Camilla Tibbs has joined the Pacific Screenwriting Program (PSP) as its new executive director as the Vancouver-based not-for-profit organization celebrates its fifth year in operation.

The PSP announced Wednesday (March 29) that Tibbs (pictured) will start working in the role in May and will be supported by Kate Anderson, programming manager for PSP’s flagship program the Scripted Series Lab.

As outlined in the posting for the position, the role includes managing all aspects of PSP’s internal operations and outward-facing initiatives as well as ensuring the organization meets its mission and vision as laid out by the board of directors.

As executive director, Tibbs will report to and work alongside the board and stakeholders to build on PSP’s successes and lead the organization through the next phase in its development. Tibbs will also be responsible for managing the program’s finances, including developing and overseeing PSP’s annual budget, board support and governance, engaging with key stakeholders as well as building and maintaining connections within the film and television production sector.

Tibbs will replace Alison Fraser, who was the program’s first executive director from January to July 2022 before stepping down to “focus on program delivery and executive leadership with a national scope through her consultancy KAF Consulting Group,” according to a news release issued at the time, which also said Fraser was returning to executive MBA studies that fall.

The release from last July also praised Fraser for her consultant work on the PSP Summit and a “successful delivery of a completely redesigned fourth edition of the Scripted Series Lab,” including her introduction of “brand new story editing, script punch-up, story coordinating and revamped mentorship modules to the 15-week training program, in addition to a full roster of events.”

Tibbs’ career spans more than 25 years in cultural management in Metro Vancouver and the U.K., including executive roles at the Vancouver Writers Fest and Touchstone Theatre in Vancouver. She is the current chair of at the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival and was most recently the executive director of Gateway Theatre in Richmond, B.C., where she led the organization through a “transformational process” and created an “innovative new vision for its programming and initiatives,” said the release.

Tibbs has also worked in marketing roles at the Arts Club Theatre Company in Vancouver and the London Symphony Orchestra.

“Camilla’s uniquely impressive background and passion to support the work of artistic creators will elevate our organization as we move forward with an ambitious agenda for growing the screenwriting community and fostering BC-based IP,” said PSP chair Brian Hamilton, in a statement.

Photo of Camilla Tibbs courtesy of Pender PR