Board of Directors

Join the PAC Board!

Are you passionate about the role of arts and culture in building vibrant, inclusive communities? Are you committed to the principals of strong governance, strategic oversight and community leadership by example?

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is seeking Volunteer Citizen Board Members from across the Niagara region and beyond to join its Board of Directors for a 3-year term beginning in January 2027. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and impact of one of Niagara’s leading cultural institutions.

The PAC is currently seeking candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: philanthropic leadership, corporate leadership, regional tourism expertise.

Please view our PAC Board Information Package and Application Form .

We invite individuals with diverse perspectives, skills and lived experiences to apply. Applications will be accepted until 4pm on Monday, September 28, 2026.

PAC Board of Directors

The mandate of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Board is to promote, develop and encourage the performing arts in the City of St. Catharines; operate the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and associated business; and provide related services for the benefit of the City of St. Catharines.

MEMBERS:

Lloyd Smith • Board Chair

Christina Atkinson • Board Vice Chair / Human Resources Committee Chair

Shelley Chemnitz • Finance & Audit Committee Chair
Peter Partridge • Fund Development Committee Chair
Christopher Yendt • Governance & Nominations Committee Chair
Stephen Gash • Citizen Member
Eileen Martin • Citizen Member
Roz Smith • Citizen Member
Victoria Van Hezewyk • Citizen Member

Councillor Jackie Lindal

Councillor Robin McPherson

David Oakes • Chief Administrative Officer - City of St. Catharines*

Tom Irvine • FirstOntario Credit Union Representative*

Colleen A. Smith • CEO, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre*

*Non-Voting Member

MEETINGS:

The Board will meet approximately 4 times a year or at the call of the Chair. Board meetings shall be open to the public, except for meetings or portions of meetings where the subject matter being considered is a matter permitted to be discussed in closed session pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Act, 2001.

2026 Meeting Dates:

Monday, January 19, 2026 – 3:00pm to 4:00pm (Special Meeting: Zoom)
Thursday, March 26, 2026 – 2:00pm to 4:00pm (Regular Meeting: City Hall – Burgoyne Woods Room)
Thursday, June 11, 2026 – 2:00pm to 4:00pm (Regular Meeting)
Thursday, September 24, 2026 – 2:00pm to 4:00pm (Regular Meeting)
Thursday, November 19, 2026 – 2:00pm to 4:00pm (Regular Meeting)

LOCATION: FirstOntario PAC (unless noted otherwise)

Meetings are accessible to the public through a mandatory RSVP process.
If you wish to attend and receive public meeting materials and a zoom link, please RSVP to [email protected] 48 hours before event.