The Canadian Film Centre’s (CFC) search for a new head is over.

The organization announced Thursday (April 29) that maxine bailey has been appointed as executive director, taking over from 15-year CFC topper Slawko Klymkiw, who retired from the CEO post earlier in the spring. She begins the role May 3 and will report to the CFC’s board of directors.

bailey – whose name is stylized without capital letters – will not inherit the CEO title from Klymkiw, as the CFC is moving away from using “chief” in the titles of its executives. The organization is looking at reassessing all C-suite titles to harmonize them with bailey’s new title.

She will be tasked with implementing CFC’s strategic plan, managing its financial health and performance, and ensuring the success of its operations, according to a release.

“I feel privileged and honoured to lead the Canadian Film Centre – an institution that plays such a crucial role in shaping stories that reflect this country’s diversity — and to support and promote the next generation of Canada’s finest storytellers,” said bailey in a statement.

For 18 years, bailey was with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), serving most recently as VP of advancement. In the role, bailey was the principal liaison and chief fundraiser for TIFF’s government partners, donors and members supporting the festival and its year-round programming. In addition to the VP of advancement role (2009-2018), bailey was also the director of government relations (2005-2009) and manager of public affairs (2000-2005).

During her tenure with TIFF, bailey founded the Share Her Journey initiative, a five-year fundraising commitment to achieving gender parity both on and off screen.

She also co-founded the Black Artists Network in Dialogue (BAND), which showcases Black cultural contributions nationally and internationally, and currently participates on the advisory boards and steering committees for the Toronto Arts Council/Foundation Advocacy Committee, the Canadian Academy, Luminato Festival Toronto and the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund. She also sat on the jury for the 2018 Scotiabank Giller Prize and was named one of NOW Toronto’s Local Heroes in 2018.