–Alberta’s Robert Burns joins national board-

The Fathers of Confederation Buildings Trust, known as Confederation Centre of the Arts (CCOA) is very pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Burns to its national board of directors.

“Robert Burns comes to us with a strong business background and a wealth of experience with local boards and community initiatives,” says Robert Sear, CCOA board chairman. “On behalf of Confederation Centre, we are pleased to welcome Robert as we embark on our new five-year strategic plan, exploring Canada’s evolving identity and connecting with visitors and artists from coast-to-coast-to-coast.”

Representing Alberta, via P.E.I. originally, Burns is the latest of three recent board appointments, joining Kateri Coade and Angus Orford.

Burns, now retired, is the former CEO and president of Trilagy Financial Services, now owned by Intact Insurance. Based in Calgary, the insurance brokerage firm employs over 65 people. Burns also previously worked with Hudson’s Bay Retail, Travelers Insurance (Manager for Southern Alberta), and Westburne International Drilling, among others.

“Growing up on Prince Edward Island, Confederation Centre of the Arts was always the artistic hub of the Island and a vital part of the tourist economy,” offers Burns. “I look forward to working with the current board, bringing my experience in the financial sector and perspective from Western Canada to the table.”

Burns grew up in Parkdale, Charlottetown and  maintains a summer home on the Island. A graduate of the UNB School of Business, he is a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada, as well as an active community volunteer in Calgary and on various local and national councils.

The executive members of the board include: Sear, chair; Alex MacBeath, vice-chair; Lori Pendleton, secretary-treasurer; Angus Orford; Kateri Coade, and Margo Thompson.

For a complete list of all board members, visit the Centre’s website.