Writers' Trust of Canada Announces New Executive Director

TORONTO, Dec. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - The Writers' Trust of Canada today announced the appointment of Mary Osborne as the organization's new Executive Director. She will replace Don Oravec, who announced his retirement earlier this year after nine years with the Writers' Trust. Osborne assumes the role in January 2013.

"Our primary goal in this search has always been to find the best possible candidate to help us take the Writers' Trust to a new level of excellence in supporting Canadian writers, "said Peter Kahnert, Writers' Trust Chair and senior vice-president, Raymond James Ltd. "This has been a long and intense search and we are grateful that so many talented individuals put their names forward. In the end, Mary stood apart for her breadth of experience, background, and passion for supporting our Canadian writers.

"Don Oravec has been a great leader and friend to many as head of the Writers' Trust. We know everyone in the Canadian literary community, as well as staff, corporate sponsors, Board Members, and many other friends of the Writers' Trust, join us in thanking Don for his many outstanding contributions to our writers."

Mary Osborne brings to the Writers' Trust a wealth of experience in strategic development, fundraising, public speaking, and advocacy on behalf of artists and the arts. Fluently bilingual and with an MBA from INSEAD in France, Mary has held senior marketing positions in the private sector both in Europe and in North America, and a senior management position with a non-profit arts organization in the U.S., in which role she led a regional theatre and education company through a period of significant expansion.

"I am delighted at this opportunity to lead the Writers' Trust into the next phase of its development and, working with its dedicated staff, to build on the organization's existing strong foundation," said Mary Osborne. "As a life-long lover of books and an advocate for Canadian culture, I believe strongly in the mission of the Writers' Trust and the essential services it offers to Canadian writers and readers. I look forward to working with all stakeholders at the Writers' Trust to take the pursuit of its legacy to new heights, and to new audiences both at home and abroad."

About the Writers' Trust:
The Writers' Trust of Canada is a charitable organization that seeks to advance, nurture, and celebrate Canadian writers and writing through a portfolio of programs, including literary awards, financial grants, scholarships, and a writers' retreat. Writers' Trust programming is designed to champion excellence in Canadian writing, to improve the status of writers, and to create connections between writers and readers. Canada's writers receive more financial support from the Writers' Trust than from any other non-governmental organization or foundation in the country. For more information visit writerstrust.com.

SOURCE: The Writers' Trust of Canada

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