The National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) is pleased to announce the election of Marlene Kendall to the position of chair of NSI’s Board of Directors, with Brad Pelman serving as vice-chair.

NSI also announces the appointment of new board member Carissa McCart, director of TELUS Studios.

Having fulfilled their terms, Prem Gill, Kim Guise and Carole Vivier are stepping down as board members.

“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to chair the National Screen Institute’s board and lead this vital organization into its next phase,” said Marlene Kendall. “I’m excited to continue NSI’s work empowering content creators to tell their stories on the screen and strengthening the Canadian media industry.”

“I look forward to working with Marlene Kendall and Brad Pelman in their new board positions and am grateful for their ongoing commitment to the National Screen Institute,” said Joy Loewen, acting executive director of NSI.

“On behalf of all staff, students and alumni, we offer sincere thanks to Prem Gill, Kim Guise and Carole Vivier whose support and expertise have been deeply appreciated. We also extend a warm welcome to Carissa McCart who will be an asset to the organization and serve us well going forward.”

As director of TELUS Studios, Carissa McCart leads a diverse team of talented filmmakers, designers, photographers and digital developers who expertly represent the TELUS brand and tell stories about Canadian communities.

Prior to joining TELUS in 2006, Carissa worked in marketing for the Knowledge Network and the Open Learning Agency for 10 years, inspiring in her a lifelong love of community-based programming and continuous learning.

Carissa started out as a writer but now channels her creative passion into supporting local artists, and finding and elevating new voices in storytelling.

2019-20 NSI Board of Directors

Chair, Treasurer: Marlene Kendall, CPA, CA
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, Manager, Internal Audit

Vice-Chair: Brad Pelman
The Fremantle Corporation, CEO

Melanie Hadley
CBC, Executive in Charge of Production, Drama

Vera Houle
Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), Director of Community Relations

Jean LaRose
Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), CEO

Michael A. Levine
Generic Productions Inc., President and Westwood Creative Artists, Chairman

Carissa McCart
TELUS Studios, Director

Virginia Thompson
Vérité Films, President