Martha J. Durdin, Chair
Martha Durdin was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Ontario Arts Council in July 2004, named vice-chair in June 2005, chair in 2006, and renewed as chair in February 2009. Her interest in the arts has led her to serve as a volunteer with a number of arts organizations, including past board positions with Opera Atelier and Factory Theatre. Other community activities include her former membership on the Fundraising Committee at Casey House and Homes First Foundation. She is currently a director of Business and the Arts in Canada, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, the Runnymede Health Centre and The Writers' Trust of Canada.
Ms. Durdin has more than 25 years of experience in the fields of marketing and communications, having served as VP of Media Profile, a Toronto-based agency, VP Corporate Affairs with BMO Financial Group and Head of Marketing and Communications with BMO Capital Markets. Her government experience includes Policy Advisor and Coordinator of the Canadian delegation to the United Nations End of Women’s Decade Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, and Media Relations Officer and Director of Advance in the Prime Minister’s Office. She is currently a Principal with Navigator Ltd.
A graduate of University of Western Ontario (BA Hon) and London School of Economics (MSc), Ms. Durdin also holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors at the Rotman School of Management.