Testimonials
“Catherine Hurley brings a lot to the table. I have seen her perform effortlessly and creatively in a number of roles since we met over 30 years ago. Her career credentials as a highly regarded Canadian arts manager and leading arts philanthropy consultant speak for themselves. We have worked together as funding colleagues; on consulting contracts; board colleagues and, most recently, in a client-funder relationship, through OCAF’s support of the Bata Shoe Museum, where she served as its Director of Development. In each of these environments, Catherine’s analytical, social and creative skills has produced significant results for her clients. As she takes on future contracts and business opportunities, we at OCAF will miss working with her, at the Bata Shoe Museum, tremendously. I look forward to when our professional paths cross again and highly endorse and recommend her work.”
– Kathleen Sharpe, Executive Director, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)
“During her six year tenure as Head of Development for the Bata Shoe Museum, Catherine Hurley has contributed considerably to the diversification of revenues, opening new avenues of support from public, as well as private, organizations. Catherine’s experience, network and perseverance, brought tangible results, leading to successful campaigns such as the 20th anniversary of the Bata Shoe Museum in 2015, and the only North-American stop of the Manolo Blahnik show in 2017-2018. Catherine’s commitment and determination to raise new funding for the Bata Shoe Museum was nothing short of exemplary.”
– Emanuele Lepri, Former Director, Bata Shoe Museum
“When setting up the new board, for the recently established Arts and Letters Club of Toronto Foundation, I immediately approached Catherine to consider joining the Board. I knew her arts management expertise and experience would be of great assistance to this charity that supports young people in the arts. In addition, I knew that Catherine would also bring creativity, passion and commitment to the work of the board and Foundation. She has had a major impact on the growth and development of its awards because of her extensive knowledge, connections and desire to support and to bring smiles to the faces of young emerging artists.”
– Richard Moorhouse, President, Arts and Letters Club of Toronto Foundation
“I had the great fortune of meeting and working with Catherine first, as a co-op student during my graduate program at Centennial College in the Culture and Heritage Site Management Program and then as a freelance associate. Catherine is an exceptional, client-focused project and development manager. While working with Catherine Hurley and Company, I learned the importance of stewardship, relationship building and maintenance with donors, foundations and corporate partners, entrepreneurship, and the hard work of managing a small business that punches well above its weight in the creative sector. Catherine has become a lifelong mentor and coach and I turn to her time and time again for advice and support in my work as a General Manager and Theatre Producer. Catherine is always willing to offer her insights from her storied career in Government funding and communication, as an independent arts contractor and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). I am forever grateful for my continued relationship with Catherine Hurley and Company.”
– Liza Mattimore, Former Co-op Student, Culture & Heritage Site Management Program, Centennial College