Greg Epton

Greg Epton is a respected arts executive whose more than four-decade career reflects a steadfast commitment to strengthening cultural institutions and supporting the artists and communities they serve. Based in Calgary, he is known for his collaborative leadership style, thoughtful strategic approach, and ability to align artistic vision with long-term financial resiliency.

While Epton is currently Executive Director of the Werklund Centre Transformation (WCT), the largest single cultural infrastructure project in Canadian history, he has helped guide WCT since its inception in December 2008. Working closely with colleagues, donors, governments, and community partners, over $545M has been secured to date for construction and the capitalization of the new Werklund Centre Foundation. His work emphasizes long-range revenue planning, integrated advancement strategy, and the cultivation of meaningful relationships that support Werklund Centre’s artistic and civic ambitions.

Before stepping into the ED role, Epton served for 15 years as Chief Advancement Officer, where he helped strengthen the organization’s philanthropic culture and advance major capital (life-cycle) and programmatic initiatives. His approach has consistently focused on building trust, fostering shared purpose, and ensuring that fundraising strategies are grounded in the institution’s mission and long-term aspirations.

Previously, as Managing Director of Alberta Theatre Projects, Epton contributed to strategic planning, organizational development, and building financial resiliency during a period of transition and renewal. Earlier, as ATP’s Resource Development Director, he supported significant growth in contributed revenue, helped establish two endowment funds, and worked with colleagues to build a cohesive, high-performing development office.

His earlier roles with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the Winspear Centre, and Alberta Ballet reflect a long-standing commitment to the performing arts and a capacity to strengthen partnerships across donors, governments, and artistic collaborators. During his tenure as Executive Director with Alberta Ballet, Epton played a key role in a period of significant organizational transformation and growth. He contributed to the successful merger of Alberta Ballet with Calgary City Ballet, helping to unify artistic and administrative operations and strengthen the company’s position within the cultural landscape. He was also involved in the relocation of the company into the newly redeveloped Nat Christie Centre, supporting the transition to a modern facility that enhanced both artistic production and community engagement.

In addition, Epton helped advance the establishment of the Alberta Ballet School of Dance, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to training, education, and the development of future generations of artists. Alongside these initiatives, he supported sustained growth in the company’s revenues and helped maintain operational surpluses over a ten-year period, reflecting a disciplined approach to financial management and long-term sustainability. He also led Alberta Ballet’s successful participation in the Alberta Performing Arts Stabilization Fund, a ground-breaking sector initiative that strengthened financial stability across participating organizations and positioned the company for greater resilience in a changing funding environment.

Throughout his career, Epton has been guided by a belief in the value of the arts and the importance of building resilient organizations that can thrive over time. He is recognized for his strategic perspective, his relationship-driven approach, and his dedication to supporting the broader performing arts ecosystem.