Out on Screen Appoints New Executive Director

Stephanie Goodwin, executive director of Out on Screen

Stephanie Goodwin, Out On Screen’s new executive director, brings with her more than a decade of seasoned leadership experience as she takes the helm at the film festival on November 2, 2015. 

Goodwin has a demonstrated record of success in directing $2 million fundraising campaigns, negotiating high-stakes agreements with diverse stakeholders including governments and First Nations, and leading an award-winning team to excellence. She was a key player in the largest rainforest protection package in North American history, and BC director of Greenpeace. 

“Out On Screen has grown into a seasoned and mature queer arts and education organization, and the Board is excited to launch a new chapter under the leadership of Stephanie Goodwin. She brings a passion for the arts, an understanding of the transformative power of film to build vibrant communities, and the tested skills and expertise to grow the organization. Exciting times!” says James Ong, Out on Screen's Board Chair.

As an architect of the Great Bear Rainforest agreements, Goodwin understands what it takes to build and preserve an ambitious, visionary legacy. “Having built a reputation for high impact leadership wherever I am with Greenpeace, whether in the Brazilian Amazon or in European boardrooms, I am profoundly excited to be rooting myself with Out On Screen. I am ready to lead, to continue building a strong, lasting, queer arts organization with an ambitious vision and large supporting community.” says Stephanie.

One of Out on Screen's most innovative programs is Out in Schools, unique among queer film festival education programming. The curriculum pushes the leading edge of how to talk about sexuality and gender in classrooms and the facilitators are compelling role models who bring the queer and trans youth experience to life. “Education is an important component of making change.” Stephanie explains. “Out in Schools actively engages youth by providing a critical platform for dialogue between queer youth, their allies, and others about the queer lived experience.”