Former Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival executive director Lauren Howes has joined the DOC Institute as its new managing director, effective immediately.

Howes’ responsibilities include overseeing fundraising activities and managing finances and board relations at the organization, which is an initiative of the Documentary Organization of Canada’s Ontario chapter.

Howes will also supervise programming, staff and activities at the institute that develops and delivers programs for doc filmmakers at every stage of their careers, according to a news release issued Thursday (June 22).

Howes has more than 20 years of administrative and management experience experience in the not-for-profit arts sector, most recently in the aforementioned executive director role at Inside Out. They’ve also been executive director of the Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre, from 2007 to 2021.

Howes said they “have always had a passion for supporting the career trajectory of filmmakers” and want to “build upon the industry development offerings of this venerable organization,” in a statement.

DOC Institute board member Tiffany Hsiung said the hiring committee was “thoroughly impressed by Lauren’s exceptional commitment and outstanding accomplishments in the not-for-profit arts sector.”

“It is truly fortunate for us to have found someone with Lauren’s unparalleled professionalism and extensive experience, coupled with an unwavering passion for the work,” added Hsiung. “Their enthusiasm to lead and contribute to the growth of DOC Institute will undoubtedly propel us forward.”