BEST WISHES TO DEB HARVEY

It was 1999, and the Grand Theatre was facing a million-dollar deficit and threatened closure. The board hired Deb Harvey as a consultant to come to London, and to help right the ship.

Deb did that and so much more.

She stayed on as the new Executive Director and lead the theatre to become one of the country’s top professional arts organizations. With 23 consecutive budget surpluses, Deb’s dedication, skill and passion shaped what the Grand Theatre is today: a strong and vibrant heart of the arts community.

Working with Susan Ferley, as Artistic Director, and then with Dennis Garnhum, Deb led with an uncanny ability to make things work, without compromising the quality of the work or the integrity of the theatre.

Deb gave herself unselfishly to the Grand and earned the respect and admiration of her wonderful team, the arts community, and the people of London. We would see her walking to work early in the morning, greeting people as they arrived for a show at night, and making her way back home once all was safely put to bed, ready for the next day.

Deb has accomplished so much including the renovation of the Spriet Stage, the purchase of the Scene Shop, the High School Project, and most recently, she raised over 9.5 million dollars and oversaw RENO2020. Deb also had the foresight to purchase a business interruption insurance policy just before COVID-19 wreaked havoc on arts communities around the world.

Once again, Deb saved the Grand, and we have now emerged renewed and anxious to share the legacy that she has built.

Deb is a wonderful person, a great golfer, and a friend of so many who wish her the very best as she embarks on the next phase of her life.

Ron Koudys President, Grand Theatre Foundation Board