Mike Douglas, Executive Director (He/Him)
Mike has enjoyed bringing the Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) into sharp focus as a valuable arts service agency, providing and initiating new opportunities for creative expression, employment and recognition. Aligned with this, MAC supports the professional development of artists, providing educational webinars, online coaching and seminars that grow ‘artpreneurial’ capacity and enhanced digital communications skills. Turning the Mississauga Arts Awards into a gala dinner celebration has made The MARTYS the most comprehensive city arts awards program in Canada. The artists’ showcase that is MAC’s Masquerade Ball has evolved into a successful fundraiser, helping MAC to operate its new micro-granting programs that in 2020 saw 28 grants awarded to over 50 artists. Previously, Mike was founding Editor and Co-Publisher of the popular city magazine MississaugaLife – Spirit of the City. For 30 years he was a freelance television director for network documentaries and dramas, this TV work included significant communications assignments for leading companies in corporate Canada. Mike’s many years of community volunteering earned him the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award in 2012.

Susan Durnin, Administration Lead (She/Her)
Susan Durnin has over 10 years of arts administration experience in office operations and management, grant writing, concert and tour logistics, and event production. Susan has served in administrative roles for Andrew Kwan Artists Management, the Association for Opera in Canada, and the Canadian Opera Company’s Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre. Susan recently completed a Certificate in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Management from Ryerson University, which adds to her educational foundation, a Bachelor of Music from the University of Manitoba. During her free time, she is involved with DFM, a quirky electric bassoon cover band, and performs in community and professional orchestras. Susan brings a unique perspective to her administrative work in the arts sector, and looks forward to building relationships within the Mississauga community.

Jacqueline Mak, Creative Designer/Strategist (She/Her)
Jacqueline Mak has 4 years of Art Direction experience. Her work at BBDO Asia and Oglivy One Hong Kong saw her working with brands such as Visa, Metlife, P&G, Mercedes, Purina, and Bayer. Returning to Canada to pursue a career as a visual artist, she has created works for Art Gallery of Ontario, Art Gallery of Mississauga’s 42nd Juried Show, City of Mississauga, Living Arts Centre and has been featured on CBC Arts, VICE, and The O.G. She holds a postgraduate degree in Sculpture and Installation from OCAD and has taught Visual Arts at VAM for 4 years. As a visual artist, her work challenges society’s views on critical issues that affect our daily lives that we seldom pay attention to.

Madison Espie, Development Manager (She/Her)
Madison Espie has worked in the creative arts community for 10 years as a student (Ottawa School of Art, University of Windsor), artist, educator, and arts administrator. With a fine arts degree, she loves printmaking, drawing, sculpture and taking inspiration from the landscape of wild places. She has been involved in local advocacy for the arts, a board member, and a facilitator; it was here that she discovered the importance of arts administrators and fundraising. This propelled Madison into completing a master’s degree at Queens University in Arts Leadership and Arts Management focused on community building and holistic relationships. Since her master’s, she has worked in various industries in the Nonprofit world like galleries, international development and food security; the common denominator being producing as much social good as possible. Madison enjoys meeting the community, you can find her at art galleries and live music venues, at a conference staying up to date on current practices or centre of a lake in her canoe.

Sherri Murray, Communications Manager (She/Her)
Sherri Murray has been working with Mississauga Arts Council since January 2020. During this time, she has facilitated MAC and Martys HUB communications, media relations and developed music and film/video arts programs. Notable projects she has worked on include MAC Music Spotlight, MAC Arts Cafe – Online Open Mic, Sauga Teens Got Talent, Sauga’s Summer Song Contest, Amphitheatre Unplugged, and the Screen Based Media Makers Industry Summit. She has 7 years of experience working in a variety of Multimedia Specialist and Communications based roles, including at Redbrick Communications and McMaster University. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies and Multimedia Arts with a minor in Theatre and Film from McMaster University. An artist herself, she enjoys experimenting with the medium of Photography in many different forms – Analogue Photography and Multimedia arts with a special interest in Photojournalism.

Sabrina Cunha, Multimedia Designer (She/Her)
Sabrina Cunha, a graphic designer, artist, and creative, joined the Mississauga Arts Council team in September 2020. During her time, she has had the privilege of rebranding MAC’s logo and creating a new visual identity that reflects MAC’s mission. She studied graphic design, art history, and studio art at the University of Toronto Mississauga and Sheridan College, and holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts as well as and an Advanced Diploma in Art & Art History. Sabrina is recognized as a Provisional RGD under the Association of Registered Graphic Designers. She is enthusiastic about merging her passion for art, culture, and design with the vibrant Mississauga arts community.

Maria Naqvi, Content Creator (She/Her)
Maria Naqvi is a creative storyteller with a keen eye for visual aesthetics, captivating narratives through photography, videography, and graphic design. She enjoys spotlighting and introducing the incredible local talent of the community through engaging short-form content. In her free time, she likes to dog-sit and unintentionally burn food while watching cooking tutorials.

Patricia Dolor, Arts& Culture Reporter (She/Her)

Ron Duquette, Interim President
Television writer producer, former Citizen of The Year honouree, Board of Governors for the Living Arts Centre, Chair of the Tim Horton’s Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival, President and Founder of Mississauga’s Legend’s Row, Chair of Starr’s on the Credit fundraiser for Children’s Aid.

Charles Chu, Treasurer
CPA, CA who specializes in small business. Previous experience with non-profit organizations on board of the Mississauga Chinese Business Association.

Sarah Rustomji, Secretary
Sarah is a lawyer at Pallett Valo LLP in Mississauga. Sarah advises regarding all aspects of commercial litigation, including shareholder disputes, debt collection, and breaches of contract. Sarah is an avid theatre-goer and enjoys spending her free-time at art galleries.

Anna Adams, Director
Business strategist and employee performance and talent development and sales coaching. Anna is currently the Director of Membership Services and Programming with the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT) overseeing event production/programming for the last 10 years.

Helen Almeida, Director
Executive search professional, filling functional leadership positions across Canada. Helen enjoys spending her free time with family and harvesting her creative energy on arts, serving her community.

Jason Chellew, Director
An accomplished event planner and sales and operations manager with more than 18 years of experience in overseeing highly successful private and corporate events — including fundraisers, galas, product launches, and receptions. Jason has an extensive background in theatre performance and television production.

Deta Constantine, Director
Chief Human Resources Officer at Nextech AR Solutions, Deta is a people leader with years of experience in human resource management and great instincts on what it takes to nurture a culture that empowers the passions and talents of people. A strategic thought leader, contributing to the overall direction of a growing organization. 

Wendy Furtenbacher, Director
Wendy is a Certified Cheese Professional, and has held a variety of industry roles including cheese educator, cheese monger and business development manager. Prior to a life on the wedge, Wendy earned her BFA in Art History, and has continued her connection and involvement with the community through a number of arts organizations across the country. 

Christine Griffin, Director
Passionate senior leader, mom, mentor and arts advocate with a background in health benefits management, sales and account management who thrives in a collaborative environment. Christine brings over 20 years’ experience in facilitating partnerships, client relations and fostering an objective perspective to formulate strategies around existing and potential opportunities.

Imran Hasan, Director
President Transglobal Systems of Canada Inc., a telecom manufacturer. Dedicated to supporting community building and through numerous local charitable initiatives.

Sumeeta Kohli, Director
Founder of Glocal Marketing, a company specializing in marketing, events management, and digital branding initiatives. Advocate for initiatives that create further steps for Diversity and Inclusion.

Jung Ah Kwon, Director
Jung is senior counsel for a Crown corporation and values community involvement through her volunteer work.  

Filip Plaskota, Director
Founder of Creators at Play, a digital marketing agency specializing in the creation of original video content for a non-profits, charities, small businesses, and broadcast media.

David Ho, Advisor
David T. Ho is a lawyer who practices in the areas of real estate and criminal law. His commitment to the community has earned him a reputation as a knowledgeable and dedicated advocate. He is passionate about supporting the missions and growth of the Mississauga Arts Council.  

Ken Jones, Advisor
Managing Partner of a high value strategic business consulting service. Formerly a Board member and President of MAC, Ken is pleased to be back and remains active playing in the Pops orchestra.

Amena Mohammad, Advisor
Senior Manager in Consulting at Ernst & Young. An avid dancer/performer in her youth, and now supporting the growth of the Arts in Mississauga.

Tracy Xavier, Advisor
A Physiotherapist and Crisis Responder with the national Crisis Text Line. Tracy has been an active community leader through her fundraising and volunteering efforts and enjoys her passion for music by singing both in a choir and a band.