Meet Our Team

Shannon Lyman, Executive Director
executive@naccnt.ca

Shannon is a seasoned professional and passionate advocate for the arts, with a diverse background rooted in both public service and the performing arts. Originally from Ontario, she has called Yellowknife home since 2011. Shannon has established a career working directly for Indigenous Governments and currently works as a negotiator of modern treaties on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories. Shannon will be continuing her work as a negotiator as she steps in to this new role. 
Her lifelong passion for performing arts began in Toronto, where she developed her skills through education and performance with musical theatre and opera companies. After moving to Yellowknife, Shannon became a key contributor to the local non-profit musical and theatre community. Today, she continues to serve as a volunteer Board member for Ptarmigan Ptheatrics and enjoys teaching dance at Bella Dance Academy.
Shannon’s vision is to grow performing arts in the NWT, creating inspiring experiences for artists and audiences alike, in venues that strengthen community connections.
As Executive Director, Shannon is responsible for the general administration and operation of the Centre, and its financial management, including fundraising campaigns.

Kacie Hall, Artistic Director
artistic@naccnt.ca

Kacie grew up in Yellowknife and developed her passion for performing arts right here in the North. She began working with the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre in 2023, formerly as the Manager of Communications and Community Outreach.
Kacie’s experience and passions lie in theatre and multidisciplinary storytelling. She’s dedicated to nurturing Northern talent and expanding opportunities for artists across the territory. Kacie is drawn to works that celebrate humanity and community. Kacie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dramatic Arts with Distinction, with speciality in directing, acting, theatre creation. 
Like many Northerners, the NACC stage was the first stage she ever performed on, and it played a defining role in shaping her as an artist. She is honoured to be continuing the work of those who came before her, and to help lead NACC into its next chapter while building programming that connects audiences and artists through authentic performances. 
As Artistic Director, Kacie is responsible for all NACC programming, facilitating the use of the space for community members, and overseeing excellent patron experiences. 

Valérie Gamache, Bookkeeper and Administrative Manager
office@naccnt.ca
Valerie has lived in Yellowknife since 2004 and joined the NACC team in 2022. She brings substantial experience in administrative and financial services, having worked for fifteen years with non-profit organizations, primarily gravitating towards the arts and culture sector. Most recently, she worked at the Down to Earth Gallery and served as the Executive Director of the NorthWords Writers Festival. Valerie loves discovering the world through travel, flavours, and all art forms and letting herself be carried away by the magic of the show.

Emily Mercredi, Manager of Operations & Communications
communications@naccnt.ca
Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Emily relocated to Yellowknife in 2014, where she quickly developed a deep appreciation for the unique cultural and artistic landscape of the North. She joined the NACC team in 2020, bringing with her a diverse background in management, the arts, and festival coordination.
Emily’s professional experience spans leadership roles in event planning, community engagement, and arts administration, where she has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration. As both a practicing artist and arts advocate, she works to strengthen connections between artists, audiences, and organizations across the Northwest Territories.
Beyond her professional role, Emily is an active contributor to the northern arts community. She is a musician, painter, and mixed-media artist. A proud mother of two and a supportive partner, Emily values community, inclusivity, and the transformative power of the arts to bring people together.

Martin Emslander, Technical Director
Martin ‘The Lighting Guy’ has been the Technical Director at NACC since 2001, when he moved north from his hometown of Vancouver, BC. Martin discovered the world of theatre in his 20s and attended the Stage Craft program at Douglas College in New Westminster, BC. He has spent much of his career in live performance spaces as well as working load-ins of live stadium shows – from Pink Floyd to Tom Jones and everything in between. Martin has been a proud member of IATSEn (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) since 1993 as well as CITT (Canadian Institute of Theatre Technicians). He continues to attend the annual rendez-vous conference to keep up to date on the latest technology and practices. Martin is proud to call Yellowknife his home.