The Ottawa Film Office (OFO), the local not-for-profit organization dedicated to growing Ottawa’s film and television industry, is delighted to announce the election of its new Board of Directors following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on June 25, 2026.
The newly appointed board brings a powerful combination of creative industry leadership, corporate expertise, and community oversight to support the organization’s strategic direction for the 2026–2029 term.
Key Board Leadership Updates
- Kelly Haussler (Ottawa Tourism Representative) is stepping down from her role as Board Chair but will remain actively involved with the board as Past Chair.
- City Councillor Sean Devine (Mayor’s Designate) continues his dedicated service as the board’s Treasurer.
- Kyle O’Byrne continues in his role as Board Secretary.
Recommended Slate of Directors (2026–2029 Term)
The following individuals have been officially elected to the Board of Directors:
| Name | Board Seat / Category | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Cory Morrison | Animation Representative & Co-Chair of Advisory Committee | Big Jump Entertainment |
| Phil Sampson | Live-Action Representative & Co-Chair of Advisory Committee | Stonehenge Media |
| Conor Cronin | Director at Large | Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP |
| Tom McSorley | Director at Large (Board Chair) | Canadian Film Institute |
| Bruce Raganold | Director at Large | Welch LLP |
Honouring Outgoing Board Members
The OFO Board and staff extend their deepest appreciation and gratitude to the outgoing directors whose final terms have concluded: Jeff Westeinde (THEIA Partners), Chris Wightman (Atomic Cartoons), Shane Boucher (1Department Entertainment Services), and Heather Ryall (Algonquin College).
“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our outgoing board members for their foundational contributions and tireless advocacy.”— Sandrine Pechels de Saint Sardos, Ottawa Film Commissioner
Jeff Westeinde (THEIA Partners)
Jeff has been a strong advocate for economic development and city-building initiatives that help position Ottawa as a competitive destination for screen-based production. His strategic perspective and commitment to growing Ottawa’s creative economy have been invaluable to the organization, especially to the soundstage development.
Chris Wightman (Atomic Cartoons)
Chris brought important insight from the animation industry and helped ensure that Ottawa’s diverse screen sector was well represented at the Board table. His passion for fostering local talent and strengthening the industry’s growth has made a lasting impact on the organization.
Shane Boucher (1Department Entertainment Services)
Shane has been a tremendous advocate for Ottawa’s production community and crew base throughout his time on the Board. His practical industry knowledge and commitment to building a stronger production ecosystem helped inform many of the OFO’s discussions and initiatives.
Heather Ryall (Algonquin College)
Heather has been a strong champion of education, workforce development, and industry collaboration. Her commitment to creating pathways for the next generation of creative talent has helped strengthen the connection between industry and education, benefiting Ottawa’s screen sector as a whole.
Kelly Haussler, Director, Ottawa Tourism (Board Chair 2024–2026)
During her tenure as Chair, Kelly played a pivotal role in guiding the Ottawa Film Office through an important period of growth and organizational development. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing the organization’s Strategic Plan, Business Plan, and Governance Framework. Kelly brought a thoughtful, collaborative, and solutions-oriented approach to every discussion, and her expertise, professionalism, and unwavering support have been invaluable to both the Board and staff.
Full 2026–2027 Ottawa Film Office Board of Directors
Executive Committee & Continuing Directors
- Kelly Haussler – Ottawa Tourism Representative (Past Chair)
- City Councillor Sean Devine – Mayor’s Designate (Treasurer)
- Kyle O’Byrne – Director at Large (Secretary)
- Kwende Kefentse – Director at Large
- Sheilagh Doherty – City of Ottawa Representative
- Sheldon McGregor – Director at Large
Newly Elected Directors
- Tom McSorley – Board Chair (Canadian Film Institute)
- Cory Morrison – Animation Representative & Co-Chair of Advisory Committee (Big Jump Entertainment)
- Phil Sampson – Live-Action Representative & Co-Chair of Advisory Committee (Stonehenge Media)
- Conor Cronin – Director at Large (Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP)
- Bruce Raganold – Director at Large (Welch LLP)
About the Ottawa Film Office
The Ottawa Film Office is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help stimulate Ottawa’s economy by attracting film and television production to the region, fostering the growth and development of the local film and television industry, and promoting the region as a preferred industry destination. Its services include location support, production attraction and development, and industry and government liaison and advocacy.
Media inquiries:
Tsenu Zelleke, Communication Coordinator, OFO
[email protected]
