The Canadian Music Centre appoints
Holly Nimmons as the new President and CEO
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Music Centre (CMC), Board Chair Heather Pawsey is pleased to announce the appointment of Holly Nimmons, saying,
“We are delighted to welcome Holly Nimmons as our new President and CEO. Her exceptional leadership, governance, and financial management skills; deep understanding and knowledge of our mission and goals; and—so importantly—advocacy and passion for musical creativity make her the ideal choice to lead the CMC forward with new strategic thinking.”
Nimmons took on the interim CEO role in June 2023, succeeding Glenn Hodgins. She started working with the CMC in 2018, as an integral leader of the senior management team in areas of development, communications, a new youth engagement initiative and the Accountability for Change Council. She brings a wealth of experience as a senior leader with not-for-profit organizations, specifically in the arts and social services sectors and, she has been a passionate advocate for music for many years.
Nimmons says, “I’ve been immersed in music creation my whole life, growing up in a family of musicians and composers, surrounded by a nurturing, vibrant environment of creative artists. I am honoured to lead the Canadian Music Centre into the next evolution of strategic priorities, inspired by and collaborating with communities as we achieve a new vision for contemporary music in Canada.”
As Executive Director of the Coalition for Music Education in Canada, Nimmons implemented innovative programs such as Youth4Music that empowered youth leadership to advocate for the value of music-learning in their lives. She also led annual celebrations of music education that involved music makers of diverse backgrounds and genres in schools and communities across Canada (Music Monday); most notably, a live earth to space singalong with Chris Hadfield when he was commanding the International Space Station.
Other past roles include Executive Director of the College of Midwives of Ontario, Director of Operations/Interim CEO with YWCA Canada, and transitional leadership for DAREArts. Also, she led a successful business providing management services to not-for-profit organizations, including organizational transformation, business development, strategic planning and capacity building.
The National Board of Directors looks forward with great confidence to working with Holly in the CMC’s continuing evolution as a vibrant, connected organisation in the service of our community.
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About the Canadian Music Centre (CMC)
The Canadian Music Centre is a catalyst that connects you to the ever-evolving world of Canadian musical creation through performance, education, and promotion. The CMC provides unique resources for exploring, discovering, and performing Canadian music. We are passionate about nurturing a musical community that honours our legacy and supports the professional development of Canadian musicians and composers.
