David MacKenzie to lead 2014 celebrations

David MacKenzie, right, outgoing CEO of the Confederation Centre of the Arts, with Wayne Hambley, chairman of the board of the Confederation Centre of the Arts. MacKenzie will be heading 2014 celebrations for the province. His new post starts in August. Guardian file photo

July 18, 201

As published by The Guardian -

The man who has been at the helm of the Confederation Centre of the Arts for the past 10 years has a new role leading celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the historic meeting of the Fathers of Confederation.

David MacKenzie, the outgoing CEO of the Confederation Centre, will begin his new assignment in early August. His early priorities will be to work closely with various levels of government to draft a vision framework and business plan for the 150th celebrations.

“We need to ensure 2014 fits into a broader national celebration leading to 2017 and to hear from Islanders about a shared plan for this celebration,” MacKenzie said.

In the 2010 throne speech, the Prince Edward Island government promised a celebration that will reach out to all Canadians, and develop a legacy for the future.

That legacy is expected to be a provincial museum.

“We are delighted that a person of David’s background and skills has agreed to take on this important role,” said Premier Robert Ghiz.

“We believe that 2014 will be an important and special year not only for Islanders, but Canadians alike as we build towards 2017 which will mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of Canada.”

MacKenzie has served as the CEO of the Confederation Centre for the past 10 years. Prior to that he served as the founding executive director of the P.E.I. Capital Commission, which focused on developing and celebrating the Birthplace theme. He also managed Atlantic Canada House at the recent 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

“We need to ensure 2014 fits into a broader national celebration leading to 2017 and to hear from Islanders about a shared plan for this celebration,”- David MacKenzie

He has been an industry leader having served on the P.E.I. Tourism Advisory Council, the City of Charlottetown’s task force on arts and culture, the Canadian Arts Summit and the board of directors for Tourism Charlottetown.

MacKenzie’s gig with the province is a full-time, paid position. He’ll stay on with the province through to 2014.

Following work with federal partners, the provincial government will begin an extensive public engagement in the planning of the 2014 celebrations.

“To have a successful 150th celebration requires planning, vision and execution,” Ghiz added.

“It also requires being able to mobilize all of the key partners including the federal government, the community and industry to work together towards this goal. I look forward to working with others to make 2014 a special year as a lead up to 2017.”