On February 23, 2015, the Arts Umbrella Board of Directors shared some important news with staff – that President and CEO, Lucille Pacey, has advised that she will retire from Arts Umbrella as of June 30, 2016.

Over the next 16 months, Lucille and the Board will implement a transition plan.  A rigorous search for her successor will begin now and lead to a transition period during which Lucille will play an integral role.

“When I joined Arts Umbrella I made a commitment to stay for 5 years, possibly 7, and it suddenly became 11 years.  I’ve had the opportunity to champion Arts Umbrella’s vision, and I’ve seen, first hand, the transformative power of arts education in the lives of children and youth,” says Lucille. “Now, it is time to plan for a personal vision including spending more time with my husband.”

Under Lucille’s stewardship, Arts Umbrella expanded its reach to deliver fine arts, theatre, dance, and digital arts education to regional community centers across Metro Vancouver including new facilities in Surrey Centre and South Surrey.

Lucille has played a major role in establishing and maintaining a strong presence and high profile in the arts community in BC and across Canada, and has proudly represented the interests of children’s art education at countless provincial and national meetings and forums.  In 2013, she received Business in Vancouver’s prestigious CEO of the Year Award for the non-profit sector.

The Board of Directors congratulates Lucille for her exceptional contribution to Arts Umbrella and for her energy, enthusiasm, and passion for educating children through the arts.