Andrew Humeniuk is the Executive Director of the Humeniuk Foundation, where he leads strategic giving, community partnerships, and long‑term philanthropic planning for one of Niagara’s established family foundations. With a background in film, communications, and cultural programming, he brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, heritage stewardship, and community development. Andrew is also the Co‑Founder and Executive Director of The Brown Homestead, guiding its restoration, governance, and public engagement initiatives. He is known for his collaborative approach, strong regional networks, and commitment to strengthening arts, culture, and community‑building across Niagara.
Cat Bird is a seasoned music industry leader with more than three decades of experience supporting artists, strengthening creative teams, and building the structures that help emerging talent grow sustainable careers. Her work spans artist management, publicity, label operations, program development, and nonprofit leadership, giving her a rare, 360-degree understanding of what artists need at every stage of their journey.
As the founder of Catbird.ca, Cat has raised over $9 million in grant revenue for musicians, filmmakers, arts service organizations, and multimedia creators. Her grant writing and fundraising work is grounded in rigorous research, clear communication, and a relationship-driven approach that has supported hundreds of artists and cultural organizations across Canada.
Cat has held senior roles with Linus Entertainment, True North Records and Stony Plain Records, as well as IDLA distribution where she managed complex, multi-stage projects, that ranged from leading artists through release plans, marketing campaigns, and long-term career planning to introducing a custom digital warehouse management system. Her experience includes designing custom digital tools, developing technical solutions, and implementing new operational systems to improve workflow and artist support.
Her commitment to community and governance is reflected in her work as an executive board member of the Niagara Jazz Festival, where she has helped renew donor relationships, develop sponsorship strategies, sculpt bylaws and eliminate over $40,000 in long-term debt, stabilizing the organization and strengthening its future. She is deeply familiar with ONCA legislation and nonprofit best practices.
Most recently, Cat has taken on a role as Operations Manager for New Sun Records, an Indigenous-owned label and management company. This role has deepened her commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and culturally grounded artist development. She works closely with artists and their teams to coordinate workshops, manage schedules and budgets, support grant applications, and build pathways to long-term opportunities.
Cat also is owner of Borealis Music a boutique record label and management company focused on Canadian folk and blues artists. She additionally is co-owner of Cherry Wink, a CD and vinyl manufacturing and distribution company. Catbird Music Inc has grown into a booking agency and radio promotion company under Cat’s guidance.
Ultimately there is very little within the music industry that Cat Bird has not developed an in-depth knowledge of. She is known for her warmth, clarity, and collaborative spirit with all facets of the industry. She brings a steady, artist-first approach to every relationship and thrives in environments where creativity, community, and professional development intersect. Whether coordinating multi-artist programs, liaising with industry partners, or guiding emerging talent through new opportunities, she is dedicated to helping artists grow, connect, and build meaningful careers.
CatBird Music Inc / BorealisMusic.ca / New-Sun-Music / CherryWink.ca
Hello dear reader. Yes, I am a member of Niagara’s Jazz Festival Board of Directors. Better late than never. I would have been much sooner, but career got in the way and then retirement…my where does the time go.
First 10 years of my working life an on-air radio jock, then 20 years as owner of an Ad Agency, then 10 years a radio station owner and manager and finally 17 years as owner operator of a digital, large format full colour printing company producing images for window coverings, vehicle wraps, banners, signs, etc.
I’m in love with our Jazz Festival; it’s founder and all it’s volunteers. I intend to play my part with this Board guiding and supporting the festival. May it last forever !!!!!
Although Lesley Mitchell-Clarke is a familiar name in the realm of media relations, she has also been nearly a life-long performer, and has worked in virtually all phases of the entertainment business, beginning as a ten year old principal singing and dancing actress with the Los Angeles area “Sherman Oaks Children’s Repertory Theatre” – along with cast-mate, Melanie Griffith. Born into a show business family (Lesley’s father is the late veteran jazz bassist and Emmy Award winning comedy writer and producer, Whitey Mitchell and her Uncle was the late jazz bass legend, Red Mitchell), Lesley leapt into her professional career directly following an early graduation from High School at age 16. She has worked as a busy singer/dancer, and traveled with a number of name acts, including Tommy Sands, Fabian and Robert Goulet. Lesley has appeared in numerous television shows, features and TV Movies, including “Logan’s Run”, “The Jeffersons”, “Happy Days”, “Laverne and Shirley” and “Divorce Court.”
After touring the Orient extensively with her own musical group, “Main Squeeze”, Lesley owned and operated a recording studio in Los Angeles where many jazz projects and much of the vocal work for Hanna-Barbara Cartoons was recorded. Lesley has also worked in production on NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson”, “The Hollywood Squares” and “The Midnight Special” as well as numerous productions for Merv Griffin, Dick Clark, Bob Hope, Mark Goodson and Chuck Barris.
Lesley Mitchell-Clarke has also been busy as an arts and music writer, contributing to publications such as L.A. Jazz Scene, Hot House – Florida and New York, The Manhattan Mirror, The Whole Note, TheLiveMusicReport, CODA and Jazz Canadiana.com, as well as penning a number of CD liner notes, including a set for Freddy Cole’s recording, To the Ends of the Earth (Fantasy Records). Lesley was an associate, and later an account executive with the highly regarded New York City public relations firm, Third Floor Media (founded by Helene Greece). During her tenure there (as well as independently) she handled a variety of accounts for many major recording labels including projects for Concord Records, Atlantic, Sharp-Nine, GRP, Koch, Brownstone, DRG, RCA Victor/BMG, Nonesuch Records, Telarc, Columbia, and most of Warner Bros. jazz, covering both international CD promotions, tours and “live” performances.
A few of the major jazz artists with whom she has worked directly include Marian McPartland, Joshua Redman (for whom she was involved in a landmark endorsement hook-up between fashion giant DKNY and Redman), Marian McPartland, Barbara Carroll, Janis Siegel (of The Manhattan Transfer), Blossom Dearie, Fred Hersch, Larry Goldings, Brad Mehldau, Wallace Roney, Jeanie Bryson, Terence Blanchard, Kevin Mahogany, Cyrus Chestnut, Ray Anderson and Helen Merrill.
While at Third Floor Media, she was also the on-going publicist for the world famous jazz venue, “The Village Vanguard”, and helped orchestrate the memorable media event celebrating the historic club’s 60th anniversary. Other major projects included acting for several years as the New York press representative for The Montreal Jazz Festival, The Beacon Theatre/New Audiences Concert Series, The Playboy Jazz Festival, national publicity for the “Harmon Learn to Listen Program, featuring Wynton Marsalis”, and numerous events in conjunction with John Schreiber’s Office (JVC/Festival) and the “The Jazz Times Convention”.
Lesley Mitchell-Clarke continues to write for various arts related publications in addition to working as an actor. She has recently appeared in commercials for McDonalds, “Miller Light”, “Bounce”, and in the television show, “Queer as Folk” as well as in the feature film, “Paid in Full”, written and directed by award-winning actor, Walter Alza and also a feature role in the comedy from Brendan Jeffers, “Clive Houston, We Have a Problem” (winner of “Best Foreign Film” at the 2011 Nevada Film Festival). Lesley is married to the world-renowned Canadian jazz drummer and Member of the Order of Canada, Terry Clarke and has two talented two talented children in the arts, Kristopher and Isla.
Maria Mavridis is a municipal councillor for Niagara-on-the-Lake and a respected leader in the fields of events, tourism, and community development. With over two decades of experience, she has built a career centered on creating meaningful community experiences while supporting local economic growth.
Maria is the founder of Anchor Niagara, an organization known for producing high-impact events that celebrate arts, culture, and community while raising funds for charitable causes. Her work has included collaborations with local, national, and international partners, bringing world-class entertainment and programming to the region.
Her background in hospitality includes more than a decade in senior leadership roles, including serving as General Manager at Corks Restaurant, where she oversaw operations, team development, and guest experience at one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s busiest establishments.
As a councillor, Maria is recognized for her commitment to transparency, fairness, and long-term planning. She advocates for data-driven decision-making and policies that balance the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors while preserving the unique heritage of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Maria has also contributed to several boards and committees, including being a founding member of the TD Niagara Jazz Festival, and continues to champion initiatives that strengthen community engagement, cultural development, and sustainable growth.
With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, Michelle Bruce brings a strategic, multi-disciplinary approach to business growth. As both a real estate agent and small business consultant specializing in the real estate industry, she works closely with agents, entrepreneurs, and clients to refine their marketing, strengthen their positioning, and navigate important business and life decisions with greater clarity and confidence.
At the core of her work is a genuine belief in people—their potential, their ideas, and their ability to build something meaningful with the right guidance and perspective.
With a background that spans digital photography and design, public relations, and sales and marketing, Michelle brings both creative and strategic thinking to everything she does. Her work is rooted in elevating experiences—ensuring that every touchpoint, from brand to client interaction, is intentional and aligned—giving her a well-rounded perspective on how brands are built, communicated, and scaled. Michelle is known for translating ideas into clear, effective execution that drives real results.
Born and raised in Niagara, she brings a deep appreciation for the community she serves and believes there is a kind of everyday magic in the region—its people, its pace, and the opportunity it offers to build a meaningful life and business.
Now that U.S. Congressman George Santos must end his creative resume writing service, I must write my own. It must be brief. And the truth. My qualifications to be on the Niagara Jazz Festival Board are short, and therefore brief. As a result, it is true. I love Jazz! Don’t know much about it but my passion has notably helped other Jazz Organizations like JAZZFM 91, winner of the World Radio Awards “Best Jazz Format in the World”. I consulted on its marketing when it launched in January 2001. For its first 5 years I helped build its new brand, plus advertising and sponsorship revenues to record highs. I’ve helped other arts organizations in Niagara too, including Stage (Press Theatre) and Music (Garden City Productions.) Over 60 years as a leader in Canadian Broadcasting I’ve supported many other not-for-profit organizations as well.
Patrick Little has practised law in St Catharines since 1976 and served on the executive of several cultural, heritage, athletic and business organizations. And he’s not good enough to play as much croquet as he does.
Sandra Sproul is an enthusiastic leader with strong work ethics, a collaborative and inclusive leadership style that fosters cooperation and trust. Sandra has over 30 years’ experience in leading diverse teams of professionals in the corporate, educational, and not for profit industry. She has demonstrated the ability to establish effective working relationships, and a strong commitment to excellence.
Sandra has served various community and non-profit board organizations with a focus on building structure and accountability to the communities that they serve.
A resident of St. Catharines and a self-employed business owner, Sandra believes in putting people first and encouraging them to build a foundation for the life they want to live.
Tim Johnson, interim chair of the Niagara Jazz Festival and president of the Niagara Academy for Indigenous Relations serves as Indigenous advisor on museums, heritage, and legacy for the globally renowned cultural planning firm Lord Cultural Resources, was project director of the recently opened Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School exhibit and visitor experience for the Woodland Cultural Centre, and lead Indigenous curator of Sho’aríshon Park, the Neutral Nation Legacy Site in the Town of Lincoln. He served as artistic director of The Great Niagara Escarpment Indigenous Cultural Map, project director of the Greenbelt Indigenous Botanical Survey, conceptual educational force in the development of the Framework for Essential Understandings About Indigenous Peoples of the Niagara Region, co-editor of the book Landscape of Nations: Beyond the Mist, that covers 13,000 years of Niagara’s Indigenous history, executive producer of the multiple award-winning documentary RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked The World. As a follow up to that film, Tim conceptualized and co-produced First Ladies of Jazz, a concert that toured Ontario. He was also the curatorial lead on many other Indigenous memorials, parks, and public artworks in the Niagara Region. As the former associate director for Museum Programs at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian, Tim managed the museum’s largest organizational group across its facilities in Washington and New York. A long list of critically acclaimed exhibits, programs, and publications were produced during his tenure, creating an era that significantly advanced the institution’s museology and reputation. For his extensive experience over a career spanning more than 45 years, he received the Dreamcatcher Foundation Award for Art and Culture in 2016 and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.
