Canada Media Fund Names New Members to Board of Directors

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) has appointed Lori DeGraw and Dr. Michael Schmalz to its board of directors, following the annual meeting of members held this week in Montreal.

Schmalz is the president of Digital Extremes, a development studio in the interactive entertainment industry. He has more than ten years of experience in the digital media industry, focusing his attention on innovation in the gaming sector. Prior to that, he practiced as a civil engineer.

DeGraw is the executive director of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance and has 25 years of experience in the audiovisual industry. She was the VP of media operations at Blue Ant Media for ten years. For nearly 15 years before that, she held various roles at the production level, including executive producer and senior series producer. DeGraw also has corporate governance experience, having sat on numerous boards throughout her career.

Schmalz and DeGraw succeed outgoing directors Cheryl Barker and Glenn Wong. The CMF board of directors is fully independent from management, its funders and any beneficiaries. Directors are appointed by two member organizations, the Canadian Coalition for Cultural Expression (CCCE), representing Canada’s cable, satellite and IPTV distributors, and the government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage.

“Dr. Schmalz and Ms. DeGraw will be strong additions to the Canada Media Fund board of directors,” said the Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “They distinguished themselves during the rigorous, open, merit-based selection process, thanks to their skill and expertise in the audiovisual and digital sectors. I have no doubt that these highly qualified appointees will help the Canada Media Fund further its objective to promote the development of Canadian productions that tell our stories and showcase our great talent.”

“On behalf of the CMF and the board of directors, I would like to welcome Lori DeGraw and Michael Schmalz,” said Alain Cousineau, the chair of the board of directors. “We look forward to collaborating with them and benefiting from their experience and talent, as we set the CMF’s path forward. I would also like to thank Cheryl Barker and Glenn Wong for their commitment to high standards of corporate governance in pursuing the CMF’s objectives. Their dedication has been a great asset to the CMF board and to the corporation.”