After five years at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG), Lauren Gould will be stepping down as CEO in February 2025. Lauren joined the RMG on March 16, 2020, the first day of lockdown, at the beginning of the pandemic. While this made for an unexpected beginning, Lauren was able to navigate this time with proficiency and grace, establishing a deep culture of care for the gallery staff, Board, artists, and community.
During her time as the RMG’s leader, Lauren completed many important initiatives including the renewal of organizational policies, the realization of The Backyard Community Arts Greenspace, and the strengthening of the financial health of the gallery through growing revenue, eliminating the deficit, and developing an internally restricted reserve.
“Lauren‘s abilities as a caring, strategic, impactful and inspiring leader, and her passion for the arts have been deeply felt by the staff, Board, and the entire community that the RMG serves. She has accomplished many great things during her tenure with the gallery. Her stewardship and completion of many key initiatives leaves the organization better positioned to thrive in the future. While Lauren will most certainly be missed, we wish her well and look forward to seeing what new challenges she takes on next!” says Kegan Winters, Chair of the RMG’s Board of Directors.
“I know I speak for the entire staff team when I say that Lauren will be deeply missed. Her kindness, accountability and care for the staff have made a lasting impact on the gallery. I am grateful to have worked with a leader that embodies the values of the RMG and so thankful for all that she has done to strengthen the gallery, actively support artists, and build relationships within the community,” shares Leila Timmins, Senior Curator.
“I am fortunate to have worked with such a dedicated, joyous, creative group of people. Serving as the leader of the RMG has been my honour and given me great joy. The feeling of this place and space, its grounding in care, and belief in the power of the arts is truly remarkable. I have deep gratitude for each and every person I’ve connected with during my time at the gallery,” said Lauren Gould, “The RMG has a bright and brilliant future!”
Lauren, the Board of Directors, and senior staff will be working to ensure a smooth transition in leadership in the months ahead. The Board of Directors has struck an ad-hoc Transition Committee that will lead the search for a new CEO alongside Searchlight Partners. The posting can be found on the Searchlight Partners’ website.
