Leah McDiarmid
Victoria,BC
Summary
Business entrepreneur and arts and culture advocate with a diverse background in the arts, hospitality, and interior design. Experienced Board Member skilled in strategic planning, governance, financial oversight and stakeholder relations. Strengths in leadership, conflict resolution, customer relations, and communication. Artistic strengths include building art community through representation, marketing, and public engagement.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Board Member
Tofino Arts Council
Tofino, British Columbia
05.2022 - Current
- Participate in regular board meetings.
- Serve as a liaison between cultural stakeholders.
- Identify areas of improvement in board operations and provide solutions to maximize efficiency.
- Support local artists via board participation.
- Hosted and curated the inaugural West Coast Visions juried exhibit in 2023.
Owner/ Art Gallery Director
Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art
Tofino, British Columbia
06.2021 - Current
- Develop and implement strategies to increase gallery visibility through marketing initiatives.
- Create and manage budgets, monitored expenses, and tracked revenue for the gallery.
- Organize and curate exhibitions of work from local, regional and national artists.
- Create artistic dialogue and representation between disparate mediums and themes.
Owner/Director of Operations
Tofino Beach Collective Inc.
Tofino, British Columbia
01.2021 - Current
- Boutique vacation rental management service.
- Manage daily operations of business, including hiring and training staff.
- Develop strategic plans to increase profitability and efficiency.
- Identify new opportunities for enhanced guest experience.
- Create marketing campaigns to attract new customers.
- Customize interior design and art curation.
- Collaborate with local businesses for amenity packages.
Owner/Director of Operations
Tofino Vacation Rentals Inc.
Tofino, British Columbia
01.2000 - 11.2015
- Managed daily operations of business, including hiring and training staff.
- Developed strategic plans to increase profitability and efficiency.
- Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
- Created marketing campaigns to attract new customers.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers.
- Oversaw budgeting and financial management.
- Analyzed industry trends to develop competitive strategies.
- Maintained relationships with existing clients by providing superior customer service.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Art History And Visual Studies (Honours)
University of Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia06-2020
Diploma - Architectural Interior Design
Pacific Design Academy
Victoria, British Columbia06-2009
Skills
- Operations Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Operational Efficiency
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Industry Expertise
- Talent Recruitment
- Marketing and Advertising
- Brand Management
- Policy Development
- Conflict Mediation
- Talent Development
- Cultural Awareness
- Attention to Detail
Timeline
Board Member
Tofino Arts Council
05.2022 - Current
Owner/ Art Gallery Director
Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art
06.2021 - Current
Owner/Director of Operations
Tofino Beach Collective Inc.
01.2021 - Current
Owner/Director of Operations
Tofino Vacation Rentals Inc.
01.2000 - 11.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Art History And Visual Studies (Honours)
University of Victoria
Diploma - Architectural Interior Design
Pacific Design Academy
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