Cabinet Members

Derek Oland, Campaign Chair
Derek Oland is a well-known business and community leader whose generosity and passion have contributed to the economic vitality of our city and enhanced quality of life for its citizens.  As the Campaign Chair for Imperial Theatre’s Keep IT Live Campaign, Mr. Oland believes that the Theatre is a jewel we have a responsibility to preserve, now and for the future.

Senator Michael Meighen, Honourary Co-Chair
A Canadian Senator, lawyer and cultural patron, Michael Meighen is the son of philanthropist Theodore Meighen, and the grandson of former Prime Minister of Canada Arthur Meighen.  As Honourary Co-Chair of the Keep IT Live Campaign, Senator Meighen’s commitment stands testament to the belief that the Theatre is worthy of our highest level of support.

Wendy Nielsen, Honourary Co-Chair
Wendy Nielsen, an accomplished and celebrated international soprano and voice teacher, is Honourary Co-Chair of the Keep IT Live Campaign, and an ardent advocate of Imperial Theatre.  Ms. Nielsen, a native of New Brunswick, considers the Theatre to be of world-class distinction, and the ease of performing on its stage comparable only to that of the Metropolitan Opera House.

Jacqueline Oland, President, Imperial Theatre Board & Family Division Campaign Chair
Jacqueline Oland has been an innovator and contributor to many local community projects, and her graceful leadership and determination inspire others to help promote anti-poverty, education and the cultural arts. Imperial Theatre is very fortunate indeed to have Mrs. Oland’s commitment as President and for leading a very successful Family Division Campaign.

Lloyd Foote, President, Imperial Theatre Foundation
Lloyd Foote is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and a partner in a national accounting firm.  Imperial Theatre is among the many community-based services to whom he has generously given his time and support.   Lloyd originally joined the Theatre’s Foundation Board as treasurer, and currently serves as President.

Ron Outerbridge, Pacesetting Gifts Chair
Ron Outerbridge came to Saint John from Bermuda and is now a successful Atlantic area business entrepreneur.  Ron is contributing to the community, Imperial Theatre in particular, in a generous and dedicated manner, and his volunteer efforts and achievements to the Campaign have been paramount.

Bob Creamer, Major Gifts Chair
Bob Creamer is a partner in a successful Saint John-based law firm.
Bob is not a stranger to campaigning for the improvement for all, and his professional, easy-going manner and reputation in southern New Brunswick have proven to be invaluable to the Keep IT Live Campaign for Imperial Theatre.

Senator John Wallace, Community Gifts Chair, emeritus
John Wallace practiced law until his recent retirement.  John organized and led the Community Gifts Division of the Keep IT Live Campaign until he reluctantly stepped down to take on his newly appointed duties to the Senate of Canada. Although missed, Senator Wallace is wished the best and his appointment is lauded.

Ian Stead, Community Gifts Chair
Ian Stead is an investment advisor with a national securities firm, and is involved in many community projects and associations. He came to the Keep IT Live Campaign as an avid and productive member of the Community Gifts team and as a member of the Theatre’s Board of Directors.  Ian has graciously accepted the post of Chair for Community Gifts Division.

Cindy Millett, PR & Donor Recognition Committee Chair
Cindy Millett is Sales Manager for one of the largest corporations in the community, and has volunteered her extensive marketing and public relations services to the Keep IT Live Campaign. Her thought-provoking ideas together with her obvious affection for Imperial Theatre have provided the Campaign with first-class public relations.

Don Mitchener, Treasurer
Don Mitchener, a Fellow Chartered Accountant, is a New Brunswicker by choice, and Imperial Theatre harvests the benefits of his community contributions. He was Senior Tax Partner with a national accounting firm, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Keep IT Live Campaign as Treasurer. Don is Past President of Imperial's Board of Directors and is Treasurer and Board Member of the Imperial Theatre Foundation.

Peter D. Smith, General Manager, Imperial Theatre Inc.
General Manager of Imperial Theatre since 1998, Peter D. Smith brings to the table his extensive technical knowledge and experience in the performing arts and a natural talent for operations.  Combine these with his complete dedication and passion for ensuring Imperial Theatre is and will remain a centre of excellence for the performing arts, and you have the heart of the team of volunteers rallying to make this campaign a success. 

Gordon Fairweather, Honourary Counsel – In Memoriam
The Keep IT Live Campaign was honoured to have had Gordon serve as its Honourary Counsel.  Over many years of tireless public service (including serving as Canada's first Canadian Human Rights Commissioner) he was nationally and internationally recognized for his commitment to human rights and to civic, educational, cultural and social equality.  His love of the theatre and arts began very early in life, and he became an avid Imperial Theatre attendee and supporter with his wife, Nancy.

Mike Wennberg, Counsel
Mike's dedication to, and passion for, both Imperial Theatre and the arts in general is apparent from his long-term service to the Imperial Theatre and to other community arts organizations.  He has been a friend and supporter of the Theatre since long before its restoration in 1994 and has held the post of either director or president of the Board of Directors of both the Theatre and the Foundation from 1986 to 2008.  He is retired from the practice of law but continues to serve as counsel to an Atlantic Canadian law firm.

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