Laurie Gillis has been at the forefront of the performing arts in Atlantic Canada since 2003. She worked at the renowned East Coast Music Awards through the 2000s. She served as Manager of Culture and Ceremonies for the 2011 Canada Games and then headed Debut Atlantic, which brings young Canadian artists to perform live classical music to Atlantic Canada. Since 2012 she has been leading the Atlantic Presenters Association, serving the four most Eastern provinces in Canada.

APA is a member-based, regional arts service organization that delivers programs - like Contact East, one of Canada's premier showcase events - and services that build capacity, develop leaders and create opportunities for its members in Atlantic Canada’s performing arts presenting field. APA has taken a leading role in several digital initiatives in recent years.