Susan Durnin is a strategic arts leader and non-profit executive dedicated to building the organizational capacity and financial infrastructure that allow creative projects to flourish. Currently, she serves as the Operations & Development Manager for the Mississauga Arts Council, where she leads financial strategy, revenue diversification, and mission-aligned program development. A proven fundraiser, Susan has secured over $1.7 million in cumulative grant funding and is recognized for her ability to bridge high-level operational strategy with on-the-ground program delivery—ranging from large-scale community events like the MARTY Awards to strategic initiatives such as the TD Culture Lab.
Susan brings a 360-degree perspective to arts governance. As Board President of the Our Future Foundation, she provides executive oversight and strategic guidance, ensuring organizational health and sustainability. Her collaborative leadership style is further evidenced by her work as the General Manager of The ARC Ensemble, where she partnered closely with the Artistic Director to execute ambitious international projects and complex recording sessions.
Her career trajectory includes senior roles in artist management at Andrew Kwan Artists Management Inc. and administrative leadership for various chamber music collectives, including the Excelsior Ensemble Chamber Series. Susan holds a Certificate in Professional Fundraising from Boston University and a Certificate in Nonprofit & Voluntary Sector Management from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Beyond her executive work, Susan remains an active professional bassoonist. She is a founding member of two electronic bassoon ensembles, DFM and Rebel Bearcat, and performs regularly with orchestras across Southern Ontario, including the Toronto Sinfonietta and the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra. She holds an Artist Diploma from The Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Manitoba. Originally from Winnipeg, Susan is now based in Toronto, where she continues to support the growth of the local and national arts ecosystem.
April 2026
