Our Board Members
Founded in 1984 by a group of visionaries and culturally-minded individuals dedicated to enhancing the ‘theatre life’ of the community, the Board of Directors oversees the business operations of Theatre Collingwood. The elected volunteer Board members are responsible for governance, fundraising, personnel, government relations, financial reporting and facilities.
The Board members work closely with the Management team to develop and maintain a healthy, non-profit, professional theatre company with charitable status.
As noted, our Board Members are all volunteers, and we thank them for all their time and dedication that they so generously give to support Theatre Collingwood!


First attracted to Collingwood for the skiing (1996), After having rented for a few years, then bought a condo in Cranberry Village, Richard and his wife Debra Friendly decided in 2004 to start building their future home and moved full time to the area in 2010.
Richard is semi-retired from the accounting firm he founded in 1990. He likes to say that he has kept the clients that are fun to deal with. Prior to forming his own firm he worked for one of the big four accounting firms and had a stint owning part of an advertising agency prior to returning to the accounting profession in 1990.
Richard has served on numerous boards and most recently retired as and chair of the board of Cross Country Ski Ontario. He remains active in the ski world as the treasurer of Southern Ontario District of Cross Country Ski Ontario, president of the Highlands Trailblazers (operating out of Highlands Nordic in Duntroon) and is an active race organizer and international level technical delegate. His previous board experience includes Commodore of the Etobicoke Yacht Club, treasurer and executive board member of Taffelmusik – (Canada’s premier baroque orchestra), Vice Chair of Junior Achievement (Peel Region) and the YMCA (Mississauga).
He is a long term audience member of live theatre and doesn’t have an acting bone in his body. Richard can be found not only enjoying Theatre Collingwood, but also at the Shaw, theatre in Toronto and if while on vacation there is a theatre near, he and his wife Debra will take in a show or two.


He is past President (2002-2003) of the Rotary Club of Collingwood and a three time Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. He is a founding member of the Collingwood Dragon Boat Festival and, over the years has been involved with several fundraising events and organizations such as the Humane Society, and of course Theatre Collingwood. Harold has also been involved with The Gaslight Tour in Collingwood since its inception and has played several roles on stage over the past few years.
Harold’s passion for acting and theatre got him involved in supporting Theatre Collingwood. He has seen many changes over the years, not the least of which has been the numerous venue changes from our local high school and then to the current performance space at The Historic Gayety Theatre.
A frequent guest on local radio shows, he continues to “spread the word” about Theatre Collingwood, in the Georgian Triangle and beyond.
David was a partner in Gowling WLG for 30 years where he served over the years on the firm’s Executive Committee and Board of Trustees. He previously served as Chair of the Ontario Centres of Excellence, the Ontario Energy Association and the Canada-US Business Association.
David particularly loves his time on the Board of Theatre Collingwood with its creative spirit and great sense of teamwork.


Marie has also been actively involved with several other community-based organizations. She was chair and a member of the board of directors of the National Ballet School and is the former president of the National Ballet School Foundation. She was also a governor of the Canadian Unity Council.

After completing his MBA at the Schulich School of Business he had a 40+ year career holding senior management positions in general management, marketing\communications, sales management with Nestle, Jostens Inc., Torstar, Mississauga Living Arts Centre and others.
Rob’s seven years with the Mississauga Living Arts Centre as Director of Marketing and Communication and on the leadership team will provide valuable experience for Theatre Collingwood.
Since moving to Collingwood he has become a member of the CACE (Collingwood Arts Culture Entertainment) Group and the Condo Board in his community.
Rob is looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to the success of Theatre Collingwood.

