A CAT member and former oilfield supervisor is the new CEO of Central Alberta Theatre.
William Trefry, who organized the recent fundraising CAT Gala, has stepped into the top job, recently vacated by Morgan McKee.
Trefry, a Nova Scotia native, has been a member of CAT for four years and worked until last fall as a crew supervisor with an oilfield servicing company. Previously, he was a communications officer with the Canadian navy for nine years.
Trefry said he always thought his dream job would be planning special events — and this will now be a large part of his duties as chief executive officer with CAT.
Not only does CAT produce five dinner theatres and a musical every year, it also handles bookings for the 300-some events held annually at the Memorial Centre. As well, Trefry expects to oversee renovations of the auditorium, which require various fundraising efforts.
Trefry said he’s happy to embrace the artistic side of things at CAT, as well as the business side. “Part of our long-term plans are for the ongoing renovations at the Memorial Centre, which turns 50 in 2011,” he added, noting sponsorships and fundraising will continue to be top priorities.
One of the fundraisers he’s already planned is a raffle that will start next fall and feature a trip for two to New York City, as well as theatre tickets.
McKee stepped down last month for family reasons, after serving two years as CEO.
CAT president Erna Soderberg previously said she expects centre bookings and overseeing duties to be the main challenges for his successor, who will also be responsible for day-to-day operations of the CAT organization and its facilities.
lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com