The Board of Governors has elected its executive leadership team for the coming year:
- Michael McEvoy moves from Vice Chair to becoming the 20th Chair of the Victoria Conservatory of Music (the first being Mrs. Alix Goolden)
- Amanda Wilson becomes Vice-Chair
- Jennette Toews becomes Secretary
- Alison McCluskey returns as Treasurer
As Shelley Williams completes her term as Board Chair, we celebrate her thoughtful leadership and her remarkable commitment to the Conservatory community. Her vision and dedication have positioned us strongly for the years ahead.
Notable changes to our Executive Committee
Michael McEvoy, Chair
Michael McEvoy is a lawyer, consultant and the former Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia from 2018 – 2024. He has served on the Board of Governors of the Victoria Conservatory of Music since 2019, most recently serving on the Executive Committee as Vice Chair and Chair of the Artistic and Academic Committee.
He has served the community in numerous roles; as a public school trustee for 12 years, including two terms as President of the British Columbia School Trustees’ Association and one term as President of the Canadian School Boards’ Association and as a campaign committee chair for the United Way of Greater Victoria. Michael obtained a Juris Doctorate from the University of Manitoba in 1985 and a Bachelor of Arts in 1980 from the University of Winnipeg.
Amanda Wilson, Vice Chair
Amanda’s varied career has encompassed public relations, communications and marketing for arts organizations on Vancouver Island and Toronto as well as businesses of all shapes and sizes. Through her work in local media and as the co-owner of Spark Strategic Group, she has become well known and connected within both the non-profit and business community in Victoria. Amanda is well versed in crafting engaging campaigns that drive revenue and awareness for brands and a big believer in authentic, honest strategies fueled by the selective and appropriate use of marketing tools.
Jennette Toews, Secretary
Jennette Toews’ career has focused on the management of federal and provincial health programs, policies and data across the life course, recently retiring as director of chronic disease surveillance at the Public Health Agency of Canada. She has significant experience in engaging with provincial and territorial governments as well as with Indigenous and non-governmental organizations. She managed the federal maternal and child health programs supporting vulnerable women and children and developed safety and security initiatives for at-risk seniors including initiating the national seniors falls prevention program and the first national report on seniors falls in Canada, which was adopted as a model by the World Health Organization. She has an enduring passion for music and has studied piano, flute, and voice and has taught flute and participated in several music ensembles, including the Calgary Youth Orchestra. Jennette has a deep appreciation for how music can enrich lives and bring community connections.
The Board of Governors of the Victoria Conservatory of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members: Thorsten Hanisch, Debbie Hlady, and Cameron Rice-Gural.
New Board Members
Thorsten Hanisch
Thorsten Hanisch is an economist, executive coach, and former senior executive at Bertelsmann, the German global media group and parent company of BMG Music and Penguin Random House. During his 25 years of international leadership experience, he has worked at the intersection of digital transformation, corporate governance, and customer experience strategy. His career began with the nonprofit Bertelsmann Foundation before he moved into corporate leadership roles within the group, ultimately serving on the executive management board of Arvato, Bertelsmann’s services division. Thorsten is also a co-founder of the I2A Network, an international team of independent coaches and advisors, where he focuses on supporting executive leaders through digital and organizational change.
Originally from Germany, Thorsten immigrated to Canada in 2021 with his Canadian wife and two children, relocating family and businesses to Victoria. As a long-time “music parent,” he supported his daughter’s violin studies from early childhood through competitive youth orchestra programs in Germany and her years at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. This experience has shaped his appreciation for the Conservatory’s mission and its role in the cultural life of Victoria, which he and his family are proud to call home.
Debbie Hlady
Debbie Hlady has a long career in educational leadership and teaching. She served as the Dean of the School of Arts and Science at Camosun College, where she had the privilege of working with Conservatory staff promoting and developing post-secondary programs, and celebrating students pursuing their musical education. Prior to becoming Dean, Debbie served as the Chair of the College’s English Department, and taught English at Camosun, the University of Victoria, and overseas in Kitakyushu, Japan.
Debbie’s administrative and leadership experience includes being the Chair of the BC Deans of Arts & Science group; a member on Camosun’s Board of Governors and Education Council; a systems liaison for the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer; and a committee member on Degree Quality Audit Board reviews for the Ministry of Advanced Education.
She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba, a Graduate Diploma in Education from Monash University, and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Victoria.
Debbie’s lifelong love of music began with participation in school choirs and bands, and she believes in the power of music to enhance everyone’s education and wellbeing.
Cameron Rice-Gural
Cameron Rice-Gural is a Chartered Professional Accountant with significant experience working with not-for-profit organizations. Cameron is currently a Senior Manager in audit at KPMG. Her portfolio serves over 40 clients with a focus on not-for-profit and government entities. As an auditor she understands the importance of financial integrity in building trust in stakeholders and building long-term organizational resilience. Cameron has spent most of her life in Victoria, and as a child, spent most of her time studying piano at the Conservatory. She credits her time on the keyboard as a critical factor in shaping who she is today. Cameron appreciates how music connects people, enriches cultures, and supports youth —it’s an essential part of life for her.
