Board & Staff
The board and staff at Manitoba Choral Association are a dedicated team of choral enthusiasts and professionals committed to supporting, strengthening, and promoting the choral arts in Manitoba.
STAFF
Karla Ferguson
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Karla Ferguson (she/her) is a people-centered arts leader and lifelong choral musician with over 25 years of experience in not-for-profit management, event coordination, and community building.
Karla spent nearly two decades with the Winnipeg Folk Festival, most recently as Volunteer Resources Manager. In that role, she oversaw the engagement of 2,500 volunteers, spearheaded numerous technological advances, and led initiatives focused on inclusion and safer spaces. Her work reflects a commitment to collaboration and a strong belief in mission-led, values-based leadership.
Equally central to Karla’s career is her deep connection to choral music. A graduate of Brandon University’s School of Music, Karla is a founding member of the Canadian Chamber Choir and das Femmes, and has performed with ensembles such as the Elmer Iseler Singers, Canzona, Polycoro, Dead of Winter, and Proximus 5. With a versatile voice that spans both classical and folk genres, Karla has also toured and recorded with folk roots bands the Dust Poets and Sam Baardman.
Behind the scenes, Karla brings extensive experience in governance, leadership and organizational sustainability to her choral projects, having served as Chair of the Canadian Chamber Choir’s board for over a decade, as a board member for several other arts organizations, as a long-standing member of the Folk Festival's governance committee and as an experienced juror for arts funders. From fostering national networks to shaping equity-focused programming, Karla's work bridges artistic excellence with a commitment to sound management and to community.
"I have personally benefited from the impact that the Manitoba Choral Association makes on our singing community - strengthening connections across communities, championing diverse voices, and supporting choirs at every stage. I am honoured to bring my skills, experience and passion to help shape the next chapter of MCA's story."
Ruth Denton
PROGRAM & MARKETING COORDINATOR
Ruth Denton (she/her) is passionate about community connection and storytelling. She brings over a decade of experience in operations for large and small not-for-profit organizations. Her choral upbringing in Manitoba led Ruth to continue singing during her graduate studies in Toronto and Colorado. She is the Assistant Conductor of Joie de Vivre Choir and freelances as an oboist in the arts community. Ruth is thrilled to work with MCA to advocate and support choral singing in Manitoba.
Peter Steur
LIBRARY ASSISTANT
Peter Steur (he/him) is a baritone, pianist, and teacher who loves singing choral music from Palestrina to Penderecki and beyond. Peter also teaches at River Heights Music School and sings at St. John's Cathedral. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in piano from the University of Manitoba, where he is now completing his Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in voice performance. Peter is a huge nerd about diction and theory. He shares his life with his girlfriend Laina and cat Dot.
BOARD
Manitoba Choral Association is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors elected at our Annual General Meeting.
PRESIDENT - Naomi Russell
PAST PRESIDENT - Dr. David Sawatzky
VICE PRESIDENT - Katy Harmer
TREASURER - Robyn Stewart
EDUCATION DIRECTOR - Larissa Hrabi
INTRA-PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR - Crystal Kolt
LIBRARY DIRECTOR - Vic Pankratz
OUTREACH & ADVOCACY DIRECTOR - Vacant
PROGRAM DIRECTOR - Jorrel Camuyong
DIRECTOR - Nancy Gomes Fast
DIRECTOR - Philip Lapatha
DIRECTOR - Caleb Rondeau
Call for Board Directors
The Manitoba Choral Association is seeking nominees for our board of directors. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the direction of the MCA as we embark on our 50th year. MCA members and community partners who are committed to our mission and can contribute to the diverse perspectives and expertise of the board are welcome.