Jamie (pronouns he/him) currently works at Georgian College. He is a resourceful and collaborative leader, mentor, entrepreneur, volunteer, and fundraising professional, experienced in both healthcare and higher education fundraising, and is passionate about the promotion of equity, diversity, and inclusion. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), and chose a career in the charitable sector as a way of channeling his passion for social justice. In addition to his two decades of professional and volunteer service to the charitable sector, he worked for seven years in children’s protective services. He was raised in Newfoundland and currently resides in Orillia, Ontario with his husband and three dogs.

Whitney Sallach entered the fundraising sector in 2017 after beginning her career in community journalism. With prior roles at Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation and The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Whitney was thrilled to join Innisfil Community Foundation as Executive Director in 2023. Whitney earned her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2021 and also volunteers with the Rotary Club of Innisfil.

With more than 25 years as a professional in the charitable sector, Jeanette (she/her) has a unique skill set to empower organizations to reach beyond their current situation, furthering their impact and changing lives! Her background includes completing the Recreation and Business Program at Cambrian College, the Executive Development Program at McGill University, Yale University’s Women’s Leadership Program, and other senior management/executive training programs. As a coach committed to developing people and teams, opening two state-of-the-art YMCA facilities and exceeding targets, building success-oriented strategic plans, her strengths are now focused as a Principal of The OtherHalf Consultants.

Courtney Willis (pronouns she/her) began her career in the charitable sector in 2004 when she was placed in a temporary position at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. That temporary placement proved to be the beginning of a lifelong passion for philanthropy, personally and professionally. She has served her communities at several charities in a variety of Development, Events, and Communication-based roles in both small, grassroots non-profits and large, national organizations championing change in the healthcare sector across Canada. Through her leadership in Peer-to-Peer events, she has helped raise millions of dollars for social services, resources, and research to help Canadians live well.  She and her five-year-old son participate in many Simcoe County-based fundraising events as she believes we all have a duty to inspire the next generation of philanthropic giving.

The act of philanthropy is a continuous inspiration to Katelyn. Since 2010, Katelyn has had the honour of engaging with various donors, volunteers, and community partners. Her background primarily falls into social services, with experience in working and volunteering with agencies throughout Ontario. Katelyn completed her Fundraising & Resource Development certificate through Georgian College and has since been an active volunteer with various groups including Georgian College, the Planned Giving Council of Simcoe County, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Central Ontario Chapter.

Liz has over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance including positions in public practice, governance, and industry. Liz graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in 1991 and received her CPA designation in 1994. Liz joined Powell Jones LLP in 2013, providing accounting and auditing services to a varied base of clients in manufacturing and retail industries as well as to many not-for-profit organizations. Liz is a Barrie native and has volunteered with various groups in the community including as the Treasurer for MADD Barrie/Simcoe and Planned Giving Council of Simcoe County.

Lisa is passionate about making a positive difference in her community. Her donor-centered approach has helped raise millions of dollars in gifts for charitable organizations. Lisa’s passion for advancing philanthropy extends to her role on the AFP CON Board of Directors, and previously on the executive for the Planned Giving Council of Simcoe County. Lisa is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). Currently employed as the Development Director at Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, she launched her career in the charitable sector in 2005 at Evergreen. Other charitable organizations in Central Ontario that have benefited from her energy and expertise include Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation, Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie, Empower Simcoe.

Lynn Thomas is passionate about Philanthropy being good for business. As a former Executive Director of a Chamber of Commerce and over 30 years in both small business and charity work, Lynn believes the two sectors are a natural partnership. As the capital campaign manager for the Building Hope campaign, raising $14.5 million to build The Lighthouse Community Services & Supportive Housing facilities (opened summer 2021), Lynn’s mantra for her team was “the campaign never sleeps”, raising all funds in 3 ½ years.

Lynn felt lead, and was excited to move forward, as of June 2022,  to a new season as Donor Relations Lead at Mariposa House Hospice, a new five bed residential hospice in Simcoe North, after five years as the Development & Communications manager with The Lighthouse.

As well as her role as Director with AFP Central ON, other volunteer roles in the Orillia community are: Director for Orillia & Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) and volunteer responder for North Simcoe Victim Services.  Being with family & friends, especially time at their family cottages is her happy place.

Katie (she/her) has always been drawn to volunteerism as a way to connect to the community. Katie is able to understand the motivating factors of donors and volunteers on a deeper level and genuinely and passionately enjoys exploring that space together. In her current role as Development Manager at The Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie, she continues to look for opportunities for growth, development, and connections within the community and beyond and is looking forward to getting acquainted. You’ll find Katie on a trail or a park with her partner and two little boys or by herself enjoying a good run.

Hunter Markle currently serves as a Development Officer, Annual Giving with the team at Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation in Orillia. Her previous roles include Fundraising and Community Development Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe and Student Development Assistant with the Royal Victoria Regional Healthcare Centre Foundation (RVHCF). She is the Past President of the North Simcoe Rotaract Club. A graduate of Georgian College’s Advertising and Marketing Communications program, Hunter is working on her Fundraising Management Certificate with Fleming College and working towards her CFRE.