Ethics Awareness Month: Are You Ready? Governing in Uncertain Times

Jennifer Bernard is a Certified Fund Raising Professional and has held senior leadership positions within a variety of institutions across the charitable and not-for-profit landscape including the Ontario Science Centre, Royal Conservatory of Music, Trillium Health Partners and McMaster Children’s Hospital. Jennifer is currently the President & CEO of Women’s College Hospital Foundation, one of Canada’s oldest and most iconic healthcare institutions.  Throughout her career Jennifer has led a number of high performing teams and worked with volunteers to raise more than $100 million in the non-for-profit sector.

Jennifer is an active public speaker and passionate volunteer. She supports a variety of not-for-profit Boards and organizations including the Toronto Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals which supports and advocates on behalf of those within the philanthropic profession that are dedicated to building a better, more equitable world.  

In 2018, Jennifer was recognized as one the 25 most influential women in Canada by Women of Influence, joining a list of trailblazing women who have had significant impact on Canadian society.

Terrance S. Carter, B.A., LL.B, TEP, Trademark Agent – Managing Partner of Carters, Mr. Carter practices in the area of charity and not-for-profit law, and is counsel to Fasken on charitable matters. Mr. Carter is a co-author of Corporate and Practice Manual for Charitable and Not-for-Profit Corporations (Thomson Reuters), a co-editor of Charities Legislation and Commentary (LexisNexis, 2020), and co-author of Branding and Copyright for Charities and Non-Profit Organizations (2019 LexisNexis). He is recognized as a leading expert by Lexpert, The Best Lawyers in Canada and Chambers and Partners. Mr. Carter is a member of CRA Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector, and is a Past Chair of the Canadian Bar Association and Ontario Bar Association Charities and Not-for-Profit Law Sections.

Rickesh Lakhani believes that we are all responsible for each other’s success. He is the Founder of Radiance Advisory, supporting social impact organizations and leaders to align their actions with their values and build stronger cultures based on truth and trust.

He has nearly 20 years of experience in the social impact sector, including serving as the Executive Director at a community-based organization and as the Development Director leading an $8M annual fundraising campaign. Rickesh is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), sits on the Global Council for the Community-Centric Fundraising movement, and has volunteered with numerous causes and boards.

He enjoys spending time with his family including his 3 children, camping, bike riding, cooking, and playing drums. He is a work in progress.

Ken Mayhew is President & CEO of William Osler Health System Foundation. The Foundation has experienced its seventh consecutive year of significant revenue growth and is currently in a $100M Campaign supporting the redevelopment of Peel Memorial, Etobicoke General and Brampton Civic hospitals.

Prior to joining Osler, Ken spent 20 years with the MS Society of Canada and was responsible for all aspects of marketing, communications and fund development for a program with almost 1 million active donors, raising over $50 million annually.

Ken is Past President of the Greater Toronto Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and is Chair Elect of AFP Canada. Ken’s ongoing sector involvement with AFP, Imagine Canada and the Rideau Hall Foundation includes helping to develop a narrative on the importance of philanthropy within the Canadian social fabric. As a part of this, Ken is a frequent sector spokesperson having done numerous podcasts and media pieces. In 2018 and 2019, Ken was interviewed by The Globe and Mail for articles on “Philanthropy: The true heart of Canadian culture” and fundraising in the time of COVID-19. 

Ken has been recognized with a CEO in Action award from the Diversity Journal for his work in inclusive fundraising and was deeply honoured to be selected as the 2019 Fundraiser of the Year by the Greater Toronto Chapter of AFP.