From the Front of the stage; to the Front Office: Michael Gurney to take over at Lester Centre of the Arts

After twelve years at the helm, Crystal Lorette will step aside 
at the Lester Centre this August, with Michael Gurney 
set to move into the GM position 

The Board of Directors for the Lester Centre of the Arts have found their man, and for the most part he had been  hanging around the place a fair bit anyways.

Micheal Gurney was named the new General Manager for Prince Rupert's showcase of the Arts, set to take up his duties officially later this summer when he is installed to the position at the Lester Centre of Arts Board meeting of August 15th.

In the media release announcing Mr. Gurney's appointment, Ms. Kristy Tillman, the President of the Prince Rupert Performing Arts Society paid tribute to the work of outgoing GM Crystal Lorette, while looking ahead with enthusiasm for the future ahead with Mr. Gurney at the helm.

“We are invigorated at the prospect of Michael’s influence on the Lester Centre, given its already- strong reputation for excellence in the arts,”  ... Michael will be building on the strong foundation established by Crystal, whose commitment and vision have transformed the Lester Centre during her tenure,”

Michael Gurney speaking at a Rotary function,
the communications consultant has been named
the New General Manager of Prince Rupert's
Lester Centre of the Arts

The new General Manager is a familiar face around the community first through his long time association with the Port of Prince Rupert from 2011 to 2017 and through his many shared ventures with those at the Lester Centre, whether as an MC, actor/performer or director of local productions.

Among some of his recent work was a collaboration with Prince Rupert's legendary man of the arts, the lat Peter Witherly with whom he brought the production of Les Miserables to life in 2014.

Currently working as an independent communications consultant, one of his strengths for the position at the Lester Centre will be to enhance the Arts community profile not only on the North Coast, by across the Northwest and beyond.

Mr. Gurney has also been involved with a number of other local initiatives including his work with the BC Historical Federation, the North Pacific Cannery Historical Site, Intertidal Music Festival and the local Toastmasters group to name a few.

The position at the Lester Centre became available earlier this year, after long time General Manager Crystal Lorette announced her plans to step down from the post she has held for twelve years.

For more items of note related to the Arts on the North Coast see our twin archive pages below:

Community Events on the North Coast

North Coast Arts and Entertainment


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