Lori Ossip is thrilled to join the Coal Mine team on a full-time basis after initially coming on as a strategy consultant in the fall of 2023. Born and raised in Toronto, Lori is a lifelong theatre lover. After many years as a performer in both opera and musical theatre productions, Lori is excited to bring her business acumen to the non-profit arts space.

Lori is a graduate of Harvard University (MBA, 2021) and the University of Chicago (B.A. Honours, Economics, 2015). Prior to joining Coal Mine, Lori ran her own management consulting company, where she worked across a variety of industries (including medical, food & beverage and real estate) until she naturally landed in the non-profit arts niche. Prior to management consulting, Lori worked in real estate asset management, where she managed a portfolio of 1200 apartments across the southern U.S.

Lori is an active supporter of community causes, with extensive fundraising experience: she founded the young professionals fundraising board for the Osler Foundation, co-created/executive produced HBS Got Talent, and recently served on the CJPAC (Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee) Action Party committee.

"I was blown away by the quality of the work being produced at Coal Mine, which I feel is on par with some of my favourite off-Broadway and Chicago theatre companies. The Coal Mine team has been able to do so much with limited resources and has had to put out literal fires over the past few years. Their resiliency is unprecedented, and I see the growth opportunities as endless. I'm honoured to join such an amazing team and to support the impeccable creative vision established by Diana Bentley and Ted Dykstra. I can't wait to see where this company will go!"

 - Lori Ossip

“I have Toronto producer Elly Barlin-Daniels to thank for introducing us to our new Executive Director. Elly brought Lori to a Coal Mine event, knowing that we should meet. Lori has already been a dream in the short few months she's been with us. She has skills that no one preceding her has had, an education in numbers and business that belies her years, and a love for theatre that matches ours in every way. She's the real deal and I feel so much relief and gratitude that we found her. Welcome Lori!”

 - Ted Dykstra

“Our Board is very excited to have Lori join us as Executive Director. She brings the perfect mix of experience and skills in finance, planning and property along with her theatre background. We are so pleased to that she will be leading us in those areas as the Coal Mine builds on its tremendous artistic success toward future growth.”

 - Brett Ledger, Board Chair

Photo: Lori Ossip