The DOC Institute has named Lauren Howes(non-binary) as its new Managing Director, effective immediately.

Howes brings over 20 years of experience at the senior management level in the not-for-profit arts sector to the position. Most recently, they were Executive Director at the Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival, Canada’s largest festival of queer cinema. Prior to that, Howes was Executive Director of the Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre (CFMDC) from 2007-2021 where they grew the centre into a world-class hub to market and distribute Canadian films nationally and globally.

The DOC Institute, an initiative of DOC (Documentary Organization of Canada) Ontario, develops and delivers industry-leading programs to help documentary filmmakers succeed at every stage of their careers. As Managing Director, Howes’ responsibilities will include overseeing fundraising activities, managing finances, board relations, and supervising programming, staff and activities.

“We’re really pleased to have Lauren joining the team at the DOC Institute as Managing Director”, said James Weyman, Co-Chair of the Doc Institute. “They bring years of administrative and management experience in the not-for profit arts sector to the position. We’re looking forward to Lauren contributing to the next chapter of the DOC Institute as we continue to develop and deliver cutting edge training and knowledge-sharing programs for the diverse Ontario documentary community.”

Said DOC Institute Board Member Tiffany Hsiung: “On behalf of the Hiring Committee, we were all thoroughly impressed by Lauren’s exceptional commitment and outstanding accomplishments in the not-for-profit arts sector. It is truly fortunate for us to have found someone with Lauren’s unparalleled professionalism and extensive experience, coupled with an unwavering passion for the work. Their enthusiasm to lead and contribute to the growth of DOC Institute will undoubtedly propel us forward.”

“I am so excited to be joining the Doc Institute as the new Managing Director”, said Lauren Howes. “I have always had a passion for supporting the career trajectory of filmmakers and I’m so looking forward to working with the board and staff to build upon the industry development offerings of this venerable organization. There’s a growing membership of documentarians across Ontario and it’s a real honour to work amongst this vibrant community of creative talent.”