Derek Fast is Executive Director, Marketing and Communications at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. As a strategic marketing and communications professional, Derek brings senior leadership experience in developing and executing successful, multi-faceted campaigns in both Canadian and international markets. 

Derek has dedicated his career to the arts, culture, and entertainment industries, working in both non-profit and private environments, beginning at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Shaw Festival while studying at university. 

Derek brings hands-on experience in theatrical and exhibition marketing and communications throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area with positions at cultural institutions like The National Ballet of Canada and The Corporation of Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall. While at the latter organization, he developed and integrated a brand identity, new website, and eCommerce infrastructure.

Prior to joining Banff Centre, Derek worked for Starvox Entertainment where he oversaw marketing efforts for international tours of The Art of Banksy, Potted Potter (including its Las Vegas residency), as well as the brand development and multi-market launch of Immersive Disney Animation with Walt Disney Animation Studios. 

Josephine is Executive Director, Arts, for Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, a position she has held since May 2024. Banff Centre is a global organization based in the Canadian Rocky Mountains that provides learning, leadership and creative development opportunities in arts and culture across all disciplines. Prior to this, from 2020, she was Vice President, Programming for TO Live in Toronto. 

Josephine has spent her professional lifetime working in the arts in a career that encompasses theatre, opera, ballet, music and the visual arts. Her work has taken her from Melbourne to Sydney and now to Canada where she moved in 2016 to be Artistic Director of Luminato Festival. Her programs were conceived with the purpose of deeply connecting the festival with Toronto’s local artists as well as curating a balanced program of work from around the world. Before leaving Australia, she was Artistic Director of Melbourne’s international arts festival, now known as Rising, one of Australia’s most respected international arts festivals.  

Her earlier career was focused on executive roles including 10 years as Executive Director for Sydney Festival, and leadership roles with The Australian Ballet, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Malthouse Theatre. 

This experience has given her a strong understanding of and love across all the arts and an appreciation of the interconnectedness that exists throughout artistic practice. Her belief in the vital role that the arts play in achieving an open, tolerant, thoughtful and forward-looking society governs her curatorial vision and work at all times.  

Aliza LeBlanc is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in Transformation, Strategy & Finance across a variety of industries. Throughout her career, Aliza has been instrumental in driving organizational change, optimizing project outcomes, and delivering innovative strategies that propel businesses forward.

One of Aliza's notable achievements includes leading the Development, Launch, and Operations of a Digital Bank, Brightside, where she played a pivotal role in shaping its strategic direction and operational framework. Her leadership extended beyond traditional roles, as evidenced by her speaking engagement on "The Importance of Trust" at the Process Excellence Network (PEX) conference, where she shared insights into building trust within organizational processes.

As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and MBA, Aliza has leveraged her financial acumen to support both corporate and business-level financial activities. She has excelled in forging strong partnerships among diverse stakeholders, including partners, vendors, and team members, which have been critical to her success in driving collaborative efforts and achieving organizational goals.

Throughout her career journey, Aliza LeBlanc has exemplified a commitment to excellence, innovation, and strategic foresight. Her ability to navigate complex business landscapes, drive transformational change, and build strong, collaborative relationships has positioned her as a trusted leader in the banking and payments industry. Aliza continues to leverage her expertise and passion for driving organizational success and innovation in her current role, where she remains dedicated to delivering impactful solutions that drive client satisfaction and business growth.

Aliza feels grateful to call Canmore home, where she finds balance and rejuvenation through outdoor adventures and exploration. Whether hiking, kayaking, or traveling, she approaches each experience with gratitude, seeking to deepen her understanding of the world, appreciate different cultures, and broaden her perspectives.

Kurt Fonseca assumed the role of Vice President, Hospitality, Conferences, and Physical Facilities on November 7, 2024. With over 20 years of leadership in the hospitality industry, Kurt is widely recognized for driving business success through innovative strategies and operational excellence. His experience encompasses hotels, restaurants, and conferences, with a proven track record of managing development and renovation projects, including the iconic restoration of the historic Mount Royal Hotel.

Originally from Ontario, Kurt has called the Bow Valley home for over 25 years. He began his career with the Leadership Development team at the Banff Centre and has since become a prominent figure in the Canadian Rockies' hospitality sector. Over the years, he has successfully managed more than 20 properties, including large-scale collections with Pursuit and Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Kurt leads an active lifestyle. He enjoys travelling with his family, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, coaching, and playing hockey, embodying the spirit of the mountain community he proudly serves.