The Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre is pleased to announce Wendy Fairbairn as General Manager and Tom Rose as Curator and Operations Manager of the Muskoka Discovery Centre.
Wendy has a strong leadership background within Muskoka and beyond in the arts and culture field, building annual programming resulting in growth in tourism and community participation.
Her leadership roles at the Orillia Opera House, Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville, Vaughan Playhouse Theatre in Thornhill, and Red Barn Theatre in Jackson’s Point well equip her to direct the future of the Muskoka Discovery Centre.
“I am excited to lead this organization forward, building on its current achievements,” says Wendy. “The Centre is a very special place where families, local and visitors can learn, be entertained and inspired.”
Tom comes to us from the City of Orillia’s Business Development, Culture, and Tourism Department, where he has helped with the continued success of multiple longstanding cultural institutions such as The Leacock Museum National Historic Site and the iconic Orillia Opera House.
He has a diverse professional and educational background, earning credentials from Lakehead University, Georgian College, and Wilfrid Laurier University.
Some of his most recent work includes developing a guided Arts and History bus tour of Orillia with the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH), a project which not only worked to bring the vibrant history of the city to life for those with accessibility concerns but was also incredibly creatively fun to do!
Tom hopes to maintain the fantastic momentum created by the hard work of MDC staff, volunteers, and community partners before him, and to continue to honour the rich and varied cultures of the Muskoka area in his work with the Discovery Centre.
“We welcome Wendy as the General Manager and Tom as Curator and Operations Manager of The Muskoka Discovery Centre,” says President John Miller. “With their leadership and experience we look to expand our tourist and local visitation and our already popular event hosting.”
