Jeremy Freiburger – Chief Connector and Cultural Strategist
Jeremy has been a leader in Hamilton’s creative community for almost 15 years. After studying theatre and music at McMaster University and the American Music and Dramatic Academy (NYC), Jeremy returned to Hamilton and has worked at a number of the community’s major arts institutions. His experience ranges from touring the country as a musician to producing international calibre ballet, to developing studio facilities, to writing policy, plans and funding applications for municipalities and organizations. Focusing primarily on regional and municipal partnership development and creative sector development, Jeremy is the Chief Connector and Cultural Strategist and founder of CoBALT CONNECTS.
Kim Selman – Strategic Initiatives Lead
Kim’s training is in anthropology and museum management, but her experience goes well beyond these fields of focus. Previously, Kim has held positions with the Community Centre for Media Arts, which provided innovative marketing and web development for non-profits (including online archiving for galleries and museums) and The Artist Project (MMPI), a high-calibre exhibition and sale for independent visual artists. Now, Kim manages the CoBALT CONNECTS’ largest municipal partnerships with the implementation of the City of Burlington’s Public Art Program and the City of Hamilton Arts Awards.
Jenny Gladish – Communications and Brand Lead
Jenny draws on a varied background to inform her work in the communications field, including education, event planning and management, as well as stints in the non-profit sector. With degrees in philosophy and education, and a post-graduate certificate in corporate communications, she loves a good debate, and will happily alleviate your confusion about when to use 'who' and when to use 'whom.' She's taking a decidedly art-to-the-people approach to keeping you informed on CoBALT CONNECTS' projects, Hamilton's ever-evolving arts scene, and beyond.
Avery Brooks-Joiner – Research and Strategic Initiatives Assistant
Avery Brooks-Joiner is currently undergoing the final stretch of her Honours degree in Communications and Cultural Studies and Critical Theory at McMaster University. Previously, Avery has held research positions at the Ontario Museum Association as well as the City of Burlington. Outside of the office and classroom, Avery enjoys throwing on the potter’s wheel, going on long hikes and a really good cheese platter.
Board of Directors
CoBALT CONNECTS is a non-profit organization governed by an elected Board of Directors.
Board Members serve as dedicated volunteers to the organization bringing their skills and connections to aid the organization’s projects and developments.
Current Board Members:
Oliver Barkovic | Owner, Forward Acoustics
Nancy Cabral | Director, Shared Services Group, ScotiaBank
Jenny Pearce | Marsales Real Estate
Justin Readman | Manager of Rapid Transit, City of Hamilton
Livio Passalent | Owner, Crescent Cabinets
Tim Potocic | Owner, Sonic Unyon Records
Anthony J Di Silvestro | Barrister & Solicitor
Elizabeth Parker | Marsales Real Estate
Previous Board Members:
Michael Fenn | Fenn Advisory Services Inc. and Senior Advisor, StrategyCorp.
Jacqueline Norton | Manager of Creative Industries, City of Hamilton
Neil Everson | Director of Economic Development, City of Hamilton
Keri Vise | Business Development Bank of Canada
Kristina Hyland | Simpson Wigle, LLP
Matt Jelly | Graphic Designer
Matt Fritchley | Fyrewing Theatre
