Bruce Acton, CFRE

Bruce spent 40 years in progressively more senior positions in both fundraising and television broadcasting.

In his 20 years as a professional fundraiser, Bruce developed expertise and provided leadership in capital campaigns, major giving, annual giving, planned giving, peer to peer event fundraising, marketing and communications. His fundraising experience spans both human service and health care organizations.

Bruce retired in 2019 after nine years as Chief Executive Officer of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation in Saskatoon. Bruce oversaw $50 million of fundraising during this time including the very successful Close to Home Campaign which raised $20 million to establish Saskatchewan’s first residential hospice.

Previously, Bruce spent three years as the Director of Development for the Royal University Hospital Foundation in Saskatoon.  During his tenure, he led the Foundation in a successful $10 million capital campaign to build the Irene and Leslie Dube Mental Health Centre.

He began his fundraising career as Manager of Marketing and Fundraising with the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, a province-wide agency and Easter Seals Canada partner servicing the needs of people with disabilities.

Bruce was named AFP Saskatoon Chapter Professional Fundraiser of the Year in 2018.

Prior to entering the fundraising profession, Bruce had a 20-year award-winning career in broadcasting as a television executive with experience in production, promotion and programming.

Danielle Boucher, MA

Danielle is an enterprising, strategic and dynamic bilingual fund development professional skilled at building relationships and securing opportunities for a wide range of projects and partnerships. She has worked in various capacities within the not for profit sector, and her experience ranges from major gift strategy development, campaign management, small-shop fundraising, donor/prospect and stakeholder identification, cultivation and stewardship to grant writing and proposal development.

Danielle has a B.A. in linguistics and psychology from the University of Moncton, and a Masters of Arts in Curatorial Studies (Museology) from the University of Montreal.

Following her education Danielle provided development support to the cultural sector including the Museum of Nature and Sciences (Sherbrooke, PQ), the Moncton Museum, and the McCord Museum (Montreal, PQ).  Continuing with her career, she provided major gift expertise to the healthcare and social services sectors, including senior positions with the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation (Montreal, PQ), the Moncton Hospital Foundation, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Danielle is a proud member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP).

Jon Brandt, MBA, CFRE

With more than 20 years of work in the non-profit sector, Jon brings knowledge and experience in managing development departments in both Canada and the U.S., particularly within internationally focused and faith-based organizations, including Eastern Mennonite Missions and the Yonge Street Mission.

Jon’s work has ranged from larger organizations to one person start-ups, and so he understands both the challenges of leading teams and also of having sole responsibility within an organization. He has focused on direct marketing, stakeholder relations, major gift work, event planning and media relations. Jon understands system processes and protocols and has experience in the details and the big-picture concerns so he is adept at implementing and integrate CRM applications across multiple departments.

Jon is an experienced communicator and marketer and is fascinated by ideas. He is passionate about spurring organizations to strategic action. Jon has specialized in creating a culture of fundraising within older organizations, including board education and development.

Jon has been a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals since 1996 in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Pennsylvania, and now Ontario. He holds his CFRE.

Jon has a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Religious Studies from the University of Winnipeg, a Creative Communication diploma with a focus on public relations from Red River College, and an MBA from Taylor University. He has also studied conflict resolution and social media strategy, and he holds an Ultimate Frisbee coaching certificate from the Coaches Association of Canada.

Erica Branda, BS, MS

Erica is a results-driven communicator specializing in transformational ideas with over 25 years of experience.

In her most recent role at Simon Fraser University, she was Director of Marketing and Communications for SFU Advancement, responsible for communications and branding strategy for SFU’s award-winning 50th anniversary campaign, The Power of Engagement which is nearing its $250 million goal.

Erica believes that people give to people, not organizations. During her 10 years at SFU, she wrote cases for support and proposals for a broad range of teaching, learning, research and student initiatives. She has developed skill and intuition for speaking in a donor-centred voice that communicates the ideas and ideals of the cause.

Erica holds a B.S. from Cornell University, an M.S. from Boston University and is an Erickson Certified Coach.

Mark Burgess, BA (English), B.Litt.

Mark Burgess comes from a diversified background, including 25 years in international marketing, advertising and consumer research with four of the world’s leading ad agencies where he served clients in a wide variety of business sectors. Mark spent 18 years in fundraising, working on annual, seasonal, equipment and capital campaigns in healthcare, education, the arts and social causes which raised over $70 million.

Mark’s work has included strategic planning, visioning, feasibility studies,  and writing cases for support and marketing and media materials.

Mark was mentored by one of Canada’s leading fundraising professionals, and it was this experience that drew him back into the world of philanthropy from his last step-outside-of-the-box management roles in the Canadian wine industry.

Mark holds a B.A. (English) and B.Litt. from the University of Ottawa, which included a two-year stint as Editor in Chief of the student newspaper. He attributes his diverse clients and work engagements over his post-university career to his ability to learn other organizations’ fundraising needs – and help define the solutions for them – quickly and measurably successfully.

Kathy Butler, MA, CFRE

Kathy left an incomparable legacy for advancement professionals following her retirement as the Director of Advancement and Alumni at Okanagan College in 2018. Her career spans over 38 years, including 15 at Okanagan College and 17 years in health care, and is overflowing with extraordinary contributions to the field of fund development.

In 2003, she joined Okanagan University College at a very turbulent time when the institution was to be split apart, forming two new educational institutions: UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College. This complicated start proved to be a very valuable experience in donor stewardship and in setting up new entities, transferring the assets, gifts and staff, and re-branding a new foundation.  In a time when fundraising for colleges was still relatively new in British Columbia,  she grew the Foundation’s endowment by over $5.6 million; increased planned giving by $21.6 million; raised over $38 million for capital projects, scholarships, bursaries and program support; lead the largest successful college capital campaign in B.C., raising over $9 million on a $5 million goal; and coordinated the largest ever individual donation to a college in B.C.  Kathy’s 17 years in health care fundraising with the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation built her knowledge of annual and major gift fundraising, as well as capital campaigns, where she raised over $30 million.

In June 2019, Kathy received one of the highest honours from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE), the Outstanding Achievement Award. Her contributions to advancement reach far wider, having served on the Board of CCAE; contributing as a CFRE subject matter expert; and helping develop course content for a Fund Development program.

In 2016, she conducted original research on the state of College fundraising in Canada, earning her a Master of Arts degree in Philanthropy and Development.

Kathy received her initial designation as a Certified Fund Raising Executive in 1993.

Ken Crocker MBA, CFRE

Ken has been an advancement and fundraising professional for more than 32 years. He honed his skills over 29 years in Educational Advancement at the University of Alberta, Nipissing University and Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Ken has been involved in several capital campaigns, including leading the Learning Library Campaign at Nipissing University/Canadore College. Over the course of his career he has helped raise more than $100 million for various organizations.

He received his CFRE designation in 2004. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). He is a past member of Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP).

Ken has volunteered with CCAE as part of their TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Fellowship committee. He has been active as a Rotarian, Board member with YMCA and The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound, volunteered with AFP, CASE, St. Albert Minor Soccer and Sir George Simpson School Parent Committee. He was a founding member of both the predecessor of the AFP Chapter and the CAGP Chapter in Newfoundland & Labrador.

Ken earned his B.A. in Recreation Administration (Management and Supervision) from the University of Alberta and his MBA from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Jill Cross, BA

Jill has joined Global Philanthropic Canada as Administrative Manager. She has a reputation for strong ideas, collaboration and creativity and a diverse background in project coordination, management, strategic planning and governance.

Jill founded Rural Roots in 1999, specializing in high-end antiques, home decor, interior decorating and art consulting for residential and commercial clients.

Jill was the Associate Manager of Accreditation for WorldSkills Calgary 2009, responsible for accrediting over 7,000 international competitors, delegates, volunteers, sponsors, partners, media and over 60,000 students and general public.

Jill is currently an Administration and Event Consultant to the ASTech Foundation, celebrating and growing the culture of science and technology in Alberta. She manages the nomination process, the annual awards event, special projects and financial reporting.

Jill has a highly developed commitment to volunteerism. Since 2002, she has supported and chaired many committees for the Calgary Stampede, including the Public Art, Western Showcase and Innovation Committees. Jill also sits on the Leighton Art Centre Board, recently completing her three-year term as Chair. She is also the only Canadian Board member of the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, MT.

Jill holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario and a Marketing Certificate from Humber College.

Jane Dafoe, BSc

Jane is a passionate fund development professional with over 20 years of diverse experience in the arts, social services, health and housing sectors. She has raised more than $25 million over her career and is inspired by the recipients of service seeking to reach their potential and the caring philanthropists who believe in them.

Jane’s areas of expertise include major gifts, transformational gifts for small to medium shops, capital campaigns, case statements, fund development plans, creative storytelling and stewardship.

In her most recent role as Director of Fund Development at Habitat for Humanity Southern AB, Jane led a team to raise $2.4 million annually and secured two seven-figure gifts. Last year, the team surpassed their goal by $1.4 million, raising $3.8 million.

At the Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (2008-2015), Jane led the fund development and communications efforts. She built a successful integrated fund development plan from the ground up, rebranded the organization into a powerful community leader and engaged in local partnerships that lead to increased revenue, enhanced reputation and greater visibility.

As the Campaign Director and Major Gift Specialist at Hull Child and Family Services (2002 – 2008), Jane exceeded the campaign goal by 12%. In her role as Major Gifts Officer at United Way Calgary and Area (2000-2002), Jane spearheaded the major donors and leadership divisions of the annual campaign, exceeding targets by 20%.

A gifted and compelling writer and storyteller, Jane transforms ideas into action. She holds a BSc in Exercise Science from Concordia University and a Diploma in Social Counselling from Dawson College. Jane held CFRE accreditation from 2006 through 2015 and is a current member of the AFP Calgary Chapter.

Cheryl Dalwood, BA, MLIS

Cheryl has served in prospect research and frontline fundraising positions in the not-for-profit sector for over 25 years, and has worked with charitable organizations that cross many sectors including education, health care, social services, arts and culture, and the environment.

Cheryl’s career in fund development began in 1992 when she joined the University of Manitoba as the university’s first prospect researcher where she was responsible for developing and leading all prospect research and information management services. In 1998 Cheryl joined the University of Calgary as a Development Officer, Research. Cheryl served over ten years in senior leadership positions in prospect research and leadership giving at the University of Calgary, where she evolved prospect research from a one-person shop to a proactive and integrated research team.

Recently, Cheryl has worked in senior front-line fundraising positions with social service agencies, including Boys and Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria and the Victoria Cool Aid Society, where she has developed and implemented strategies for annual giving, major and planned giving, and donor relations and stewardship.

Cheryl also has extensive government relations experience from having managed community grant programs and community engagement initiatives for the Government of Alberta. As Director of Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement for Alberta’s Promise, Cheryl worked closely with businesses and nonprofits across Alberta to facilitate strategic partnerships that benefit children and youth.

Cheryl has a passion for research and using the most relevant and up-to-date information to assist nonprofit organizations in strategically creating mutually satisfying life-long relationships with their donors. Cheryl’s research and consulting services include prospect identification, customized, in-depth and comprehensive research profiles and backgrounders, net worth and gift capacity ratings, database screening and management, pipeline and relationship management, strategic planning, training and specialized research projects.

Cheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, Masters in Library and Information Studies from the University of Alberta and a Certificate in Technical Writing from Mount Royal University. She is a member of AFP and APRA-Canada (Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement).

John Davies, MA

John spent his early career in education, including twenty years at Shawnigan Lake School, on Vancouver Island. Shawnigan Lake School, a leader in independent boarding school education, made an early and significant investment in its future by supporting a bold advancement strategy. John, a passionate advocate of independent school education, served as Director of the Shawnigan Foundation for twelve years.

John’s delivery of philanthropic leadership has taken him to Britain, USA, China, Denmark, Holland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and U.A.E. His single-minded focus on major gift philanthropy and board development has enabled his clients to attract significant resources to their organizations.

John represents Global Philanthropic with an active list of private school clients across Canada and Asia and is a much sought-after speaker on all aspects of fundraising, especially on the creation of all-encompassing advancement programs, whilst focusing on capital campaigns, annual fund strategies and planned giving. His lengthy experience in China is considered a significant asset by his clients. Since joining Global, John has also achieved significant success in guiding healthcare,  arts and social service clients.

John is the Past-President of the Vancouver Island Chapter of AFP.   He was honoured by his Canadian colleagues in 2011 with the prestigious CAISAP Heaman Award for his contributions to philanthropy in Canada.

John obtained an MA from the University of Victoria in Curriculum Studies.

Corrie Fortner, CFRE

Corrie is a compassionate and enthusiastic fundraising professional with a strong history of success across the social sector. She is passionate about building strong communities.

After completing her post secondary education at Grant MacEwan in Edmonton, Corrie embarked on a career working with children and families. She took on front line, leadership and fundraising roles in children’s programs, social services, women’s shelters, health care, government, schools, colleges, national and community based organizations. The common thread is her drive to ensure people have access to the necessary resources to build safe and happy lives.

Corrie has a keen understanding of the varied capacities and goals of the not for profit sector from her perspective from small organizations such as Sylvan Lake Community Partners and large organizations such as Alberta Health Services at David Thompson Health Trust.  She has provided leadership and guidance to multiple organizations, helping them exceed their fundraising goals through major gifts, workplace campaigns, events, annual giving campaigns and legacy giving programs. She is very passionate about donor stewardship and organizational transparency.

Corrie is also an experienced adult educator, board facilitator, program developer, community facilitator and strategic planner. She has worked with and been a part of multiple Boards such as The Loan Circle and Central Alberta Women’s Shelter, and Committees such as the United Way National Committee for Donor Stewardship. Corrie helped to establish locally-based Community Gardens, Compassion Funds and Women’s Wellness Retreats which remain strong many years later.

Corrie is a CFRE, an AFP member since 2009 and currently active with the AFP Edmonton and Area Chapter.

Val Hoey, MA, CFRE (1999-2015)

Val is a well known and accomplished professional fundraiser and executive leader with over 30 years or experience in the not-for-profit and post-secondary sectors in Canada and Internationally.

Armed with a Masters in Professional Communications Val is a rare and unique leader who is wise, strategic and well versed in knowing how to make meaningful and strategic conversations with varied stakeholders. She will bring a value based lens to all situations, is widely known for her diplomacy and ethical standards, she is a gifted leader who is not afraid to look outside of the box for innovative solutions.

While the Associate Vice-President, College Advancement at Bow Valley College Val built and mobilized a Fund Development and Marketing & Communications team, created a fundraising model and framework and developed a compelling Case for Support to share their story.  Sharon Carry past CEO and President stated: “In a market crowded with post-secondary institutions seeking financial support from the Community and Industry, Val found a way for Bow Valley College to stand out.”  She increased their donor base by 320% and their average award dollar value by 211% including the total number of awards dispersed by 524%.  She has been recognized by CASE, in both their Silver and Bronze Category along with AFP for Bow Valley Colleges Fundraising Program.  She is also a contributing author to the Book of Excellence in Fundraising in Canada (2011).  In 2016 Val was honored in a naming ceremony into the Blackfoot Nation with the name “Ninapitaakii” translated to “Chief Eagle Woman”.

While at the University of Alberta Val had the role of building and developing their Planned Giving strategy, along with being part of the team that lead their successful $145 million Campaign.  She has used her thirteen years in International Development with CUSO in providing a lens of how best to connect with varied constituencies and stakeholders.  In 2010 Val’s team was instrumental in leading Bow Valley College through a strategic planning process that engaged over 20,000 stakeholders and created their ten-year strategic plan entitled “Vision 2020″.

Val is a builder who aspires to leave every organization she represents better, richer and stronger through her contribution to either strategy, delivery or stakeholder engagement.

Steve Hubley

Steve is a non-profit fundraising and marketing strategist who partners with growth-oriented charities to help them cost-effectively generate additional sustainable revenue to fund their mission.

Over 35 years, Steve has advised a wide spectrum of charities – including humane, health, hospital, relief & development, faith-based, educational, political and others – through his own full-service 150+ staff direct marketing agency, then a boutique international consulting firm. A number of years ago he set aside his consulting practice to serve as Chief Development Officer to assist the financial turnaround of a large and complex charity.

Steve returned to consulting by joining Global Philanthropic in 2019 to lead the annual giving unit. Steve has raised more than $300 million, mostly through annual giving campaigns. With an unusual blend of both creative and analytical skill sets, Steve masterfully designs and guides the implementation of successful strategies which yield measurable results in acquiring, cultivating and retaining high value and loyal single and monthly donors. He is a driver of progress and a reasoned risk-taker, exploring new opportunities and potential.

As an innovator, Steve has helped build donor files for many organizations including World Vision, Canadian SPCA, Humane Society of the U.S., Canadian Wildlife Federation, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and many other health charities. He is a proud member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Steve lives in Oakville, Ontario. He enjoys spending time with his five grandchildren and touring North America on his BMW motorcycle.

Ibrahim Inayatali, B.Eng, MBA, MMSc

Ibrahim brings over 34 years of experience in the not-for-profit and corporate sectors. For twenty years prior to joining Global Philanthropic, he held senior leadership positions at major universities, teaching hospitals and environmental think-tanks in Canada and overseas.

Ibrahim’s role at universities included associate vice-president, alumni and development at the University of Victoria, where he provided leadership to raise major, planned and annual gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations and manage alumni programs in 130 countries, including Hong Kong, mainland China and Japan. He also served as the President of the University of Victoria Foundation, overseeing an endowment fund of approximately $270 M.

He was previously director of development and alumni affairs at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo where he managed the faculty’s largest capital campaign to raise $120 million in support of major infrastructure and endowed projects, and build partnerships in the UAE, India and Hong Kong. He has also held senior development roles at the University of Calgary, McGill University, McMaster University and at the Aga Khan University, based in Karachi, Pakistan.

In healthcare and environmental institutions, Ibrahim served as director of gift and estate planning at Sick Kids Foundation in Toronto, the largest paediatric hospital foundation in Canada. In Calgary, he served as director of strategic partnerships at the Pembina Institute and executive director of The Pembina Foundation for Environmental Research and Education. Corporately, Ibrahim worked for Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian Pacific Limited in Montreal for 13 years as project manager and systems and planning consultant.

Since joining Global Philanthropic in 2015, Ibrahim has spearheaded several projects within the higher education, health care, arts and culture and social service sectors. These projects have included fundraising feasibility studies, Board strategic planning, prospect and donor data analytics and research for national organizations, philanthropic naming assessments of major hospitals and a science centre, campaign planning and execution for a community based social service agency, and prospect validation for a research institution with partners in Asia and Europe.

He has volunteered with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in Toronto, where he was faculty for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) courses, and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP), where he chaired the Marketing and Communications and Leave-a-Legacy committees. Currently, he lectures at the Humber College’s Postgraduate Fundraising Program, chairs the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of the British Columbia Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA, and volunteers with the annual World Partnership Walk, the largest program of its kind in Canada to support international development.

Ibrahim holds a B.Eng., an MBA from McGill University and a Master of Management Science degree from the University of Waterloo He has written a book chapter on international prospecting and adapting to changing Canadian demographics which was published in a 2016 APRA book “Prospect Research in Canada”.

Esther Jang, B.Comm, CFRE

Esther has over 20 years’ experience building relationships, in the for-profit and non-profit sectors, having held key positions with the University of British Columbia, the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver. Working with our clients in Vancouver, Esther has led successful capital campaigns, created naming valuations, implemented planned giving strategies, strategic counsel and mentored organizations to build capacity.

Prior to working in the not-for-profit sector, Esther honed her skills in the Canadian diamond industry, engaging in business development and marketing; working with a small dedicated team to create a well-known and internationally recognized Canadian diamond brand.

“I began working with Global Philanthropic as an Associate Consultant and transitioned to a Senior Consultant role.  My association with Global allows me to build bring my expertise to many more not for profits. This is a perfect match for me as I enjoy the project based work and knowing that my role with these organizations builds capacity to allow them to create future success.” – Esther Jang

Esther is native to Vancouver and leads an active life which revolves around her family, friends and travel.

Michelle Johnson, CFRE

A veteran fundraiser, Michelle’s ethical and innovative approach to annual, major and planned gifts in campaign-based organizations has served donors well since 1996.

During her 16 years as a professional fundraiser, Michelle has obtained substantial and sustained investments for the preservation of endangered species, ancient forests, privacy and the open internet, human health, the arts and social justice.

Michelle has made literally thousands of asks as a frontline fundraiser, creating a unique perspective on what truly moves a donor to say ‘YES!’

Michelle believes a gift in your will or estate plan can be a powerful final act. She has been preaching this to anyone who will listen, convincing colleagues, family, friends and strangers on the sidewalk that planning ahead with a gift in their will, to any charity, can provide for family, give a funding boost to their passion project(s) and defer taxes.

Michelle currently serves as Vice Chair of CAGP’s Vancouver Island Chapter and recently obtained her CFRE credential.

Mridula Joyner, CFRE

Mridula is a certified fundraising executive with a 20+ year fundraising career. She has raised millions of dollars in philanthropic and corporate investments for large, complex charitable organizations across various social causes in healthcare, child welfare, and youth development sectors.

Mridula is a major gifts, planned gifts, campaign specialist whose background includes leadership roles in some of Canada’s top charitable organizations and campaigns: University Health Network – $400 million comprehensive campaign; Credit Valley Hospital Foundation – $35 million capital campaign; SickKids Foundation; Toronto’s Ronald McDonald House – $30 million capital campaign; YMCA Greater Toronto – $200 million comprehensive campaign; Children’s Aid Foundation Canada; and Women’s College Hospital Foundation – $70 million capital campaign.

She is an active member of the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter, past Board member of the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter and AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada, and a past member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP).

In 2016, Mridula moved into a full-time consulting role, providing philanthropic counsel to a variety of clients, large and small, across Canada.

Randy Klassen, BSPE, CFRE

Randy built his career through the YMCA network, with progressively senior appointments at YMCAs in Saskatoon, Edmonton and Regina. Randy led the YMCA Regina team as CEO for 28 years, creating a robust fund development program that included annual and capital campaigns, planned giving and endowments.  Since September 2017, Randy has developed a solid network of non-profit and charitable clients as an independent consultant, developing multi-level fund development programs.

“I am very excited to join the Global Philanthropic team.  Throughout my career, I have enjoyed building capacity in organizations and building programs and services that make a difference in the community.  Working with Global Philanthropic, the expertise and knowledge that comes from the national network of Senior Consultants will benefit many organizations in Southern Saskatchewan.  I am excited to continue to work in Regina and across Southern Saskatchewan to help organizations build stronger communities.” – Randy Klassen

Randy is an accomplished leader who has demonstrated his ability to build and lead a dynamic team to successfully implement programs and services that meet an organizational strategic plan with measurable outcomes.

Randy was also an active NAYDO Council Member, the North American YMCA Development Organization that organizes conferences and fund development training for YMCA staff and volunteers across North America.  He developed educational sessions, set up webinars and developed a social media strategy.

Randy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science & Physical Education from the University of Saskatchewan. He is also a certified Balanced Scorecard Professional. Randy earned his CFRE designation in 2020.

Barry Knapp, BRS

Barry is a relationship-focused fundraising professional with over 20 years of experience. He has worked in a variety of sectors, including rural community development in Manitoba and both healthcare and post-secondary education in Alberta. In his most recent position as Director of Development and Campaign Manager at the University of Lethbridge, he built and managed a team which had raised $89 million towards the campaign’s $100 million goal.

His previous roles at STARS and the Calgary Health Trust exposed him to high caliber capital campaign administration and dynamic campaign volunteer leadership.  Barry places a high value on trust, transparency and professionalism in his work and prides himself on above-and-beyond donor stewardship. Barry’s skills and experience in major gifts, planned giving, annual campaigns, staff management and prospect research make him a capable and well-rounded senior fundraiser.

Barry was a founding director of the Southern Alberta AFP chapter and served on the chapter’s executive in various roles over seven years. He chaired the first National Philanthropy Day awards and luncheon in Lethbridge in 2015. He has been an AFP member since 2001.

Barry earned his Bachelor of Recreation Studies degree at the University of Manitoba. He is based in Coaldale, Alberta.

Charles (Chuck) LaFlèche, BA, BComm, FCPA, FCMA

Chuck has a proven track record of raising significant money for health care, and is widely recognized as a leader in health care fundraising in Canada.

He has spent 35 years in progressively senior positions in public and private industry, including recently as the President and CEO of St. Boniface Hospital Foundation in Winnipeg. During his tenure at St. Boniface Hospital Foundation (2010-2017), annual revenues nearly tripled to more than $15 million and funds on deposit increased from $25 million to more than $60 million.

Prior to joining the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation Chuck worked as a VP-Finance for a publicly traded Healthcare Informatics firm, a professor at a Business School, and he founded Momentum Healthware, a health informatics company with sales in Canada, the US, Asia and Europe.

Chuck has served on a number of IT and health industry related boards including the Conference Board of Canada Council of Foundation Executives.  He served for 7 years on the Standards Council of Canada.  In 2013 he was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.  Chuck co-hosted The Health Report, a weekly radio show on CJOB in Winnipeg from 2010 to 2017.

Chuck received his B. A. in Political Science from the College universitaire de Saint-Boniface in 1980, and his B. Comm. in Finance from the University of Manitoba in 1983.  He was awarded his CMA designation from the Society of Management Accountants of Canada in 1986 and he became a Fellow of the Society in 2001.  In 2015, he received his FCPA designation with the merging of the accounting professions in Canada.

Elaine Lalonde, MA, CFRE

After obtaining her Master’s degree in Communication Management at the Annenberg School for Communication at USC (University of Southern California) in 1988, Elaine worked in politics as a press secretary. In 1990, she began a fundraising career by joining the firm Navion, and then Ketchum Canada, as director of market research and major fundraising campaigns, including the capital campaign for the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal.

Elaine has held senior fundraising and leadership positions in Quebec including Director of Development for les Amis du Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, Director of Development for the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation.  She served as the Campaign Manager for the Queen Elizabeth Health Complex, and also provided campaign leadership to other key organizations including: the Nature Conservancy Canada, Quebec branch; Mackay Center Foundation; PROMIS; Villa Sainte-Marcelline Foundation; Fondation Collège de Montréal; NF Canada Foundation; Collège Stanislas; ENABLIS; and the Giant Steps Foundation.

Elaine is also an active volunteer in the philanthropic sector, including serving as President of the Maison Chance Foundation and member of the Board of the Fondation des sans-abri, and President of the Villa Sainte-Marcelline Foundation.  Elaine currently serves as a board member of the AFP, Quebec Chapter, and leads the nominations committee of Awards in excellence in philanthropy awards. Elaine obtained her CFRE in April 2015.

Elaine holds a BA from Queen’s University, a BA in Communications from Concordia University, and a Master of Arts from the Annenberg School for Communication from the University of Southern California.

Crystal  Leochko Johnston, BA, MA

Crystal has always had a passion for research and a desire to change the world through philanthropy.  She began her journey in prospect research over 10 years ago as the first prospect researcher at St. John’s-Ravenscourt School in Winnipeg.  She has worked with non-profits of all sizes in education, healthcare, arts and culture, social services, animal welfare and the environment.   Prior to her career in prospect research she provided research services at the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba.

Crystal is experienced in prospect identification; customized research profiles including analysis, wealth indicator reports and capacity ratings; custom research; and staff training.  She is also an experienced grant writer.

Crystal is a member and dedicated volunteer of both Apra Canada and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Crystal has served on the Apra Canada Conference Committee since 2014 and co-chaired the conference in 2018. She currently serves as a member of AFP’s Canadian National Scholarship Committee and AFP Manitoba’s National Philanthropy Day Committee.

Crystal is also the Winnipeg Chapter Coordinator for the Tetra Society of North America.

Crystal holds a Bachelor of Arts (History and English) from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Arts (History) from the University of Winnipeg.

Nicholas (Nick) H. Locke, CA

Nick worked in business as a CA for 12 years before moving to the non-profit sector. He has worked in the charitable sector for 35 years and developed his fundraising skills over nine years in federal politics.

Nick’s passion is to guide non-profits through change to achieve growth and success. His expertise is strategic planning, team building and mentoring, major gifts and campaigns, stakeholder engagement, finance and communications.

In his non-profit career he has raised over $700 million and successfully closed out 11 capital campaigns, ranging in size from $5 million to $75 million.

In 1991, Nick was VP Foundation and Corporate Services at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. He completed an $18 million campaign, rebuilt the Foundation with strong annual giving revenue of more than $5 million and successfully completed a new $10 million capital campaign.

As President and CEO of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in 1996, Nick created a “new” Foundation which is now Canada’s largest funder of cancer research. He created a five-year strategic plan, with a new vision, mission, values and goals, built a team and programs that grew revenue from less than $5 million to $21.9 million in 1997, $31.9 million in 1999 and quadrupled the endowment to $48.2 million. He also implemented Canada’s largest and most successful charitable lottery program.

Moving to Vancouver in 2001, Nick joined the BC Cancer Foundation. As Senior VP, Development he built a new team and fully integrated fundraising programs, including major, annual and planned gifts, two major peer-2-peer fundraising events and the first e-philanthropy program. He also oversaw several capital campaigns across BC including the opening of a new $75 million cancer research centre in Vancouver. Revenues increased from an average of $7.3 million prior to 2001 to more than $43 million in fiscal year 2008 with secured bequests of more than $37.5 million. As interim CEO during 2007-08, he oversaw the launch of The Ride to Conquer Cancer, now in its 11^th year.

In 2010, Nick was recruited as VP Development at the Alberta Cancer Foundation to attain a five-year revenue goal of $200 million. He developed a Board-approved strategic plan for $213 million and raised more than $42 million in 2012 and $45 million in 2013. He also introduced e-philanthropy, monthly giving, social media engagement, a new-donor focused stewardship program and a readiness plan and case for support for a $200 million campaign for a new Calgary cancer center.

Returning to Vancouver as the VP Development at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Nick moved an event-dependent organization to more diversified fundraising with individuals donating at the entry level of giving, mid-level, and major gifts donors, began the first regional-based monthly donor program, digital giving and online campaigns.

Nick started consulting in 2015. Within a strict two-year deadline for his first client, he completed a $10 million capital campaign for a new museum in North Vancouver and worked on feasibility and campaign readiness projects in Seattle and Calgary.

Guy Mallabone, MA, CFRE

Guy founded Global Philanthropic Canada in 2010, and currently serves as President, CEO, and Chair of the Board.  He has spent 40 years as a fund development professional and administrator. After launching his career in 1980 as an arts administrator for provincial and national organizations (Alberta Band Association and Canadian Band Association), he moved on to serve as the Director of Fund Development for the Canadian Red Cross Society (Alberta-NWT Division). During his tenure, Guy assumed increasingly senior positions within the organization including a posting as Deputy Officer-in-Charge of the gift-in-kind program established on-site for the 1994 Los Angeles earthquake.

Guy continued to assume senior fundraising and administrative positions in the non-profit sector, culminating in his appointment in 1995 as Director of Development at the University of Alberta. He led institutional fundraising initiatives and served as the Chief Operating Officer for the ‘It Makes Sense’ fundraising campaign in 1996. The campaign’s goal of $144.65 million made it the fourth largest capital campaign in Canadian history. The campaign concluded successfully in 1999, raising over $190 million.

In 1999, Guy was appointed to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) as Vice President of External Relations and Chief Development Officer, positions he held until his departure in July, 2010. As the founding VP External, Guy was a chief architect of SAIT’s $80 million ‘Invest in Technology’ fundraising campaign, the largest campaign in SAIT’s history and the largest for any technical institute in Canada. This campaign concluded successfully on June 30, 2005, and raising over $83 million. Guy was also responsible for SAIT’s current $75 million ‘Promising Futures’ campaign, a bricks-and-mortar campaign to raise funds for the new Trade and Technology Complex.  During Guy’s tenure, SAIT attracted the largest and second largest gifts ($15 million and $10 million) made by individuals to a Canadian College or Polytechnic institute in Canadian history.

Guy’s fundraising experience is extensive. He has also consulted for many non-profit agencies and organizations in Canada and internationally. Guy was recognized in 1999 as the Outstanding Fundraising Executive of the Year by the Edmonton & Area Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and again in 2011 by the Calgary Chapter.  Alberta Venture Magazine identified Guy as one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People, and the Calgary Herald identified Guy as one of Calgary’s 20 Most Compelling Calgarians.

Tony Mariani

Tony is a Million Dollar seller and top performer with 25+ years of experience in media sales. He began his career in Broadcasting.

Most recently, Tony was a Major Gift Officer with St. Boniface Hospital Foundation.  In addition to major gifts, he worked to secure sponsorships for both the annual hospital radiothon and golf tournament.

Tony’s ability to gain client trust and confidence is the major reason for his success over the years

Tony is a proud member of Sons of Italy Winnipeg.

Jean-Nicholas Marziali, LL.B, M.A.P., CFRE

Jean-Nicholas is an experienced strategist and seasoned philanthropic manager. For close to 20 years he has helped raise more than $250 million in philanthropic donations and has served more than 150 clients.  Jean-Nicholas has also led several philanthropic training seminars and conducted organizational diagnostics for non-profit organizations working in healthcare, education and arts and culture.

Between 2004 and 2017, Jean-Nicholas was Partner, vice-president, senior consultant and director of the Maritimes office at Bolduc Nolet Primeau et Associés (BNP), where he acquired a pragmatic understanding of the challenges facing non-profits.  During this time, Jean-Nicholas contributed significantly to the success of the firm supporting, among others, the following institutions:

• Le Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal
• Shriners Hospital for Children – Canada
• St Raphael Palliative Care Home
• La Fondation Yvon Deschamps
• Le Cégep du Vieux-Montréal
• Old Brewery Mission
• Le Théâtre du Nouveau-Monde
• West Island Palliative Care Residence
• La Société de la Place des Arts de Montréal
• Le Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique
• La Cité de la Santé de Laval
• L’Hôpital Marie-Clarac
• Le Centre d’art d’Orford
• L’Ancre des jeunes
• Le Musée d’art de Joliette
• Vanguard School

In 2017, Jean-Nicholas accepted a new challenge as Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations at McGill University.  A key position in the Department of University Advancement, Jean-Nicholas helped prepare the launch of an ambitious bicentennial fundraising campaign for McGill.   Jean-Nicholas’ mandate was to develop a new corporate strategy, with the participation of institutional leadership and dedicated volunteers, to substantially increase the philanthropic support of corporations and foundations to the campaign.

Jean-Nicholas is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).  He was also a Board member of the Québec chapter of the AFP.  Jean-Nicholas has a Bachelor’s degree in Law, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and has studied at the Fundraising School at the University of Indiana in Indianapolis.

Peter McKinley, BA (Hons), MLIS

With over two decades of experience in fundraising, including senior management roles in post-secondary education and in health care, Peter  has consistently pursued the goal of increasing the level of knowledge about donor capacity and philanthropic intent in the charitable sector.

As a consultant, teacher and researcher, Peter has successfully transferred this knowledge through consultations, teaching, in workshops and presentations, most recently with the Association of Advancement Services Professionals. An expert in donor pipeline development, Peter has focused on analyzing the lifecycle of donor engagement, recognizing that connections start with even the earliest awareness a potential donor has for a charity.

A pioneer in the field of prospect research, Peter built the donor pipeline from scratch at the Ivey Business School, providing critical strategic support for the successful $78 million Ivey Campaign, the largest single faculty campaign of its time in Canada.

At Brock University, Peter again brought a fundraising operation from a standing start to success, resulting in the completion of the $90 million Bold New Brock Campaign. As Executive Director, Alumni and Development in Brock’s 50th anniversary year, Peter provided leadership through an unprecedented effort to engage alumni.

Most recently, as Director of Development at OneFoundation, the fundraising arm of the Niagara Health System, Peter built the profile of the health system with donors across Niagara as part of the leadership team that raised $6 million annually.

Peter proposed, developed and delivered a ground-breaking graduate level course on prospect research and fundraising at Western University. He is co-author of the Globe and Mail bestselling business book ‘Excellence in Fundraising in Canada’.

Peter holds a BA (Honours) in History and a Master of Library and Information Science, both from Western University. He has also completed a finance and accounting executive course at the Ivey Business School; the CAGP Advanced Gift Planning course; and the American Marketing Association Market Research course.

Peter is delivering strategic counsel and fundraising support to a variety of charitable, not-for-profit and membership-based organizations. Peter lives in the beautiful Niagara Region of Canada, home to many of Canada’s premier wineries and enjoys many of the outdoor activities that the area has to offer.

Sue McMaster

Sue is recognized for her abilities as a strategic thinker. Working closely with fund development professionals for more than 11 years, Sue believes that before money is raised, attention must be focused on marketing and communications to raise awareness, firm up the brand proposition and generate excitement for the capital development plans. Sue’s approach is collaborative, identifying critical needs and resources and working strategically toward desired outcomes.

As a former journalist and newspaper reporter, Sue is adept at asking tactical questions, uncovering needs and assessing priorities. Through carefully crafted marketing and communications plans, which lay strategic groundwork before tactics are implemented, Sue measures outcomes against goals and return on investment. She also works collaboratively with the fund development team to develop the fundraising proposition, conduct feasibility assessments and craft the case for support, using a donor-centric model to emphasize the urgent and compelling aspects of the fund development work.

Sue is a seasoned professional successfully leading marketing, communications, media relations and event planning projects for more than 35 years. She is known for her ability to produce under pressure and was engaged by WorldSkills Calgary 2009 to create and implement a robust marketing, communications and media relations plan. Her work ultimately exceeded all expectations and led to record event attendance, worldwide media exposure and coverage on BBC World News.  Her strength lies in her common-sense approach and straightforward strategic plans.

Sue lead the Alberta Science and Technology Foundation for eight years, honouring outstanding innovation in Alberta, culminating in the 30th anniversary project The Impact of Alberta Innovation, Friesen Press, 2019.

Sue taught media relations at the University of Calgary to adult learners for five years. She has served numerous non-profit organizations, including  Director, Communications Chair and Board Secretary of Immigrant Services Calgary (2012-2017); Director and Co-Chair of the Development Committee of Lougheed House Preservation Society (2010-2013); Member and Treasurer of Second Chants Show Choir (2003 – current); National Task Force Member and Alberta Board Member, Special Olympics Canada (1995 – 1999); and Member and Volunteer, White Hatter Awards, Calgary Convention and Visitors Bureau (1987 – 1992).

Sue holds a Diploma in Journalism from Mount Royal College and various professional development certificates.

Joyanne Mitchell, CFRE

With 30 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Joyanne brings knowledge & experience in managing Development departments, with a primary focus on post-secondary education and community development. She finds creative ways to turn thoughts into action and understands that while getting the correct strategy in place is critical, transformation happens at implementation.

Reporting directly to the President at Lethbridge College, Joyanne successfully lead the largest comprehensive capital campaign in its history, raising $27.8 million for a $25 million campaign while navigating changes in government and in college leadership.

She played a key role in bringing partners to the table to support the largest Trades and Technologies Facility south of Calgary and for the Collaborative Centre of Excellence (CCE) in Agriculture while doubling the size of college endowments from $6 million to $12 million and exceeding the goal for student awards by 80%. She also provided executive oversight and leadership for the college’s sixtieth anniversary celebrations and championed the legacy project – Founders’ Square.

Joyanne also held development roles at the University of Lethbridge, Olds College and the Foothills Foundation. She started her fund development career by spearheading the ‘Happy Trail’ system in High River through her role as Parks Committee Chair.

Joyanne is an alumnus of Red Deer College, a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and has taught Fundamentals of Fundraising for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

She has been an active member of AFP since 1998 and currently serves as Past President and Director of Government Relations for AFP, Alberta South Chapter.

Joyanne and her family love ‘the lake-life’, are avid travellers and actively support philanthropic initiatives which mirror their values.

Lucy Ruiz, BA, PMP

Helping non-profits reach new heights is more than just a tagline to Lucy, it is the driving force behind her work. For the past 20 years, the sole focus of her work has been to help non-profits organization use technology to optimize efficiencies which advance their mission and vision. As a result, she has worked with hundreds of non-profit organizations in Canada and the United States.

As a former Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge Consultant and Project Manager, Lucy  led some of the most advanced projects and was awarded the Patriot’s Award for project innovation.  This award underscored the importance of thinking outside the box and bringing teams together towards a common goal.

Throughout her career, she had led migration and integration projects for various colleges & universities, hospital foundations and religious organizations.  Lucy specializes in bringing a systematic approach to all projects, looking at every detail, anticipating issues and mitigating risk in order to minimize the impact to deliver successful projects.  She successfully leverages the early days of her career as a fundraiser.

Lucy holds a BA in Public Affairs and Management from Carleton University. She is also a certified Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Jeff Sodowsky, MBA, MA, CFRE

Jeff has been working in fundraising and the social-profit sector for over 30 years.

Following a professional performing career and in addition to his consulting and work as a board member for charitable organizations, Jeff has served as the Chief Development Officer for BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre Foundation, Executive Director for Opera Cleveland, Acting General Director and Chief Development Officer for Vancouver Opera, Education and Development Specialist for American Ballet Theatre, Director of Education for Louisville Ballet, Educator for National Faculty, Public Relations Assistant for the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Center for the Arts and Finance Director for a US Congressional campaign.

Jeff’s consultancies have focused on comprehensive campaign planning, developing new giving programs, interim leadership, solicitor training and mentorship of fund-raising personnel. He has led the development of strategic directions and managed through cutbacks and crises. Jeff has worked as a grant writer for all levels of government and foundation support and produced scores of special events.

Jeff holds a Master of Arts in Arts Administration, a Masters in Business Administration and a CFRE designation. He serves as a Vice-President and mentor for the Greater Vancouver chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). He is the also the program co-chair and on the executive for Vancouver’s chapter of Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP).

Committed to equity, inclusion and new opportunities, Jeff previously volunteered as a lead coordinator for building five houses for Habitat for Humanity.

“Philanthropy changes our world. From donors contributing so an artist’s vision can be realized,  to those able to further their education because of a scholarship, from feeding the hungry to seeing first-hand a life saved by equipment generously funded from a donor who will never meet the patient, the impact of the gifts of others has been all around me. I am quite excited to join Global Philanthropic and empower more organizations to enhance the world in which we live – starting with Canada.”  — Jeff Sodowsky

Chris Steeves, BComm

Chris has over twelve years of professional fundraising and development experience working  with both small and large teams. He understands the new challenges facing the charitable sector and is passionate about helping forward-thinking teams embrace new forms of relationship building using data-driven insights and technologies.  

With a focus on effective communication and relationship building, Chris has a solid background in Development and Advancement. He led successful fundraising efforts and served as the Director of Advancement for the Halifax Grammar School for four years and seven years at Dalhousie University in the annual giving and major gift departments.

Recently, Chris served for five years as Vice President Development for Fundmetric, a firm focused on turning one-time donors into lifetime supporters.  He is passionate about making it easier for the charitable sector to embrace and adopt data science technology.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University in Marketing Management. He is active in AFP and is the Past President of the Nova Scotia Chapter.  He was the recipient of the 2015 Outstanding Professional Fundraiser Award.

Tina Thibodeau

Tina has been in the non-profit sector for the past 11 years. As the Executive Director of Crossroads for Women, a domestic violence and sexual assault centre in Moncton, she led her team through a successful $2.5 million capital campaign and the construction of a new facility. Prior to this position, Tina was the Campaign Director for the George L Dumont Hospital Foundation in Moncton, NB.

Passion for volunteerism and organizations is what incited Tina to make the jump into the non-profit sector after a 10-year career in the IT and telecom industry.

Tina specializes in organizational management, business development and executive coaching for non-profits and small businesses.

Tina is currently enrolled in an organizational management degree after previously studying in Information Technology and Political Science. She is highly experienced in crisis and trauma training and management performance. She is an active community volunteer.

Richard L.H. Walker, B.Sc

RIchard is a seasoned fundraising, development and business development consultant, and currently serves as Senior Consultant for Global Philanthropic.  Feasibility assessment, Campaign, Major Donor and Corporate Philanthropy lead his skill sets, having completed work for WorldSkills International and the WorldSkills Foundation; the YMCA of Greater Toronto; North Island College; Victoria Hospice; the University of Alberta and others.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Victoria. He is an Alumnus of the Banff Centre School of Management and certification instructor and frequent presenter at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).  He has been a key note speaker at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Canadian Council of Ministers of Education, the Association of Canadian Community Colleges and has made presentations to the Parliament of Canada and provincial governments.

Richard was former President and CEO of WorldSkills Canada, CEO of the Jubilee Auditorium Foundation, V.P. of Ducks Unlimited and Managing Director of the University of Alberta southern office, he has been a guest lecturer at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, SAIT Polytechnic, the University of Victoria and a guest presenter at Cambridge University in the U.K.

Richard is the co-author of Excellence in Fundraising in Canada, one of the Globe and Mail’s best selling business books.

Sean Yauk, MA, AMGD

Sean is a passionate fundraiser, arts manager, and advisor from the Toronto area. He got his start in the arts working as an actor, musician and composer. While completing artistic work and performing, he assisted many emerging Canadian theatre companies, artist collectives, and music ensembles with multi-year strategic planning, marketing and fund development. His interest quickly turned to not-for-profit management, growth, and fund development in the arts and culture sector. Sean has since served as a fundraiser and not-for-profit manager.

Equipped with extensive research experience in the fields of cultural studies, research, strategic planning, not-for- profit leadership, and public policy, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and fresh perspectives on fundraising practices and relationship building.

Sean completed his Bachelor’s degree in political science at Huron College at Western University, where he served as an undergraduate research fellow. He completed a graduate diploma in arts management and a Master’s degree in arts leadership at Queen’s University, where he studied the theories and history behind Board development, fundraising, and strategic planning.

Karen Van Sacker, MBA

Karen is currently Special Counsel and was formerly the Vice President, British Columbia and Senior Consultant (April 2013 – June 2017), leading Global’s Vancouver office. She is an accomplished fundraising executive and consultant, bringing international experience and perspective to her work.

Karen has returned to Australia to take on a senior role at the University of Melbourne where she is playing a key role in the advancement of the institution’s fund development program.  Prior to joining Global Philanthropic Karen was Director of Fundraising and Campaign for The University of Queensland (UQ) where she played a lead role in professionalizing UQ’s development and alumni engagement operations. Her achievements at UQ include negotiating 8-figure gifts and corporate partnerships, working with academic and volunteer leaders to build bridges between the university and its global alumni leaders, modeling a global industry partnership strategy, transforming the UQ vision into high profile initiatives that attract philanthropy and investment, establishing a USA office, and putting in place and mentoring a high performance advancement team.

Karen has worked at an executive level within the not-for-profit sector and as a consultant since 1984, enabling organizations large and small. During that time she led start up programs and campaigns, negotiated transformational corporate partnerships, facilitated organizational change and put in place volunteer leadership teams to work alongside senior management. She has specific expertise working with executive leaders and boards, and has strength in organizational development, integrated fund development planning, and strategic and campaign management.

A native to British Columbia and equipped with pan-Canadian and international experience, Karen brings fresh perspectives to a market she knows well.

She completed her undergraduate work at the University of British Columbia, and is fully bilingual in French and English. She completed a post-graduate public relations certificate at Laval University and an MBA from Concordia University.