It is important to acknowledge the efforts of our volunteer staff who have helped develop Govfest into one of the largest festivals of its kind. The work of planning and managing Govfest is carried out by volunteer professionals who deliver against ongoing work priorities in their spare time. It is the individual creativity and drive of our participating artists that give the festival its unique character and weight within the public service community and beyond.
Paul Burns
President and Chief Operating Officer
Govfest Lead Enthusiast and piano player. Technology Solutions Manager in City of Mississauga. Believes he will be the next World Beat super star.
Dorothy (aka Dolly) John-Currie
Vice President and Director of Sponsorships, Marketing, and Communications
Vice-President, Director of Sponsorship and Marketing & Communications Lead . Lifelong music enthusiast and Keyboard player in Govfest Band “Evolution” from 2010 to 2017. Thinks outside the box and builds successful partnerships. Band Leader of ALL SPICED all female band since 2019. Band won people’s choice in 2021!
Turned down hosting the Grammys and touring with Elton John due to Govfest workload.
Brent Turkvan
Managing Co-Director: wine & Art Soiree
Truly enjoys picking the right wine for the “Wine and Art” event and sharing it with guests. Works for the Provincial Education ministry as an IT manager. Believes he could have been Elan Musk!
Brian Lewis
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Govfest financial guru. Rhythm guitar player in “The Invisible Hands”. Former Chief Economist and ADM of Economic Policy at the Ministry of Finance. Currently with the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Believes “The Clash” is the greatest band ever.
Darren McHugh
Managing Director, Battle of the Bands
Drummer in the Invisible Hands. Loves helping bands sound good and feel good! Economist with Office of Economic Policy until King Crimson reforms and invites him to join.
Steve Turner
Master of Ceremonies
Often confused with Brian Lewis (ADM MOF), Steve Turner was the bass player for The Secondments, a lovely and playful Govfest band who won the People’s Choice award three of the last 5 years. Steve was shanghaied into the Govfest organizational committee by a press gang of ruffians, but he seemed to have made out ok after awhile. He can be found anywhere; helping setup equipment, hanging out by the doors, sometimes emceeing Govfest events and occasionally acting as chaplain for Govfest bands on an as-needed basis. If you need a hand or want a question answered, Steve is your guy.
Ashton Osmak
Social Media Lead
Ashton is on leave and is enjoying being a Mom! We look forward to her return.
Dave Stokes
Govfest Kingston Lead
Bassist for The Chalk Lines, coordinates the Kingston GovFest event, enjoys working with volunteers to strengthen and build GovFest for years to come, provides guidance for other regional communities looking to host a Govfest battle round. Aspiration to play in a rock band that allows and recognizes the importance of bass solos.
Jowenne (Jojo) Herrera
Secretary and co-Director, Wine & Art Soiree
Jojo is the lead for the visual art component of the “Wine and Art” event. Since its inception, the event has attracted close to 100 artists across the broader public service, and showcased more than 175 artworks. He is inspired by the creativity and talent across the public service, and believes Govfest is a great platform to showcase and share their works to the public. Outside of his public service career, he continues to produce mixed media art integrating illustration, drawing, paint, paper and photography. Outside of that, he runs a lot.
Davida Woolley
Managing Director, Volunteers and Staffing
My involvement with Govfest began in 2016, driven by my passion for connecting with other OPSers (Ontario Public Service employees) and contributing to the community through the power of live music events. As the years progressed, I took on a leadership role, spearheading the efforts of the volunteers for all front-of-the-house events since 2018.
What makes Govfest truly special for me is the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who share the same enthusiasm for giving back. Together, we work tirelessly to create seamless and captivating shows, providing attendees with an unforgettable experience. Being part of the team grants me a unique perspective, allowing me to witness the magic that happens behind the curtain as everything comes together for each event.
One of the most gratifying aspects of volunteering at Govfest is witnessing the brilliance of my co-workers, whether they shine on stage or excel as volunteers, ensuring that all attendees have a fantastic time. The camaraderie and sense of accomplishment we share make the experience even more enjoyable.
With each passing year, Govfest continues to evolve and improve, making the volunteering experience even more enriching. If you’re interested in joining us and becoming a part of this incredible journey, I wholeheartedly encourage you to reach out to me. Together, we can make a powerful impact on the community while having a great time at Govfest.
