This summer, we are thrilled to celebrate the 20th anniversary milestone of three important members of the National Screen Institute family – Liz Hover, Ursula Lawson and Brad Pelman.
Today, we start with Liz Hover, director of operations. In addition to celebrating her two decades (and counting!) of dedication, commitment and excellence at the National Screen Institute, she also celebrates a milestone birthday this week.
Liz began her work at the National Screen Institute in a term position. She was a publicity assistant and coordinated the National Exposure Amateur Movie Contest during the NSI FilmExchange Canadian Film Festival, which ran in Winnipeg for several years. Between then and now, Liz has continued to work in a variety of communications-related positions which led to her becoming the director of operations in 2022.
While reflecting on her early days at the National Screen Institute, Liz says she would tell her younger self from 20 years ago, “Stay curious, keep learning and enjoy the ride! If you’re open to it, this place will change your life.” It’s fitting because Liz has changed the lives of her colleagues, program participants and alumni. It must be said that Liz’s unflappable, generous spirit has paved the way for many a team member to find their footing and gain in both confidence and competence.
Ursula Lawson, senior programs manager, has seen this growth firsthand throughout their 20 years working side by side at the National Screen Institute. “Liz and I have grown together personally and professionally in the last 20 years. We’ve both worn many different hats but in different areas of the organization,” Ursula recalls.
“We’ve had thousands of meetings! In the office, on Zoom, shouting over the dividing wall of our former desks, in parking lots, back alleys, tattoo parlours and sometimes our homes. Our unique perspectives and experiences are invaluable. We challenge, debate, collaborate, support and celebrate one another frequently. Seems like I should be saying ‘here’s to 20 more’ but given your milestone birthday and me being several years older….’On the morrow, Liz Hover!’”
Drawing on collaboration, commitment and progress throughout her years at the National Screen Institute, Liz has created many core memories along the way. “I can’t pick only one,” she reflects. “We had a nutty time with our roaming photobooth during the Nuit Blanche events in Winnipeg. Secret Santa gift exchanges during our holiday parties were always epic – I remember a toilet brush in the shape of an elephant. Travelling to Yukon and Nova Scotia with Chris Vajcner for outreach events. Attending Red Chair Ranch with the team for a coaching session with horses.” It is easy to tell that Liz loves the work she does and makes an effort to truly enjoy the time she spends doing her job.
“Of all the colleagues I’ve been blessed to work with, Liz is the person I’ve worked the closest with in our various roles in communications and development,” said Chris Vajcner, director of partner support. “In some ways it seems like Liz and I have worked together our whole careers and, in other ways, 20 years has gone by so quickly. Can it really be nearly 20 years since we did our first media conference for the festival and spent all hours at the Fort Garry Hotel madly getting out media releases? Or over 15 years since we saw the northern lights in Dawson City during their festival and celebrated our alumni at the Atlantic Film Festival?”
“We’ve moved offices, changed roles within the organization, introduced new training programs, welcomed new colleagues and celebrated ones who moved on. And we’ve laughed. A lot. Liz has one tattoo honouring her beloved dog Sadie, but if she considered another, I believe it would be the National Screen Institute logo over her heart. Her dedication to this organization is unmatched.”
Though it can be hard to see the forest through the trees at times, for Liz, her success and longevity comes down to this. “My job isn’t just a job,” she says. “When I find something I believe in, I’m loyal to the cause and am committed to contributing to its ongoing success and impact. I’ve also been fortunate to have opportunities to grow and develop in various positions, supported by managers who believed in me and my potential.”
Liz remains motivated and hardworking towards the National Screen Institute’s success. She is driven by the power of story, the effort and support of the team and the challenge to continually improve our operations. Oh, and there was more thing too. “Operating on a four-day week is a total gift!” Liz states.
Thank you, Liz, for all that you do behind the scenes to smooth each of our paths. You are appreciated and the role you play in the National Screen Institute’s success does not go unnoticed by any of us who have had the privilege of working alongside you over the last 20 years.
