October 22, 2008,

CCCO Executive Director Announces Retirement

 Robert Johnston leaving Cultural Careers Council Ontario after 10 years 

Toronto.  October 22, 2008.  Executive Director of Cultural Careers Council Ontario, Robert (Bob) Johnston has announced that, after 10 years in the position, he will retire as of August 31, 2009. 

Cultural Careers Council Ontario is a leading arts service organization that promotes and supports employment and professional development in the arts and culture sector through research, training, and addressing human resource issues.

Johnston was hired in 1999 to raise the profile of the organization within government and the arts community.  “Bob added pizzazz and stature to CCCO,” says Sandy Tulloch a long-time board member.  “He understood the complexities of government and had the patience and perseverance to move our issues forward.”  Under his direction, CCCO has grown to become a leading voice on human resources issues for the Ontario cultural sector and a catalyst for training and professional development for cultural workers.  Since 1999 CCCO has initiated activities, in partnership with over 130 cultural organizations, valued at more than $9 million. It commissioned the groundbreaking Ipsos-Reid 2008 report on professional development in Ontario’s cultural sector.

“We know from our research that our sector is highly labour-intensive.  I’m proud that we’ve been able to bring public attention to the value of investing in the 300,000 Ontario cultural workers that fuel innovation and our economy,” says Johnston.

Before joining CCCO, Johnston served as General Manager of the National Ballet of Canada for seventeen years.  Prior to that, he was Deputy Minister of Culture and Recreation in the provincial government, following 25 years in personnel and labour relations management in government and industry.

“Bob’s shoes are going to be tough to fill,” adds current CCCO board president Micheline McKay.  “Arts administrators with his breadth of experience are a rare find.  That’s why we’ve planned such a long succession period.  We know it will take time and we are hoping for some overlap so that Bob can pass on his trade secrets to the next generation.”

A succession task force has been struck.  Interested parties are encouraged to check the CCCO website www.workinculture.ca for the job posting.

For more information contact Micheline McKay mmckay@michelinemckay.ca