First Fortnight Announces Appointment of New Chief Operating Officer
Laura MacNaughton brings more than 15 years’ arts management experience to the role
First Fortnight has today announced the appointment of a new Chief Operating Officer following the planned departure of the organisation’s former COO Edel Doran.
Laura MacNaughton joins First Fortnight having spent more than seven years as Business and Theatre Manager at the O’Reilly Theatre in Belvedere.
Laura has over fifteen years’ Senior Management experience in the arts space with a focus on Programming, Finance and Operations. Laura has worked as a General Manager and Producer in Film and Theatre for companies such as UGC Cinemas, The Gate Theatre, and The Factory.
Laura also brings considerable festival expertise to First Fortnight, having worked as Festival Manager at the Happy Days International Beckett Festival and General Manager at the Dublin Dance Festival.
Speaking about her appointment, Laura said:
“I am delighted to have been appointed as Chief Operating Officer of First Fortnight. I am a long-time supporter of the Festival. I think that the year round creative therapy work facilitated by First Fortnight is of vital importance and the Festival itself highlights many of the issues faced by those with mental health issues. I look forward to bringing my experience and work ethic to First Fortnight, Maria Fleming and the rest of the team.”
Maria Fleming, CEO of First Fortnight said:
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Laura MacNaughton as First Fortnight’s new COO. Laura has an impressive track record of successful senior management in the Irish arts space and I am excited to see how she uses her many skills to further our own festival. Laura takes up her new position during a busy period and I have every confidence that her experience and expertise will help us deliver a truly memorable edition of the festival in 2022”.
