OAC Announces New Director of Research and Evaluation

On January 4, 2021, the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) welcomed Heather Alinsangan as she began her new role as Director of Research and Evaluation. Heather steps into the position following the December retirement of her predecessor, Kathryn Townshend.

“I am very pleased that Heather has joined the OAC team,” said Carolyn Vesely, CEO. “Heather brings the unique skill set necessary for the Director of Research and Evaluation, and as OAC undertakes strategic planning this year, her leadership will be essential.”

About Heather Alinsangan

Heather Alinsangan has more than 15 years of experience leading and implementing quantitative and qualitative research initiatives as well as strategic planning, performance measurement, policy development and advocacy.

Heather comes to OAC from the YMCA of Greater Toronto where she was Senior Manager of Program Research and Development, heading evaluation studies on program impact and most recently managing a year-long community health research initiative that measured well-being in the GTA. Prior to this, Heather was Associate Vice President at Ipsos Reid Public Affairs where she was lead researcher in the charitable research division. This included partnerships with Amnesty International, Canadian Red Cross, the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer focusing on survey design, data collection, analysis, moderating focus groups and synthesizing the research into reports.