Edmonton Arts Council has named Renée Williams as the new Executive Director, and Arts Consulting Group (ACG) extends its congratulations on her leadership appointment. She began her tenure on November 12, 2024.
Renée has built her career on reminding locals of the magic of her home city and telling the world about this unique and totally authentic destination. An artist in her own right, Renée’s musical journey began at a young age, and her appreciation for and participation in a myriad of art forms continues to this day. She is a lover of Edmonton’s vibrant festivals, theatre, exhibits, and live music, attending and supporting our eclectic and exhilarating arts community.
With a strong background in communications, media relations, customer experience, and marketing, Renée joined the Fort Edmonton Management Company (FEMCo) team in late 2019, after a nine year tenure with Edmonton Economic Development Corporation within the Edmonton Tourism division, culminating in her role as the Director of International Market Development. At FEMCo, as the Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Product Development, Renée provided oversight to the customer experience department and worked with the team to develop new product and experiences, expand profit centres and increase revenue streams.
Her professional work, education, and volunteer experience have given her strong strategic communications proficiency for over 20 years. Throughout her career, Renée has focused on corporate strategy development, strategic communications (offline, online, and social media), media relations, brand management, communications planning, and project management.
Recognized as a leader in her community and the workplace, Renée has had the opportunity to participate on key board and committee positions with volunteer organizations, which include: InterVivos 2020/2021 BIPOC Cohort Mentor, Destinations International Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, the Alberta Culinary Tourism Alliance, the Rossdale Revitalization Business and Community Advisory Committees, Travel Alberta Marketing Advisory Committee, the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta (as a Board Member), and co-chair of the Edmonton Junos 2023 Host Committee. Other achievements include the completion of her Certified Destination Management Executive program in 2019 through Destinations International, and representing Fort Edmonton Park as one of the recipients of the Themed Entertainment Association (THEA) award for the Best Heritage and Cultural experience for the Indigenous People’s Experience in 2022. A wife, mother, and community leader, Renée's outgoing personality, attention to detail, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to customer service excellence drive her passion and aptitude for teamwork.
ACG is the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement, strategic planning & community engagement, and facilities & program planning and research services for the arts and culture industry. ACG consultants are located in communities across the United States and Canada to best serve the needs of our clients. ACG team members have decades of combined senior leadership experience in every artistic and cultural discipline and area of functional management expertise.