Edmonton Arts Council announces new Executive Director

The Edmonton Arts Council (EAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Renée Williams as its next Executive Director. Renée Williams is a business leader and strategic communicator who comes to the organization with vast local experience, including at Edmonton Economic Development Corporation and Fort Edmonton Park Management Company. 

A committee of the EAC board selected Williams in an international search process guided by Arts Consulting Group. Regarding the committee’s selection, Don Ross, EAC Board Chair, said ​“the Board is really pleased to welcome Renée Williams to the role of Executive Director. Her background is so extensive in business leadership, marketing, communications and tourism. She made us believe she is the right person to lead our organization, and the evolving arts community, through the current climate with success. We look forward to working with her to advance the implementation of Connections & Exchanges, and work towards the next 10-year arts and culture plan.”

“I am so excited to join the team at the Edmonton Arts Council,” said Renée Williams. ​“This significant organization has been serving and supporting artists and our community for 29 years and I am honoured to step into this role and continue to grow such a foundational pillar of our city.”

Williams is passionate about Edmonton and all that it has to offer. She describes herself as ​“a lover of Edmonton’s vibrant festivals, theatre, exhibits and live music, attending and supporting our eclectic and exhilarating arts community.” She volunteered as co-chair of the 2023 Junos Host Committee, and ​“has built her career on reminding locals of the magic of her home city and telling the world about this unique and authentic destination.” She served most recently as the Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Product Development at Fort Edmonton Management Company where she was pivotal in their corporate rebranding and audience engagement efforts. Prior to Fort Edmonton, Williams spent nine years at Edmonton Economic Development Corporation/​Edmonton Tourism, culminating in her role as Director of International Market Development. 

Williams will officially join the EAC on November 12, 2024. She takes over the position from Sanjay Shahani, who led the EAC from July 2016 to March 2024. 

Williams will be at the Edmonton Arts Council Shop & Services on Churchill Square on Thursday, December 5 from 3:30 – 6:30 pm to meet members of the arts community over light refreshments. Please join us, stop by and say hello, and welcome Renée Williams to her new role as the Executive Director of the Edmonton Arts Council!