Amanda Smith
Amanda Smith, a distinguished arts and non-profit leader based in Calgary, AB, has been appointed President & CEO of the Honens International Piano Competition. Bringing extensive expertise as a strategic planner, collaborative team-builder, marketing and operations specialist, fund developer, and corporate consultant, Amanda has worked with a diverse array of organizations across Canada.
Amanda’s tenure at Honens began over seven years ago as Director of Marketing & Communications and then from 2022 to 2023 Amanda served as Interim President & CEO, steering the organization through a pivotal leadership transition. Her innovative vision and strategic leadership have significantly advanced Honens’ mission to enrich lives through the transformative power of piano and music. Under Amanda’s direction, the groundbreaking Keys for Newcomers initiative was conceived and launched, providing accessible music education to newcomers to Canada while creating meaningful employment opportunities for immigrant and refugee music teachers.
In addition to her work at Honens, Amanda serves as Board Director and Secretary for Xenia Concerts Inc., a nationally acclaimed organization dedicated to creating exceptional performing arts experiences for neurodiverse and disability communities. She is a passionate advocate for accessibility in the arts, actively working to expand opportunities for new and diverse audiences. Amanda led the introduction of Canada’s first live-time interactive concert experience, integrating program notes, hearing captions, and translations directly onto audience members’ mobile devices to make the arts more inclusive and engaging for all.
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Queen’s University and an MBA in Non-Profit and Charitable Organization Management from Trinity Western University. She is deeply committed to fostering sustainable growth in the arts sector by building cohesive teams, championing financial stewardship, and empowering youth through equitable access to arts, education, and wellness opportunities.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Amanda is a devoted wife and proud mother of two children. She finds joy in balancing her dynamic career with her dedication to family and her enduring passion for the transformative power of the arts.
