator and leader. There is no doubt they will bring that same passion and commitment to their work at TNS and help the organization and sector navigate the return of live performing arts following COVID-19 shutdowns. TNS could not be in better hands!

“I speak for all of us when I say how grateful we are for the incredible dedication, tenacity, professionalism and vision Cat has brought to SAM over the years. Personally, I have never known SAM without Cat, and I know how much colleagues, Bruce, Erin, and Karen will miss them – as will we all. We are so delighted for Cat and excited to see how they will grow and transform Theatre Nova Scotia over the years to come!” says SAM Board Chair, Martine Durier-Copp.

Cat will be transitioning out of their role at SAM over the coming weeks, with full-departure planned for mid-July 2021. The SAM Board will meet and determine next steps for staffing in the coming weeks.

“As I depart from my role of Director – External Relations from SAM, I think about the achievements we have had over my six years with the organization. During this time, I’ve contributed to the development of the non-profit, the people involved, and Nova Scotia’s arts sector – precisely as the SAM mandate directs – and I am grateful for these opportunities. SAM’s multidisciplinary provincial scope and business model are unique to the organization and have been wonderful to work within. I know firsthand SAM is a valuable resource for our professional arts community, and the people in it are doing important work. I have enjoyed getting to know these folks and consider them not only colleagues but friends. Though I will miss my time at SAM, I will be just down the hall in my new role as the Executive Director at Theatre Nova Scotia. I am confident there are great things to come for our arts sector, and SAM will continue to be a vital support in those activities.”

We are so proud of Cat and look forward to the great things they will accomplish in their new role with TNS. Please join us in congratulating them on this exciting appointment!