Confederation Centre of the Arts Welcomes Five New Members to National Board of Directors

New board members bring diverse expertise to help shape a renewed Confederation Centre as a place where Canada connects

(Charlottetown, PE) – Confederation Centre of the Arts is pleased to welcome five new members to its national board of directors: Cory Gray (Prince Edward Island), Dr. Paul Griffin (Toronto, Ontario), Joseph Handley (Yellowknife, Northwest Territories), Kent MacDonald (Calgary, Alberta), and Harvey McCue (Ottawa, Ontario).

“These five individuals bring an extraordinary breadth of experience, from business leadership and education to Indigenous governance and community development,” says Board Chair Robert Sear. “Each of them understands the importance of arts and culture in shaping strong, connected communities, and we are delighted to welcome their perspectives to the Centre’s national board.”

Centre CEO Steve Bellamy adds, “We are grateful to welcome Cory, Paul, Joe, Kent, and Harvey at such an important moment in the Centre’s evolution. Our volunteer board plays a vital role in stewarding this national cultural institution, and in helping us build relationships across Canada. As we look ahead to a renewed and expanded Confederation Centre, their insight and leadership will help ensure we continue to be a place where Canada connects, through dialogue, creativity, and shared experience.”

Cory Gray (PE)

Cory Gray is the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of The Gray Family of Companies, a diversified group of businesses operating across real estate development, hospitality, and related sectors. The organization includes The Gray Group Real Estate & Development, Fox Meadow Golf Course, H-Line Enterprises, and Holiday Haven Campground.

A graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Cory has established a strong track record in business leadership, with a focus on growth, development, and operational excellence. Under his direction, the organization has expanded its presence and contributed to economic development across Atlantic Canada.

Dr. Paul Griffin (ON)

Dr. Paul Griffin, is Senior Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at Humber Polytechnic. He holds a PhD in Management and has earned 23 professional designations, including CPA, CFP, and FCSI. Prior to academia, he spent over 25 years in financial services, most recently as National Director of Operations and Compliance at ING Canada.

An accomplished educator and author, Dr. Griffin co-authored Operations Management, a leading Canadian textbook used in over 60 institutions. He remains active in governance and professional leadership, serving on multiple boards including the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning (Vice-Chair) and the Insurance Institute of Canada’s Ethics Advisory Board. His work bridges academic excellence, industry expertise, and thought leadership.

Joseph “Joe” Handley (NT)

Joe Handley is a former Premier of the Northwest Territories with a distinguished career in public service, education, and governance. After early work as an educator in Canada and West Africa, he joined the Government of the Northwest Territories in 1985, serving as Deputy Minister across multiple portfolios before being elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1999. He later became Premier in 2003.

Following his political career, Joe has continued to serve on numerous national and northern boards, including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Aurora College, where he currently serves as Chair of the Board of Governors. A recipient of several national honours, including the National Aboriginal Achievement Award and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medals, he brings a lifetime of leadership and public service to the Centre.

Kent MacDonald (AB)

A native of Crapaud, Prince Edward Island, and long-time Calgary resident, Kent MacDonald brings decades of leadership in the IT sector, most recently as Senior Vice President, Strategic Alliances at Long View Systems. His contributions to the industry have been recognized with induction into the Cisco Canada Hall of Fame (2023) and as a Distinguished Alumni of Holland College (2025).

Kent is deeply engaged in community leadership, serving as Vice-Chair of Junior Achievement Southern Alberta and Alberta Co-Chair of the Centre’s Shared Voices Campaign. He has also held leadership roles with Big Brothers Calgary and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. He brings a strong combination of business expertise, governance experience, and a lifelong passion for arts and culture.

Harvey McCue (ON)

Harvey McCue (Waubageshig), CM, MA, LLD (Trent), is a nationally respected leader, educator, and advisor on First Nations issues, including health, education, governance, and economic development. A co-founder of Trent University’s Native Studies program – the first of its kind in Canada – he has held senior leadership roles including Director General of Indian Education at Indigenous Services Canada and CEO of the Mi’kmaq Education Authority. He is a member of the Order of Canada and recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws from Trent University.

Throughout his career, Harvey has contributed to Indigenous education and cultural advancement across Canada, including leading curriculum development for First Nations communities from Kindergarten through Grade 12. He has served on numerous boards, including the Stratford Festival, Ontario Heritage Trust (Chair), and the National Selection Committee for the Symons Medal. A proud member of Georgina Island First Nation, he brings a lifetime of leadership, scholarship, and cultural advocacy to the Centre.

Additional Governance

The new members join an engaged national board of directors from across Canada, including Chair Robert Sear (PEI), Vice-Chair Katie Arsenault (PEI), Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Jacqueline Goodwin (PEI), Hon. Patricia Bovey (MB), Bob Burns (AB), Katerie Coade (PEI), Heather Davidson (BC), Rani Dhaliwal (ON), Sean Finn (QC), Joanne Hames (NS), Donna McDougall (QC), Angus Orford (PEI), Hilary Pearson (QC), Lori Pendleton (PEI), Ned Pratt (NL), Hailey Rowswell (ON), and Margo Thompson (PE). Together, the board – along with the Centre’s Youth Advisory Board, Board of Governors, and Liaisons – bring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to support the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

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Media Contact: Laurie Kinsman, Director of Marketing & Communications, Confederation Centre of the Arts 📧 [email protected] | 📞 902- 628-1191 🌐 confederationcentre.com

Leadership & Governance