MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release – May 17, 2001
Banff, Alberta CANADA

Banff, AB - The Banff Centre Board of Governors has unanimously appointed Mary E. Hofstetter as president and CEO of The Banff Centre, effective May 17, 2000.

Mary Hofstetter joined the Centre in July 1999 as executive-vice president and chief operating officer. In March of 2000, she was appointed acting president and CEO while president Graeme McDonald was on medical leave. "During the past 14 months Mary has provided strong leadership to the Centre, and the Board has every confidence in her capability to continue the many initiatives begun during her acting tenure," says Margot Kitchen, chair of the Board of Governors for The Banff Centre.

An accomplished leader, Mary Hofstetter has a proven background in both the arts and post-secondary education administration which make her ideal for leading The Banff Centre. Before joining the Centre, Hofstetter served as general manager and COO of The Stratford Festival (1996-98), president and CEO of Sheridan College (1988-96) and vice-president, Academic of Mohawk College (1984-88). "I am honoured to be appointed President and CEO of one of Canada’s great cultural institutions and look forward to building on the momentum created by Graeme McDonald," says Hofstetter.

Former president and CEO Graeme McDonald decided to leave the Centre after a long battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and subsequent health challenges.

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Visit our Web site for bios, photos, and background information at www.banffcentre.ca/pres

For Interviews with Mary Hofstetter contact:
Connie MacDonald, Director, Communications Ph: (403) 762-6154 or (403) 762-0932

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