REAL opens search to fill vacant CEO position

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A job listing for a new president and CEO of Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) has been posted online, beginning the search for a new head of the organization one year after the previous CEO was fired.

Former CEO Tim Reid was removed from the role last January after an extended examination of REAL’s financial status. His dismissal also came in the wake of aftershocks from a failed tourism campaign critiqued as “sexist,” which made national and international headlines.

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Roberta Engel has been filling in as interim CEO.

Reid joined the municipal corporation in 2018, tasked with overseeing all city-owned facilities on the grounds of REAL District, including the Brandt Centre, International Trade Centre, Co-operators Centre, Mosaic Stadium, etc. His exit came two months after REAL’s entire board of directors was wiped clean by city council.

Third-party firm DHR Global has been contracted to conduct the hiring search for a new CEO, according to the job listing.

A description of duties specifies that the CEO will provide “high-level oversight,” serve as a liaison with stakeholders, and take part in developing a “sustainable business model” that includes plans to revitalize REAL’s assets.

It also says the new CEO will be in charge of implementing a public relations strategy to rebuild “trust with the community, including a clear understanding of the role of REAL in the City of Regina.”

“The role will focus on establishing the strategic path forward,” reads the posting.

Though it doesn’t note a potential salary range for the position, Reid’s annual compensation previously was just over $250,000 — one of the top salaries amongst city employees.

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Hiring a new CEO is a next step in fulfilling the ongoing revamp of REAL operations, as directed by city council after a financial review by consulting firm MNP which determined that REAL was not fiscally sustainable.

The not-for-profit organization has run operating deficits annually since 2021. It currently holds at least $44 million in deferred facility maintenance and $16 million in accrued debt, with limited ability to address such costs.

Less than four months ago, city council approved a $4-million top-up of REAL’s operating funds, characterized as a critical boost needed to enable the organization to maintain operations. The city also agreed last May to cover an $8-million pandemic subsidy clawback against REAL after a Canada Revenue Agency audit.

Council mandated in October that REAL develop a new short-term financial strategy to address its shortcomings and a long-term exploration of a new hybrid business model.

A new board of directors was also approved by city council in September, replacing an interim board comprised of city administrators who had been filling in since fall of 2023.

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