Cheryl joined Global Philanthropic Canada in 2017, bringing more than 30 years of experience in prospect research, frontline fundraising, and strategic development within the not-for-profit sector. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to helping organizations build meaningful, long-term relationships with donors by leveraging timely, relevant, and strategic information.
Her expertise spans a diverse range of sectors, including arts and culture, environment, health care, post-secondary education, and social services. With over two decades in senior leadership roles at the University of Manitoba and the University of Calgary, Cheryl played a central role in multiple major capital campaigns. During her tenure, she transformed prospect research from a one-person function into a proactive, integrated team aligned with institutional advancement strategies.
Beyond higher education, Cheryl has provided strategic guidance and research expertise to a wide array of mission-driven organizations. Her clients have included CARE Canada, Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, Calgary Health Foundation, Ocean Wise Conservation Association, Victoria Cool Aid Society, and Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
Cheryl’s research consistently drives results. One client recently shared, *“Your research on this one really helped me to suggest an ask for $100,000”—*a successful ask that speaks to the power of well-informed strategy. Her ability to identify and evaluate prospects not only informs strategy but directly drives fundraising outcomes.
At Global, Cheryl leads the Research and Consulting Services unit, delivering a comprehensive suite of services to clients across Canada. These include prospect identification, customized research profiles and briefings, net worth and gift capacity ratings, database screening, pipeline and relationship management, strategic planning, and tailored training. She is also highly experienced in conducting campaign market assessments and specialized research projects designed to surface new opportunities and align fundraising efforts with donor interests.
In addition to her fundraising and research expertise, Cheryl brings strong government relations experience, including her work as a Community Liaison Officer with the Government of Alberta. She has led community grant and engagement initiatives that build meaningful partnerships between public institutions and local organizations, deepening her understanding of key player engagement and impact strategy.
Cheryl is a proud member of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA-Canada) and is widely respected for her thoughtful, evidence-based approach to philanthropy and nonprofit development.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alberta, as well as a Certificate in Technical Writing from Mount Royal University.
Fun fact: Cheryl starts each day with meditation, a strong cup of coffee, and language lessons—currently French and Spanish—as part of her dream to travel more and connect meaningfully wherever she goes. She grew up in the beautiful Kootenays region of British Columbia and now shares her days with Millie, her feisty Bichon Shih Tzu who thinks she’s in charge. She also has a soft spot for hummingbirds and delights in spotting them in her garden.
Insights from Cheryl on Shared Brain™