Cathy Billington

Biography

Cathy Billington is the Director of Development, Faculty of Arts at the University of Calgary where she leads the fundraising team for the University’s largest and most diverse faculty – spanning the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. 

Born and residing in Calgary, AB (“Moh’kinsstis”) on the traditional territory of Treaty 7, Cathy has built a 20-year career in arts and post-secondary development. Her experience spans the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Mount Royal University, and the University of Calgary. Throughout her career, she has focused on building meaningful relationships that connect the philanthropic aspirations of donors to the needs and priorities of the organizations she serves. Today, she is proud to do that work at her alma mater, the University of Calgary (BMus’10). 

Cathy recently concluded her term (2016-2024) on the Board of Directors for Luminous Voices, Calgary's professional chamber choir, including serving as President and Board Chair from 2020-2024. Working alongside a dedicated team of musicians, staff, and fellow board members, she helped guide strategic planning and fund development aimed at strengthening the organization and creating a sustainable foundation for its future. That work contributed to an important milestone for Luminous Voices: the appointment of its first Executive Director in 2025. Since concluding her term with Luminous Voices, Cathy has turned her volunteer focus to Girl Guides of Canada, where she leads girls in building confidence, curiosity, and leadership skills that contribute to bright futures. 

As a classically trained violinist, Cathy’s musical journey has led to her “professional hobby” as a fiddle player with Western Canadian western swing, folk, and country bands. She has performed and recorded coast-to-coast with Canadian artists from Vancouver, BC to Cape Breton, NS, allowing music to remain an active part of her life alongside her career in development.

Music and art have been a compass in Cathy’s life since she first asked for violin lessons at the age of four. That lifelong connection continues to shape both her personal and professional outlook: a belief that music and the arts are catalysts for learning, growth, and living a fulfilled life surrounded by a strong, creative, and diverse community.