SPEAKERS
Paul Alofs
President and CEO, The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
Since joining The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in 2003, Paul Alofs has increased the organization’s revenues from $33 million a year in 2003 to $70 million in 2008-09. Alofs’ resume includes Colgate-Palmolive Canada, The Marketing & Promotion Group, HMV Music Canada, BMG Music Canada, The Walt Disney Company and MP3.com. Paul has received the Outstanding Progress and Achievement Award from the Schulich School of Business and was named Innovative Retailer of the Year by The Retail Council of Canada. In 2005, Alofs was inducted into the Canadian Marketing Hall of Legends.
Sharon Avery
Chief Development Officer, UNICEF Canada
Sharon has been in the not-for-profit sector for 14 years, raising money for children’s charities in the social, healthcare and international development fields. Through nine years at SickKids Foundation, Sharon had the opportunity to impact nearly every fundraising channel in the organization and, always an unconventional fundraiser, was privileged to finish her career there as Senior Director, Innovation. 18 month ago Sharon joined UNICEF Canada as Chief Development Officer, and is relishing her biggest challenge yet.
Rahul Bhardwaj, LL.B.
President and CEO, Toronto Community Foundation
Rahul Bhardwaj is the President and CEO of the Toronto Community Foundation. He was formerly a corporate lawyer, Vice President of the Toronto 2008 Olympic Bid, and then CEO of United Way of York Region. He is currently serving as a Board Member of the Stratford Festival of Canada, George Brown College, and Community Foundations of Canada. In 2007, Rahul was named by the National Post as one of the "Next Generation of Toronto Civic Leaders." In 2008, he became a member of Mayor David Miller's "Blue Ribbon" Fiscal Review Panel. Recently, the Province of Ontario appointed Rahul to the Board of Metrolinx.
Tad Brown, LL.B.
Counsel, Business Affairs and Advancement, University of Toronto
Tad Brown is Counsel, Business Affairs and Advancement at the University of Toronto. He was a key member of the University's advancement team which in 2004 completed a $1 billion campaign - the largest in Canadian history. Previously, Tad practiced Corporate, Tax, Trusts and Estates law at McMillan Binch. Tad is a member of the Executive Committee of the Ontario Bar Association's Charity and Not-For-Profit Law Section, the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association and CAGP. Tad has also served as Chair of the National Government Relations Committee of the AFP.
Megan Campbell, CFRE, MBA, MA
Senior Director, Development, Royal Conservatory of Music
Megan Campbell is Senior Director, Development at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Previously Vice President, Administration for Community Foundations of Canada (CFC), she has held senior roles in fundraising organizations for the past 20 years. Megan chaired the editorial board of the Association for Healthcare Professionals Journal and was treasurer and board chair of the AIDS Committee of London. She has also served on the boards and various committees of the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter and the Oakville Chamber of Commerce.
Chris Carter
President, Chris Carter Marketing
For over 12 years Chris Carter, President of Chris Carter Marketing, has been providing award-winning fundraising and marketing expertise to some of Canada's largest charities and non-profit organizations including Greenpeace and the Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation. With a focus on annual giving, his strategic planning and fundraising skills have brought in many millions of dollars in revenue and tens of thousands of new donors.
Wendy Cecil
Volunteer, St. Michael's Hospital Foundation
During her business career, Wendy held a number of positions at Brascan Ltd., including vice-president of business development. She is currently vice-chair of the St. Michael's Hospital Board of Directors. For the past 30 years, Wendy has served a variety of organizations, such as The Toronto Reference Library, The Canadian Opera Company, The Canadian Stage Company, Branksome Hall and the YMCA. She is an Associate Senior Fellow of Massey College and Chancellor-Elect of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. In 2009, Wendy received the Therese Casgrain Award for Lifetime Volunteer Commitment from the Government of Canada.
Suzanne Duncan, MA, CFRE
Director of Philanthropy, The WoodGreen Foundation
Suzanne Duncan has been helping social service organizations reach their philanthropic potential for the last 8 years. At Eva’s Initiatives, YWCA Toronto and Frontier College Suzanne has connected donors to innovative projects, creating mutually beneficial partnerships for social change. As the Director of Philanthropy at The WoodGreen Foundation, Suzanne is responsible for a growing portfolio of major gift donors and special projects. She is the co-founder of the Women Fundraisers for Social Justice Network and holds a M.A. in English from the University of Toronto.
Marilyn Emery
President & Chief Executive Officer, Women’s College Hospital
Prior to joining Women’s College Hospital in 2007, Marilyn was President and CEO of Markham Stouffville Hospital (1989 – 1997), St. Joseph’s Health Centre (1997-2003), and Central East Local Health Integration Network (2005-2007). Marilyn is a member of the first group of women named Canada’s Top 100 Women. In 2003, she was appointed one of ten Lead Reviewers for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Peer Review Process designed to assist hospitals in developing a Balanced Budget Plan. Marilyn holds a MSc in Nursing Education from University of Western Ontario.
Margot Franssen
Former Entrepreneur, Current Philanthropist, Always an Activist
In 1980 Margot Franssen founded The Body Shop Canada and raised more than $1.3 million for violence prevention and recovery programs. In 2004, she sold The Body Shop and devoted her time exclusively to the Canadian Women’s Foundation and serving on the board of Women’s College Hospital. She co-chairs the Endowment Campaign for the Canadian Women’s Foundation and is at the forefront of Women Moving Millions. In 1995 Margot was honoured with the Grand Award from the United Nations. In 2002 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Sherri Freedman
Vice-President Development, The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
Sherri Freedman has been in the fundraising/relationship management field for over 20 years. Sherri spent 14 years in various roles at the United Way of Greater Toronto and subsequently transitioned into healthcare, spending 4 years at the Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation. Sherri is currently the Vice President, Development for The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation where she is a member of the senior management team, overseeing the Major Gifts and Estate Giving area which raised over $27 million last year. She has no plans leave.
Michael Fuhrmann
Director, New Media, United Way Toronto
Since United Way Toronto launched its first website in 1997, Michael's online projects have provided an external online face for United Way, supporting fundraising, special event, advocacy and community engagement goals. Michael has evolved United Way’s presence into a full Web 2.0 and social media platform. It was one of the first charities to use YouTube as a way to promote United Way’s community impact work , and is now one of the most-watched charities in Canada. With more than 800 Facebook supporters and more than 1,400 Twitter followers, United Way has become adept at transforming online support into real-world relationships.
Deborah Gardner
Executive Director, Volunteer Toronto
Deborah has been involved in social services and community activism for twenty five years.She has also been a volunteer for over thirty six years.She is passionate about the voluntary sector and brings a diverse background in both the non-profit and corporate sectors along with a demonstrated a commitment to sectoral and community capacity building. Deborah trains and consults on Board governance, organizational development, effective communication, change management, Cultural Competency and collaborative strategies.
Emmanuelle Gattuso
Philanthropist, The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
Following an illustrious career in broadcasting (including founding Canadian Women in Communications), Emmanuelle, along with husband Allan Slaight, turned her attention to philanthropy. Organizations benefiting from their generosity include the AGO, United Way, the National Ballet and The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. Emmanuelle and Allan’s recent $12.5 million gift established The Gattuso Rapid Diagnostic Centre. Emmanuelle is working as the lead volunteer to raise the $12.5 million remaining.
Monique Giroux
Senior Director, Community Investment, CIBC
Since joining CIBC in 2002, Monique has been widely recognized for contributions that have helped build awareness of the corporate brand most recently by the AFP Corporate Philanthropy Award. Under her watch, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure received: Sponsorship Marketing Award of Distinction and Best of Show Grand Prix Award from Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada; Cassies Award and Imagine Canada Community Partnership Award. Monique is currently the Chair of the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada. Previously, Monique worked with the Canadian Cancer Society and the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Northeastern Ontario Region.
Pati Greenwood, CFRE
Vice-President Resource Development, Pathways to Education Canada
Pati Greenwood is a fundraising professional with a 30 years’ experience generating revenue and increasing fundraising capacity for charities. Under her leadership, Pathways to Education Canada successfully reduced the high school dropout rate in Toronto’s Regent Park from 56% to 10%. Pati is a member of AFP, Past-President of the AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter and Chair-Elect of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy-Canada. In 2001, Pati received the YMCA Eagle Award for fundraising excellence.
Harold Heft, Ph.D.
Vice-President Advancement, Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation
Prior to joining Mount Sinai, Harold held senior fundraising and communications roles at SickKids Foundation, the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, and University of Toronto. Harold has a Ph.D. in English Literature and has taught at the University of Western Ontario and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is the author of three books and a regular contributor to the Montreal Gazette newspaper. Harold lives in Toronto with his wife, Suzanne, and their two sons.
Gerald Hunt, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Human Resources Management and Organizational Behaviour, Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University
Gerald Hunt is Professor and Chair of the Human Resources Management and Organizational Behaviour Department at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University in Toronto. He has published on topics related to diversity, labour management, and change. Gerald teaches courses in organizational change, diversity management, and labour relations at both the undergraduate level and the MBA program.
Heather Hurst
President & CEO, West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation
Heather Hurst has currently holds the position of President & CEO West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation. Since joining the Foundation in 2004, her focus has been on building a robust and diversified fund development program, including major gifts and planned giving programs. Heather’s prior role was St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation as Vice President of Development and Operations. A sought after speaker and volunteer, Heather is currently Vice-Chair on the Board of the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter and is also involved with the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy.
Suzanne Ivey Cook
Vice-Chair, The Ivey Foundation
Suzanne is the Vice-Chair of the Ivey Foundation, a private family foundation granting approximately $2.2 million yearly to primarily environmental projects. Suzanne has served on the Greenwood College School Board of Directors, the Campaign Cabinet of the United Way and on the Boards of the Bishop Strachan School and Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation. In the 1980’s, Suzanne worked at World Wildlife Fund Canada in a development role. She has remained involved with WWF since then as both a volunteer and a supporter.
Jennifer E. Kirner
Community Investment Manager, TELUS
Jennifer manages the community investment and engagement program at TELUS for the Greater Toronto Area and Atlantic Canada. Prior to joining TELUS in 2008, Jennifer worked in Corporate Sponsorship for the Art Gallery of Ontario and Royal Ontario Museum Governors Office. Jennifer is an MBA Candidate from the Schulich School of Business with a focus on Non-profit management and Organizational Behaviour. Jennifer has sat on the board for the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto and is currently involved with a number of organizations in the GTA advising them on strategy and corporate sponsorships.
Mary Koutsoubos
Director of Development, Soulpepper Theatre Company/Young Centre for the Performing Arts
Mary Koutsoubos has been a professional fundraiser in the charitable sector for over ten years, with a particular interest and focus in the arts. She is currently the Director of Development of Soulpepper Theatre Company where she is responsible for leading the development team in the areas of Individual, Foundation, Corporate and Public Sector giving. She has worked for York University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, The National Ballet of Canada and Women’s College Hospital Foundation.
Rob Lamb
Managing Director, Canadian Opera Company & Vice President, Canadian Opera House Corporation
Rob Lamb became Managing Director of the Canadian Opera Company in 2002 and held the position of Acting General Director in 2007/08. Previously, he worked with Genovese, Vanderhoof & Associates, one of North America’s leading management consulting firms serving performing arts institutions, and the Toronto International Film Festival Group, where he had served as Director of Development and Marketing for five years.
Frances Lankin, PC, LLD
President and CEO, United Way Toronto
The Hon. Frances Lankin has been the President and CEO of United Way Toronto since 2001. Under Frances’s leadership, United Way has become a leading community builder that funds social service agencies and works to create opportunities for a better life for everyone in Toronto. Frances was the MPP for 11 years for the Toronto riding of Beaches-East York and served in the Rae government as Minister of Government Services and Chair of the Management Board, Minister of Health, and Minister of Economic Development and Trade.
Emma Lewzey, CFRE
Fundraising Manager, The Redwood
Emma currently heads the fundraising program at The Redwood, a safe haven for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. The Redwood is a proud recipient of the 2009 Philanthropy Award for Outstanding Small Organization for Excellence in Fundraising from the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter. Emma is the Past Chair of the Board of Directors of Inside Out, one of North America’s largest LGBT film festivals. She has been involved in the non-profit sector for over a decade, and her work is influenced by a strong commitment to social justice, anti-racism and anti-oppression.
Victoria Littler
Vice President, Communications, Events & Corporate Relations, ROM Governors
Victoria Littler is charged with supporting the ROM’s fundraising initiatives with strategic communications, exceptional events and engaged corporate sponsors. Prior to joining the ROM Governors in 2008, Victoria was Senior Director of Brand, Sponsorship and Corporate Marketing at CIBC working with properties such as the CIBC Run for the Cure, Cirque du Soleil and the World Cup of Hockey. She has over 15 years of experience in branding, advertising and marketing and holds a M. Sc. in Media and Communications from the London School of Economics.
Avon MacFarlane
Vice President, The Offord Group
Avon MacFarlane is a distinguished fundraising professional with 25 years experience in the non-profit sector, specializing in the advancement field. Prior to joining The Offord Group, Avon was Interim Assistant Vice President, University Advancement for the University of Toronto where she dedicated 12 years to the University’s successful $1 billion campaign. In this role, her portfolio included many aspects of fundraising and advancement. Her clients now span all sectors including education, arts and culture, social service and health care.
Ruth MacKenzie
President, Volunteer Canada
In July 2007, Ruth MacKenzie was named president of Volunteer Canada. Previously, Ruth worked at the Canadian Cancer Society -Ontario Division, and later the Nova Scotia Division, in the area of volunteer development. In between those two positions, she established and ran her own company, receiving recognition for her business acumen by being selected as an Entrepreneur of the Year. Currently, Ruth is on the Board of the Council for International Certification in Volunteer Administration and the International Journal of Volunteer Administration.
Ken Mayhew
Chief Development Officer, MS Society of Canada
Ken Mayhew has been with the MS Society of Canada for over 15 years. As Chief Development Officer he is responsible for all aspects of marketing, communications and fund development for an annual program with almost 1 million active donors and a successful $60 million endMS Capital Campaign. Ken is a Director of the Board of the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter, a member of KCI (Ketchum Canada)’s National Advisory Board, the Sick Kids Hospital Foundation Community Involvement Committee, and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners.
Bryan McKinnon
Founder, Public Outreach
Founder of Public Outreach, an international face to face fundraising agency that provides strategic consulting and monthly donor stewardship and development solutions. Bryan is committed to sharing the latest in research and trends to build sustainability for the non profit sector.
Alayne Metrick, FAHP
President, St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation
Alayne has headed the Foundation since 1995. Previously, she was president of Centenary Hospital Foundation for nine years. During her tenure at St. Michael’s, net revenues have grown from $3.5M to over $30M. In 2002, Alayne is one of only fourteen in Canada who hold a Fellow’s designation (FAHP) from the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy. She received the prestigious Community of Service Award from St. Michael’s Hospital and, in 2005, the Association for Fundraising Professionals’ Fundraiser of the Year Award. Alayne is also a current member of the campaign cabinet.
Florence Minz
Past Chair, The Royal Conservatory of Music
Florence Minz's career encompasses various corporate roles in organizational and strategic planning. Since 1994 she has participated in the management of her family's private real estate investments and companies. Ms Minz served on the Board of Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, as well on the Board of Directors of St. Michael's Hospital since 2001. Ms Minz is Past Chair of the Royal Conservatory of Music. In 2010 she was appointed by the Federal Government to Chair the Board of Trustees of the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Captain John P. Murray, APR
Divisional Secretary, Public Relations and Development, Salvation Army
As Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development for the Salvation Army, John is responsible for the public, media and government relations work of The Salvation Army as well as fundraising for Toronto and the National Capital Region. John and his wife Brenda have been Salvation Army for the past 13 years. John & Brenda have an interest in missions work and as such have had the privilege to travel to Africa, Pakistan, Cuba and Mexico in an effort to assist The Salvation Army ministry's in those countries.
Nicole Nakoneshny
Senior Consultant and Editor of KCI Philanthropic Trends Quarterly, KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.)
Nicole Nakoneshny has more than 12 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining KCI, Nicole held positions with the University of Manitoba’s I.H. Asper School of Business, the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management and United Way of Winnipeg. An active volunteer, Ms. Nakoneshny is a long time volunteer with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, serving as a talking book narrator for more than 10 years. Ms. Nakoneshny holds a B.Comm. from the University of Manitoba.
Ratna Omdivar
President, Maytree Foundation
Ratna Omidvar is President of Maytree, a private foundation that promotes equity and prosperity through its policy insights, grants and programs. Maytree is known for its commitment to developing, testing, and implementing programs and policy solutions related to immigration, integration and diversity. Ratna serves as a Director of the Toronto City Summit Alliance and is the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council. In 2006, Ratna was appointed to the Order of Ontario. In 2010, the Globe and Mail profiled Ratna as its Nation Builder of the Decade for Citizenship.
Michelle Osborne, CFRE
Executive Director, Gift Planning, University of Toronto
Michelle Osborne joined the University of Toronto in August 2007, where she is responsible for the overall University of Toronto gift planning program. Having also worked for the Royal Ontario Museum Governors and SickKids Foundation, her focus has always been in the area of strategic philanthropy. A long-time member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, Michelle has worked on various committees at both the local and national level.
Sandra Palmaro
CEO, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region
Sandra Palmaro joined the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Ontario Region as CEO in April 2009. Prior to CBCF, Sandra was Executive Vice President at SickKids Foundation. Sandra transitioned into the not for profit world after 14 years with Microsoft Corporation, where she held a number of senior leadership roles including Vice President, Marketing and Communications and Vice President, Public Sector. Sandra also served on the National Board of Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada for 8 years, including 3 years as National Board Chair.
Donna Raetsen-Kemp
Executive Director, Station Gallery
Donna Raetsen-Kemp is described as someone who makes things “click”. She looks for the clearest path to warmly connect people to people, ideas, information…and $s. Using a little ingenuity and a dose of gentle tenacity, she cuts through the weeds to find creative solutions and get results. Her award-winning leadership has resulted in series of successful organizational turn-arounds. She is currently the Executive Director of Station Gallery, a bustling public art gallery located in Whitby, Ontario. Her mantra: Let’s all help each other get what we want!
Marvi Ricker
Vice President & Managing Director, Philanthropic Services, BMO Harris Private Banking
Marvi Ricker joined BMO Harris Private Banking as managing director of Philanthropic Services in March 2002. From 1990 to 2002, Marvi was Executive Director of The Richard Ivey Foundation, a private charitable foundation, which has made grants of more than $60 million in support of projects in health, education, social development and the environment. Marvi serves on the boards of Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation, OHAfrica, and Women in the Lead, Inc. Marvi holds a B.Sc. and a M.Sc from the University of Toronto.
Mark Rittinger
Executive Director, Development & Alumni Relations, Schulich School of Business, York University
Mark Rittinger returned to the Schulich School of Business at York University in 2009 as Executive Director, Development and Alumni Relations. Mark has also worked the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, at the time engaged in a successful seven-year, $250 million campaign as part of the University's $2 billion Chicago Initiative. Previously, Mark has also served as Vice President, Development for the ROM Governors as part of a team which raised more than $250 million in support of Renaissance ROM project.
Taslim Somani
Director, Stephen Thomas Ltd.
Taslim developed her expertise in digital marketing working for a start-up internet company, and then went on to transform FedEx.ca. She has served at the Canadian Red Cross Society Ontario, where she built their Diversity program, and was nominated for the Canadian Race Relations Foundation Award of Excellence for her work. Currently, Taslim leads the digital practice at Stephen Thomas Ltd. where she uses her expertise online to find new audiences and new revenue for leading non-profit clients such as Medecins Sans Frontieres, Canadian Cancer Society, Kids Help Phone and more.
Lucia Stephenson
Director, The Tomorrow Fund, United Way Toronto
Lucia Stephenson has worked in the charitable sector for almost 20 years, starting with the Toronto Community Foundation and then moving to United Way Toronto in 1993. In 1995 she led the launch of The Tomorrow Fund, United Way Toronto’s endowment. Lucia has been a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) from its onset and is a graduate of the Banff Centre for Management’s Planned Giving for Canadian Fundraising Professionals. She has been instrumental in making gift planning a priority for United Ways in Canada and the US.
Shawn St. Michael
Executive Director, Development, Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Shawn St. Michael is the Executive Director, Development at the Art Gallery of Ontario, where she has been a lead fundraiser for 15 years. Under her leadership, in 2008 the Transformation AGO campaign achieved $306 million – a new benchmark in Canadian cultural fundraising. In 2009, Shawn was named the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter’s Outstanding Fundraising Professional. Shawn previously held the position of Director of Development for the Stratford Festival and has worked with Orchestra London, and the P & D Colnaghi Gallery in London, England.
Greg Thomson, MBA
Director of Research, Development, Charity Intelligence Canada
Greg Thomson is Director of Research at Charity Intelligence Canada (Ci), heading up the team of analysts that examine Canadian charities to find the most effective and efficient giving options for donors. He is an owner of Women’s Post and heads up the Post Strategy Organization, helping Canada's corporate leaders connect to discuss their strategic issues. Previously Greg worked as a strategy consultant at Monitor Company, helping organizations analyze all aspects of their strategic direction. Greg holds a B.A. (Hons) Economics (Queen’s University) and an MBA (Harvard University).
Mary Tidlund
Founder and President, The Mary A. Tidlund Charitable Foundation
Since 1998, the Mary A. Tidlund Charitable Foundation has grown to work in 18 countries with 45 programs engaged in medical, education and the alleviation of poverty. With the foundation Mary has raised over two million in donated dollars. As CEO of Williston Wildcatters Oil Corporation, she raised tens of millions of dollars in private and public shares. She engages people at a grassroots level, helping them to learn, grow, and make their own contribution to the world. Mary has won a national women's entrepreneurial award in 1993 and a national Humanitarian award in 2000.
Barbara Track, CFRE
Executive Director, Advancement, Alumni and Communications, Woodsworth College at the University of Toronto
Barbara Track, CFRE, is the Executive Director: Advancement, Alumni and Communications at Woodsworth College. During her career, spanning over 20 years, she has worked in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. In her current role at University of Toronto, providing support for students, engaging alumni and promoting Woodsworth College gives her great satisfaction. She is active in the community currently volunteering for AFP Great Toronto Chapter, Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada and CRC Self-Help.
Denny Young, CFRE, MA
Senior Director of Development, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Denny Young is Senior Director of Development at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. A regular speaker and lecturer on fundraising matters, Denny teaches part-time at both Humber College and Ryerson University. He has a Masters degree in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and has completed the Ivey School of Business Executive Program.