The National Screen Institute (NSI) has appointed former board chair Marlene Kendall as the organization’s new CFO.

Kendall’s role began in August and sees her providing strategic leadership and overseeing all aspects of financial and risk management, budgeting, accounting, payroll and financial reporting functions, according to a news release.

Her remit also includes contributing to the long-term vision and strategic planning of the organization, and presenting financial reports and analysis to the CEO, executive committee and the board of directors. This is the first time the NSI is welcoming a CFO to its staff leadership team, a spokesperson tells Playback Daily.

Kendall joined the NSI’s board as treasurer in 2002. She took on the role of board chair, in addition to her role as treasurer, in 2019.

She served as chair until taking on the title of CFO, working closely with the board and CEO to move “the National Screen Institute forward along the journey towards long-term sustainability,” she said in a statement.

As CFO, Kendall will work more closely with the CEO and team as they “implement the remaining elements of the organization’s strategic plan, ‘Rebuilding for Sustainability and Greater Inclusion,'” she added. “This new role also feeds my passion for being a strong ally for underrepresented storytellers.”

NSI CEO Joy Loewen praised Kendall’s “nearly two decades of service to the organization,” noting her “heartfelt commitment to our vision uniquely positions her for this newly created role. She brings skills and experience which position us to achieve unprecedented growth and long-term sustainability.”

In May, the NSI unveiled a new brand, website, vision, mission and set of values as part of “a renewed commitment to nurture the voices of underrepresented content creators and the stories they share.” Recent efforts on that front include a partnership with Creative Saskatchewan on a crew training program and a partnership with The Shine Network Institute on an online cultural competency certificate course for the Canadian screen sector.