Halifax, NS – Symphony Nova Scotia is delighted to welcome Halifax arts administrator Leah Hamilton as its new Director of Finance and Administration, beginning June 2017.

Leah has been an active member of the Halifax arts community for over 20 years as a volunteer, consultant, and arts manager. She has worked with over 80 arts, culture, and heritage organizations, providing services including business and strategic planning, financial management consulting, mentoring, and policy development.

In 2013, Leah served as General Manager of Halifax Dance, and in 2014 she moved into the role of Executive Director, where she led extensive organizational change, deepened community partnerships, and strengthened financial stability and reporting. Leah will remain at Halifax Dance through to June 2017, ensuring a smooth and successful transition between the two not-for-profit organizations.

“I am thrilled to be joining the administrative team at Symphony Nova Scotia,” says Leah.

“I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to work for this amazing organization that plays such a strong leadership role in the province’s arts community. Symphony Nova Scotia continues to innovate and grow, and I look forward to supporting the vision and goals of the organization the best I can.”

Symphony Nova Scotia’s annual operations and attendance have seen significant increases over the past four years, with over 50 employees, 50 concerts per season, and an annual budget of over $4 million. As Director of Finance and Administration, Leah will directly oversee all the Symphony’s financial policies, procedures, reporting, and accounts, and will work closely with senior staff and the Board of Directors to help guide and achieve the Symphony’s strategic goals.

“Leah is an excellent communicator and a superb financial manager, with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges within Nova Scotia’s rich arts community,” says Christopher Wilkinson, CEO of Symphony Nova Scotia.

“Her broad experience across the arts and not-for-profit sectors will be an incredible asset to Symphony Nova Scotia, especially as we continue to expand our concerts and community outreach. I’m confident that her expertise will allow us to embrace new opportunities, while ensuring our ongoing financial stability. I’m delighted to welcome her to our team.”

Leah has previously held roles at Lyle Tilley Davidson Chartered Accountants, where she earned a chartered accountancy designation, and Jones & Co. Artist Management, and for the past 20 years has operated an arts consulting company, Genesis Consulting. She was a member of the transition team that established the terms of reference for Arts Nova Scotia, and was a member of the former Nova Scotia Arts Council from 1999 to 2002.

Leah currently serves on the Halifax Regional Library Board as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. Other volunteer experience includes directorship on several boards including the Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Awards Foundation, Arts Consultants Canada, Strategic Arts Management, Theatre Nova Scotia, Eastern Front Theatre, and the Nova Scotia Cultural Network.

To learn more about Leah, click here.

ABOUT LEAH HAMILTON

Leah Hamilton has been an active member of the Halifax arts community for over 20 years as a volunteer, consultant, and arts manager. She has worked with over 80 arts, culture, and heritage organizations providing a range of services such as business and strategic planning, financial management consulting, mentoring, and policy development. Leah is leaving her position as Executive Director at Halifax Dance to join the dynamic team at Symphony Nova Scotia as Director of Finance and Administration.

Leah serves on the Halifax Regional Library Board as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. She was a member of the transition team that established the terms of reference for Arts Nova Scotia and was a member of the former Nova Scotia Arts Council from 1999 to 2002. Other volunteer experience includes directorship on several boards including the Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Awards Foundation, Arts Consultants Canada, Strategic Arts Management, Theatre Nova Scotia, Eastern Front Theatre, and the Nova Scotia Cultural Network.

ABOUT SYMPHONY NOVA SCOTIA

Symphony Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia’s orchestra. Each year more than 50,000 audience members (including 15,000 young music lovers) join us in communities across Nova Scotia for performances of the music they love – from baroque and classical to pop and rock and folk. Under the inspirational leadership of Music Director Bernhard Gueller, Symphony Nova Scotia is one of the most exciting orchestras in the country, with dozens of interactive outreach programs, over 20 commercial recordings, and multiple East Coast Music Awards. Visit symphonynovascotia.ca to learn more, listen online, or get tickets today!