The Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC) has announced that executive director Sarah Spring is exiting the post effective March 14.

A veteran documentary producer and advocate for the sector, Spring (pictured) was first named to the role in February 2020. During her tenure, the organization implemented governance changes to mandate 50% representation by Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals on its national board of directors, and saw its membership double to a record 1,500 members.

Spring helped introduce DOC’s first health plan, as well as the release of the country’s first report on mental health in the documentary sector. She also oversaw the release of “Getting Real 7,” a report examining five years of doc production in Canada, and conducted cross-country consultations with the community across each of DOC’s six regional chapters.

Spring’s time at the organization also coincided with the passing and implementation process of the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11), which saw her advocate that documentary production is integral to Canadian culture.

“Moving on from DOC was a difficult decision that was made after a lot of consideration,” Spring said in a statement. “The ways in which the community at every level has worked together towards our shared goals has been an extraordinary thing. I’m very proud of what we have accomplished.”

An interim executive director is expected to be named during the leadership transition while DOC’s board of directors conducts a search for her permanent replacement. Applications for the interim role are open until March 23.

Image courtesy of Documentary Organization of Canada