As we prepare for a significant transition, we want to share some important news with you. After 20 remarkable years of dedicated leadership, Bill Usher, our current Executive & Artistic Director (E&AD), will be retiring. Bill’s immense passion and tireless efforts have helped shape Kicking Horse Culture (KHC) into the vibrant organization it is today, and we are deeply grateful for Bill’s enduring contributions.
To ensure a seamless transition and uphold our commitment to professional succession planning, an impartial hiring committee was formed, led by Lori Baxter, a respected arts and culture leadership consultant. This committee comprised long-time KHC volunteers, committee Chair Glen Ewan, Thelma Brown, and KHC board members, including Katie Hodder, Lyuba Kirkova, and Kristopher King. Lori’s extensive knowledge and insights were invaluable in executing the succession plan with integrity.
Following the guidance of this plan, the hiring committee embarked on a thorough search process, leading us to a remarkable candidate who will carry on the legacy of Kicking Horse Culture and its commitment to our unique culture.
We are thrilled to introduce Logan Thackray as our incoming Executive & Artistic Director.
Logan brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to both sides of the Rocky Mountains. Growing up in Canmore, Alberta, and Parson, BC, she spent most of her time ski racing with the Alberta Ski team and enjoying the outdoor life in the Rockies. Due to consecutive knee injuries, Logan shifted focus to music where she found the folk music community. Performing and volunteering at community festivals throughout BC and Alberta inspired Logan to pursue a career supporting art, creation, and community connection.
Since graduating from UBC, Logan has had the privilege of developing her career as an arts manager. She has worked with Indigenous and senior populations in partnership with non-profit organizations and has developed arts portfolios for two municipalities through events and arts education opportunities. The arts have an incredible capacity to celebrate all aspects of a dynamic community and environment. Logan’s intention as the new Executive and Artistic Director for Kicking Horse Culture is to continue the exceptional work that Bill Usher and the KHC team have been doing while exploring new ways to support a thriving community through the arts.
As Logan takes on this role, she will have the invaluable opportunity to learn from Bill and the team, gaining a deep understanding of our organization, community, and the rich history of Golden. Together, they will ensure a seamless transition and the preservation of our organization’s legacy.
We want to express our deep gratitude to Bill Usher for his incredible work as a community builder and foundational arts and culture visionary in Golden for over the past two decades. We are excited about the future of Kicking Horse Culture under Logan’s leadership and look forward to the continued growth and success of our organization.
Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks as we officially welcome Logan Thackray to our community. Let’s support this exciting transition and look forward to what the future holds.
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