Screen Nova Scotia has named Laura Mackenzie as executive director of the organization.

Mackenzie first joined the not-for-profit industry org as its interim exec director in March 2018, following the departure of Erika Beatty.

“Laura’s depth of national and international marketing and programming experience fits perfectly with what we are looking for to take that next step as an organization,” said Mike Volpe, Screen Nova Scotia chair.

Prior to joining the organization, Mackenzie served as a programming consultant for the CMPA’s Prime Time in Ottawa for three years. She also previously led the Atlantic Film Festival’s Strategic Partners program, an annual international film and TV copro and co-financing market held in Halifax.

“This industry has been developed and sustained by a long line of truly creative, passionate, hard-working professionals, and together we’ll take the next steps towards exceeding #NSFILMJOBS greatest capacity,” said Mackenzie in a statement.

Screen Nova Scotia’s exec director position was first created in November 2015 after the provincial government announced it would funnel $475,000 in funding toward the organization over two years to support the development of a long-term strategic plan, among other goals.