Lisa Spinks, President

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.

Whitney Sallach, Secretary, Past President

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.

Rebecca Munro, Membership Director 

Rebecca Munro is a dedicated professional in philanthropy, currently serving as the Manager of Major and Planned Gifts for the YMCA Simcoe Muskoka. With a Bachelor’s Degree from Brock University, she gained an understanding of the importance of community and recreation, laying the foundation for her career dedicated to enhancing community well-being. Furthering her education, Rebecca completed a post-graduate certificate in Event and Fundraising Management. Passionate about community impact, she seamlessly integrates her understanding of the connection between community development and philanthropy into her roles. Beyond her current position, Rebecca actively engages in the fundraising community, holding a role on the board for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central Ontario Chapter. Balancing her professional endeavors, she places great value on personal connections, recognizing the importance of a balanced life. Rebecca‘s educational background and commitment to philanthropy define her professional journey, ensuring a positive impact on the broader fundraising community.

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.

Lynn Thomas, Director

Starting out her career path in Recreation Leadership, Lynn did not expect her love of working with people and serving the communities she’s lived in to develop into a full-time roll in fundraising. With a vast background of working and volunteering in many roles within the non-profit sector, she has honed her skills of connecting businesses with charities and earning the trust of business owners and philanthropists alike.

Lynn’s recreation education included business courses as well as psychology & sociology, therefore the path that rolled out from graduating from Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology always seemed to include understanding and empathizing with the needs of her community and earning the trust of the business owners where she worked and lived.

While many large charities have larger staff teams in specific roles, Lynn has remained passionate about serving the smaller, locally focused organizations that need a self-driven development professional to take the ball and run with it to build new programs and initiatives. With success in ataining approximately $1 million in grant funding, planning and implementing major fundraising events and donor initiatives including communication and planned giving, she enjoys the diversity of working and serving smaller charities.

Roles that have contributed to her development skillset and passion are: Executive Director of Niagara region Chamber of Commerce, Board member of Grand Erie Business Centre, Board and Executive Board member of Orillia Area Community Development Corp., Development & Communications Manager of The Lighthouse Orillia & Building Hope Campaign Manager, Donor Relations Mariposa House Hospice, and currently Development Director North Simcoe Victim Services.

Sue-Ellen Boyes, Director

Sue-Ellen Boyes, CFRE, has worked in the field of not-for-profit marketing and development for her entire career. Since 2019, she has been the director of development at CLH Foundation in Midland. Her focus there is on building community engagement and funding for programs and initiatives which positively impact the lives of those who are served by CLH Developmental Support Services: adults, seniors, children and youth with developmental disabilities. Prior to coming to CLH, Sue-Ellen was at the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie. During her ten years there she led the corporate sponsorship, special event fundraising and individual giving programs, as well as the MacLaren’s marketing and communications.

Lisa Ogbole, Director

Lisa Ogbole, a devout Christian, stands as the driving force behind the Imani Foundation, a national non-profit organization rooted in the Black community. Its primary aim is to extend a compassionate hand to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, offering a safe haven and comprehensive support services in a non-judgmental environment.

 In her capacity as Executive Director and former IT professional, Lisa exemplifies multifaceted leadership. She serves as a beacon of inspiration, offering mentorship and coaching while also thriving as a seven-figure entrepreneur. Her humanitarian endeavors center on uplifting women and their families, showcasing an unwavering dedication to their welfare.

Lisa’s fervent dedication to aiding survivors of domestic violence springs from her own harrowing experiences. Having endured eight years of abuse, she emerged from the ordeal with a renewed purpose—to extend a lifeline to others in similar circumstances. This vision culminated in the establishment of Imani Foundation in 2019, marking the genesis of Imani’s Place—a pioneering transitional home and the first Black-led initiative of its kind in Canada, dedicated to supporting the BIPOC community.

Since its inception, Imani’s Place has touched the lives of over 500 women, offering not just shelter but also crucial support services such as free counseling, educational workshops, job assistance, free groceries, transportation, clothing, and pathways to permanent housing. Lisa’s impactful contributions have garnered recognition, leading her to speak at esteemed events like the Ontario Law Society and earning her prestigious accolades such as being named one of the “100 Black Women to Watch in 2022.” Her inspiring work has also been featured on various media outlets, including City TV, Global News, CBC, and more.