To contact Candice:

C:(403) 210-3157

Senior Associate

Candice Naylen is a fundraising professional with extensive fund development experience in the non-profit sector, particularly in post-secondary institutions. As one of the youngest CFRE recipients, she has fundraised for various capital campaigns in Calgary and is responsible for multimillion-dollar fundraising goals. 

Candice holds a BA from Western University and an MA from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and maintains her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. She has held multiple board and volunteer roles in the community and was the recipient of WXN Canada's Most Powerful Top 100 in 2007.

Candice has held various senior roles in her career, most recently as Vice President, Advancement for an international development organization. She was responsible for its global fundraising, marketing, communications, community engagement, institutional partnerships, and stake holder relations.

Candice loves to travel and explore new places. She enjoys weekend trips with her close friends and exploring new sandy beaches. Candice currently lives in Ottawa with her two children where she can be found taking them hiking and enjoying the out-doors.

Corey’s Superpowers:

• Mentorship and leadership

• Fundraising strategy

• Capital campaigns

Recent Projects:

• Banff Centre

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area

• Gateway Association

To contact Corey:

C: 403.993.5352

Senior Associate and Director of Business Development

Corey is a passionate community builder, fundraiser and dedicated charitable sector leader who believes that philanthropy is not about giving, it’s more about making a difference. 

With more than 20 years of fundraising and sponsorship leadership experience, Corey is extremely passionate about building relationships, solving problems, and making change. His diverse career experiences range from health, humanitarian, social, youth, cultural, arts and education. He is a committed professional that is forever inspired by the people that work to advance philanthropy and, he continues to seek out new ways to engage communities to support the work of the charitable sector. 

Before joining ViTreo Group, Corey served as a Senior Development Officer at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and Bow Valley College (BVC). Further to his experience in post secondary, Corey had a successful career in event management where he worked on, and created high level events for government, entertainment, and culture.  

Corey is a true family man and takes every opportunity to check out to a mountain or a lake with his wife and kids to create those special moments.

Dami’s Superpowers:

 Contact Dami:

O: 403-210-3157

Associate

Dami is a creative designer with an interdisciplinary skill set within graphic and web and architectural design, a unique skill set that has allowed her to interface with a wide range of clients across different industries. She is very passionate about brand development and using adept storytelling to communicate intricate parts of a brand’s vision, with design as a tool. She believes that a simple, concise, clear and direct message is key to brand engagement and works to seek out and highlight this with the various brands she’s worked with.

She has a comprehensive understanding of digital marketing and best practices and has worked to develop campaigns that drive traffic across digital and social media channels to a variety of audiences. She recently received accolades for producing a series of campaign videos for a non-profit organization which yielded an increased engagement of 400% on their Facebook platform.

She is an Alumni of the University of Lagos, Nigeria where she acquired a Master of Environmental Design (MED) in Architecture, as well as Reeves College Calgary, where she acquired a Graphic design diploma. She was a member of the ADaPT16 ((Advanced Digital and Professional Training) cohort, with the SAIT School for Advanced Digital Technology, after which she represented the class on a panel discussion with Rainforest Alberta.

As an associate with ViTreo Group, her goal is to elevate clients’ brand visibility and help them build a case for support that has clear and effective messaging with relevant supporting visuals.

Dami enjoys long exploratory walks, and you’ll often find her wandering somewhere within the city on her quest to discover hidden gems. She is an unapologetic lover of desserts, fluffy dogs, a good book, board games, thrifting, conversations with kids, quality time with friends and family, spa days and weekend getaways.

Fran’s Superpowers:

• Uncovering the purpose and unique story of organizations and their people

• Solutions-focused analysis and a passion for seeing things with new eyes.

• Develops consistent, inspired executive communication that effectively engages diverse stakeholders.

Recent Projects:

• CP Alberta

To contact Fran:

C: 780-263-3641

Senior Associate

Building on three decades of senior leadership and executive experience, Fran brings professional depth and expertise as a solutions-focused strategic analyst, planner, executive communicator and advisor. Her driving purpose is to help clients see farther, go further, and have a greater impact through clear thinking, astute positioning and planning, and effective communications and engagement. In 2022, Fran was honoured with a National Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership by the Catholic Health Association of Canada.

Fran brings a diverse executive skill set in identifying and implementing innovative approaches to problems and opportunities, developing strategic plans, designing major initiatives and engaging diverse stakeholders in successful implementation. Fran served in executive leadership roles in health care, including 13 years as Chief Communications Officer for Covenant Health, a provincial strategic partner in the integrated health system serving Alberta. Her career also includes marketing and communications leadership roles in post-secondary education.

She has designed and maintained robust, integrated communication and business systems and processes for multi-site organizations. She has developed and led effective internal communications, external relations, volunteer management and community engagement strategies to help organizations achieve strategic goals.

With graduate degrees in Executive Administration (MBA) and Journalism (MA), Fran brings a passion for the story at the heart of the organization’s purpose, vision and contributions—and the ability to deliver results. She has worked with both local, provincial and national organizations to advance their mission and contributions through strategic planning, advice and consultation, stakeholder identification and analysis, executive communications, branding and creative development, issues management, facilitation and training.

She finds great fulfillment in serving as a volunteer and board member for non-profit organizations, contributing to governance, communications, volunteerism, and public engagement.

Fran is an avid reader, loves to travel and believes art, in all its forms, is an essential ingredient of life. She sings in Belle Canto, an Edmonton women's ensemble.

Hillary’s Superpowers:

• Truly seeing her clients; listening, understanding, and appreciating what lies at their core; their values, their purpose, and their vision.

• Breathing life into others' stories so that people listen and are driven to take action.

• Creating visuals that communicate meaning, professionalism, and authenticity.

To contact Hillary:

C: 403-210-3157

Associate

Hillary is a creative writer, designer, and website builder for organizations who want to tell their story in a way that resonates with key audiences. Some call it branding, Hillary calls it pulling their insides out. She thrives on uncovering the essence of individuals and businesses, identifying core values and unique narratives that reflect truth and value. She focuses on people and missions, finding creative ways to illustrate what really matters. Hillary’s work is both strategic and creative; instilling confidence in clients that their brand is working hard to drive their business.

Hillary spent 20+ years creating and managing learning and development programs for organizational leaders. She found great meaning and pleasure in creating unique and attention-grabbing ways to communicate both the content and the value of learning, and has since turned her attention to mastering her skills in communications, marketing, and graphic and website design.

She is a published author, book publisher, Founder of Inside Out Branding Inc. - a branding and marketing firm dedicated to bringing her clients' insides out by helping tell their stories in authentic ways that further their business goals, and (her side gig) Communications Director of The Better Human Group - an organization with the sole purpose of making the world a better place through storytelling and building community. Hillary volunteers with BARC'S Rescue, a Calgary-based dog rescue organization, to which she lends her graphic design and communications expertise to get as many homeless dogs into forever homes as possible.

She is a University of Calgary alumni, with a business degree in Hotel and Resort Management and holds several talent management and leadership development certifications.

As an Associate with ViTreo Group, Hillary brings life and attention to the stories that deserve to be told. Her number one goal is to elevate the visibility and impact of her clients so they get the attention of people who will engage in helping them garner the support they need to contribute to our community.

Hillary lives near Calgary with her family, including her rescue dog, Roxy. She loves spending time at her family's cabin in the woods and finds joy in life's random things - music, quiet mornings with a latte and a good book, wake surfing, and dog walks.

 Gagan’s Superpowers:

• Grant writing

• Project Support

• Prospect Research

Recent Projects:

• FearIsNotLove

• Ukrainian Shumka Dancers

• Children’s Cottage

To Contact Gagan:

O: 403-210-3157

Back to team

Project Coordinator

Gagan is a passionate and creative member of the social profit sector whose goal is to contribute to creating a lasting and direct impact in her community. She started out at ViTreo as an Intern and is now a Project Coordinator, providing support on client engagements and to the office team.

Gagan grew up in a community that sparked a love for community service, volunteering, and helping others. She has experience as a community leader for a local grassroots food drive called Walking Away Hunger and has also served on the executive team for Sikh Youth Calgary, a local youth volunteer group.

Considering her community work, fundraising for non-profits was a natural trajectory. Gagan has worked with both the Northern Hills Community Association and the Women in Need Society in fund development roles, where she did prospect research, wrote grants, and executed various fund development initiatives and events.

She obtained a BSc in Natural Sciences along with a BA in English from the University of Calgary in 2021 and is currently pursuing a certification in Integrated Digital Media.

As an avid foodie, Gagan can be found hunting the city for new cuisines and spicy dishes, including ramen noodles, tacos, sushi, and shawarma. She also enjoys exploring new parks where she can get her steps in and catch up on all her favourite podcasts.

Jaclyn’s Superpowers:

• Database strategy

• Team database training

• Communication systems

To contact Jaclyn:

C: 403.210.3157

Raiser's Edge Lead

Jaclyn is an enthusiastic database professional who takes a thoughtful approach to data, working diligently to tailor her approach for both the organization and the end user. She has experience working with teams in all areas of fundraising, including major gifts, campaigns, annual giving, and events. Jaclyn believes that good database processes should be simple to maintain and is always considering ways to add efficiencies using available tools and software.

With a strong background in user training and database strategy, Jaclyn has developed training and resource materials for several organizations. She recognizes that there is rarely one right answer for how to structure database systems and instead works closely with clients to develop strategies that work best for their needs. She has created reports for audiences ranging from Boards and leadership to frontline fundraisers, as well as developed and implemented systems for communication opt ins, direct mail, prospect research, event participants, receipting, and opportunity tracking to mention a few.

Jaclyn has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Calgary and is also a Blackbaud certified Raiser’s Edge/Raiser’s Edge NXT professional. Prior to directing her focus to donor databases, Jaclyn worked in numerous fundraising roles involving administration, events, and communications.  

In her post 5 o’clock life, Jaclyn enjoys spending time with her mini poodle, Felix and trying out new brunch spots with her partner. She loves plants, but they don’t always love her back - one of her goals in life is to keep a fern thriving through all four Calgary seasons.

Jen’s Superpowers:

• All things strategy

• High level organizational development

• Strategic communication

Recent Projects:

• Saskatoon Public Library

• Banff Centre

• Skills Society

To contact Jen:

C: 780.221.6781

Associate

Jen is passionate about creating connections to help strengthen the community. With nearly 20 years of experience working in the non-profit sector, Jen has an extensive fundraising background. She has actively employed her diverse skills to increase awareness and support while building capacity within various not-profit organizations. Jen has held several senior fund development roles and spent 5 years as President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta and Northwest Territories. This experience allowed Jen to enhance her capacities in strategic planning, fund development, event planning, board relations and stakeholder engagement.

Having spent the majority of her career in the non-profit sector, Jen understands the importance of sustainability and capacity building for organizations. Like many sectors, this means looking at new and innovative ways to elevate and transform an organization, exploring how to maximize efficiencies and streamline processes. Jen enjoys working with organizations across the whole spectrum from high level strategy to digging in the weeds to find creative solutions.

Jen completed her Master’s of Business Administration at the University of Alberta in 2014 and received her CFRE designation in 2012. Her work in the not-profit sector has been recognized through Avenue Magazine Top 40 Under 40 in 2016 and Global Woman of Vision in May 2017.

In her free time, Jen can be found chasing her two young daughters, volunteering for various organizations in the community, or swimming, biking, and running. Jen is a competitive age group triathlete. She was recognized as a YWCA Women of Distinction for her athletic accomplishments in 2010 and has had the opportunity to represent Canada at nine Age Group Triathlon World Championships.

Jill’s Superpowers:

• A focused communicator who delights in finding accurate solutions to complex problems

• Analytical, focused and pragmatic. Using evidence based approaches and helping to devise smart solutions.

• Unwavering and steadfast regarding loyalty, putting people first, and work ethic.

Recent Projects:

• Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter (CWES)

• cSPACE

• Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre

To contact Jill:

C: 403-650-3386

Senior Associate

Jill believes in an integrated approach to philanthropy, marketing, and communications. As a senior associate with ViTreo Group, she helps elevate nonprofit communications through non-traditional approaches, bold ideas and authentic storytelling. She has a genuine passion for brand development and stakeholder engagement. 

Her strategic approach has led to significantly increased revenues and expanded stakeholder bases for many organizations. Jill created a communication strategy that helped solidify a long-term funding partnership in the non-profit sector and over $750K in funding. She has led rebranding initiatives for top organizations with great success.

 Jill’s proven track record spans both private and nonprofit sectors and she has earned multiple awards for marketing excellence.

She served as Director, Philanthropy and Engagement with the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, was engaged in Dementia Network Calgary (a collective impact initiative) and helped develop the dementia strategy for Alberta.

 Jill is a certified Communication Management Professional (CMP) and a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE).

She is a University of Calgary alumni with a double degree in communication and psychology and is a member of both AFP and International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

Being an avid kite surfer, Jill must devote time to the wind and waves in places like Vancouver Island and Maui’s North Shore. She can land jumps of up to 14 feet (which means she could probably jump over an elephant, but not a giraffe). She loves her dog, a rescue hound from Trinidad.

Karen’s Superpowers:

• Fundraising campaigns

• Fundraising events

• Annual giving

Recent Projects:

• Bow Valley College

• NorQuest College

• Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta

To contact Karen:

C: 403.835.3099

Associate

Karen has worked in the charitable sector for over 16 years, beginning in special events at Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). A seasoned annual giving professional, Karen enjoys finding stories amongst donors’ data that can bring them closer to a charities mission.  

She spent almost five years at Bow Valley College (BVC) creating and executing fundraising events in support of student success. Karen was instrumental in the creation and execution of three Learn a Better Living Breakfast events raising over 1M at the inaugural event in support of student scholarships. While at BVC, Karen was awarded the Rising Star Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education District VIII.

Karen spent ten years at Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta (KCC) as the Manager of Annual and Planned Giving, focused on building the donor base through direct response, monthly giving and stewardship initiatives. She also undertook an organizational review of policy and procedures in pursuit of accreditation in Imagine Canada’s Standards Program that is focused on demonstrating excellence in Board Governance, Financial accountability and transparency, Fundraising, Staff Management and Volunteer Involvement.  

Karen brings expertise in multiple facets of the fundraising cycle including annual giving, mid-level giving, stewardship, data management and legacy giving. While at KCC, Karen played a strategic role in building the annual giving program from a single direct mail campaign to eight with the addition of the newsletter serving dual purpose as a stewardship tool and reminder appeal based on an enhanced segmentation strategy.

Karen taught the Introduction to Fundraising course in Bow Valley College’s Special Event Certificate program for nine years. She was the Subject Matter Expert in the course re-structure to create modules on Sponsorship, Volunteer Management and Charitable Regulations. Currently, she is an online Instructor for Intro to Marketing, Intro to Management and Event Marketing.

An active volunteer with AFP and CAGP, Karen served as Generosity of Spirit Co-chair in 2007 and 2008, Co-Chair National Philanthropy Day 2009, Co-Chair Banff Compass 2011 and 2013, Chair Calgary Compass 2014 and 2016 and served on the AFP Calgary Board in various roles for almost 10 years. Currently, Karen is serving on the CAGP Southern Alberta board as Communications Chair.

Karen is a self proclaimed “perogie princess” having mastered the creation when she was a teenager under the watchful eye of her Baba. Having created her own fillings, including feta/spinach, these sought after perogies have become a staple of many work potlucks. A life-long learner, Karen is completing her Digital Marketing Certificate and has recently become a Certified Money Coach.

Kathy’s Superpowers:

• Annual giving

• Alumni engagement

• Fund development implementation

Recent Projects:

• NAIT

• YW Calgary

• Calgary Youth Justice Society

To contact Kathy:

C: 403.437.9568

Associate

Kathy Bhana is a fund development professional with over 20 years of experience in fundraising.

Kathy most recently managed annual giving and development at SAIT Polytechnic. While at SAIT, she led the development and implementation of a strategy to increase grant applications and engage new potential donors to the institution.

Kathy is an active volunteer, she helps organize events to raise awareness and funds to assist with animal rescue in Alberta. She fosters and trains greyhounds who are retired from a career of racing and up for adoption through Northwest Canadian Greyhound League.

She has also helped the Alberta Mentorship for Youth organization establish a database of current and potential donors and assisted in the development of a strategic plan to help them achieve their philanthropic goals.

Administrative Associate

Katia’s specialty is helping small businesses grow by providing support in whatever area is needed. She has been consulting with entrepreneurs and small businesses for over six years in many industries including real estate, fine arts and crafts and the nonprofit sector.

Katia has a keen eye for and interest in design, and has participated in the creation of many of ViTreo’s eye-catching finished projects.

Katia edits and contributes to ViTreo’s Weekly News Recap; a weekly newsletter incorporating interesting news from around the world related or of interest to people in the nonprofit sector.

Outside of ViTreo, Katia formerly owned and operated a small business that created handmade, silk-screen-printed scarves. She managed all operations for this business and participated in the design and creation of all products.

Katia writes fiction and poetry in her free time and is an avid hula hoop dancer. She also enjoys cooking, exploring recipes from around the world, and many other creative pursuits such as sewing costumes, drawing, reading dystopian fiction, and puzzles.

Kejina’s Superpowers:

• Story telling

• Leadership

• Fund Development

To contact Kejina:

C: 403.210.3157

Associate

Kejina is a strategic, thoughtful, and collaborative non-profit leader. She is passionate about storytelling and building relationships to help organizations deliver their missions. She has held leadership positions in community services, humanitarian, academic and corporate organizations.

Kejina’s success stems from her ability to connect and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels. She has over 12 years’ experience leading organizations to raise funds, re-engage donors and introduce new projects and programs.  

She believes that asking tough questions can lead to breakthroughs and enjoys helping organizations tackle problems from the lens of possibility and opportunity. As a compelling communicator, Kejina is skilled at developing messages that inspire and connect with target audiences.

In her most recent position, she led fund development, community engagement and communications activities. She created an integrated fund development and communications plan that acquired new donors, diversified revenue streams, re-engaged lapsed supporters and raised brand awareness. Kejina is proud to have transformed philanthropy at the organization leading it to exceed 7-figures in revenue for the first time.

Kejina holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University, Certificates in International Development and Fundraising Management and is currently working towards her CFRE designation.

A self-proclaimed foodie, Kejina loves being in the kitchen with her family, exploring the food scene in new cities and teaching her children about the joys of cooking. She and her family live in Edmonton with their rescue dog, King and grumpy cat, Moggy.

Kelly’s Superpowers:

• Digital marketing

• Helping organizations engage in digital transformation

• Digital processes and systems

Recent Projects:

• YW Calgary

• YMCA Calgary

• Alberta Craft Council

To contact Kelly:

C: 403-397-9217

Senior Associate

Kelly has a passion for the social profit sector and is genuinely inspired by anyone that works for the good of our community. An experienced fundraising consultant and digital communications professional, Kelly is interested in where the future will take us. 

Always learning the latest in tech and digital tools, Kelly brings creativity and open-mindedness to the organizations she works with. With a deep understanding of how data can fuel your fundraising, she helps find solutions to move your organization forward. Kelly has the ability to create cohesive and collaborative relationships with all stakeholders encourages them to embrace the change required within their team. Rounding out her experience, she has developed and executed strategic fundraising plans and studies to enhance and meet the goals of the organizations she works with.

Kelly has over twelve years working with nonprofit organizations. Prior to her work with ViTreo, Kelly served as the Associate Director of Development at the University of Calgary where she held positions in principal giving, annual giving and legacy and major gifts. One of her noteworthy donations while at UCalgary was working with the Silver Gummy Foundation, to create the new Professorship in Masculinities Studies at the Werklund School of Education. This gift of $250,000 was made to commence the reduction of male-perpetrated sexual violence in our society.

Passionate about building a better community, Kelly currently volunteers as a coordinator with Netsquared Calgary - a division of TechSoup. It’s likely you will see her sharing her passion to empower people who really want to extend their reach and increase the impact they would like to make in their communities.

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Social Science and Public Policy from the University of Ottawa and is a current member of NTEN (National Technology Enterprise Network). Kelly loves to ski and follow her kids in all their pursuits but also enjoys keeping up on fitness, camping and playing the odd round of golf.

Lawrence’s Superpowers:

• Community and program development

• Indigenous community engagement

• Public speaking

To contact Lawrence:

C: 403-210-3157

Senior Associate

Lawrence is a highly experienced community and leader with a passion for providing meaningful engagements for Indigenous related ventures. He has over 23 years experience in Community Development, Workshop Facilitation, Program Evaluation, Fundraising, Public Speaking, Business Development, Government Relations, and Podcasting.

He has worked tirelessly for the Urban Indigenous community as a Program Developer and Executive Director, including many Aboriginal Friendship Centres across Western Canada, the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver and as President of Métis Nation of Alberta - Region 3. Lawrence was certified in the Advanced Certificate in Performing Arts Management course at the Capilano University in 2000.

As a dancer, Lawrence received numerous awards and scholarships in classical ballet and has trained at professional schools such as the Alberta Ballet School, Vancouver Goh Ballet and the National Ballet School under the guidance of Alain Pauzé, Choo Chiat Goh, Lin Yee Goh, and Glenn Gilmour.

In his schooling, he had the opportunity to dance in France, China, Russia, United States, and Canada. As a teacher he has coached International Classical Ballet competitors and was the Ballet coach for the 2006 Olympic Figure Skating team that competed in Torino under Joanne McLeod. His most recent activity was as an adjudicator for the Hnatyshyn Foundation Ballet Awards in 2012 before focusing on his work in Urban Aboriginal organizations and serving his community.

Lawrence has twin 7-year-olds, Luc and Brielle, that keep him occupied with their love for Ringette, Hockey, Judo, Rodeo, and RV’ing. You can find him participating in numerous Métis and First Nation gatherings along the way, and of course, ballet performances.

Margaret’s Superpowers:

• Relationship management

• Major gift solicitation

• Planned giving

To contact Margaret:

O: 403.210.3157

Senior Associate

A native Newfoundlander, Margaret Miller is an experienced fundraiser, connector and builder of meaningful and lifelong relationships. She has a proven track record of over 20 years leading broad-based integrated fundraising programs and campaigns, building and growing strong donor relationships, and liaising with boards and volunteers to exceed organizational goals.

Margaret’s combined background in Science and Business has provided her with opportunities to work in three provinces, serving in various roles at Memorial University, Kingston General Hospital, University of Alberta, and Carleton University as well as consulting and volunteer roles in the charitable sector. Her areas of expertise range from relationship management, major gift solicitation, planned giving, case for support and proposal development, marketing and communications, project management, and strategic planning. She has also successfully managed and grown a complex portfolio of major individual, corporate, and foundation donors, serving on the development team and exceeding goals for two successful university fundraising campaigns.

Margaret is also an alumna of Memorial University, holding 3 degrees, a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Science in Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. An active volunteer in a variety of professional and community organizations, she has been a Rotarian and is an active member in the Association of Fundraising Professionals, serving as a mentor to new fundraising professionals. She has chaired the Easter Seals Campaign for Southeastern Ontario and led a team in the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life in Kingston, participated in Big Bike for Heart and Stroke, the Run for the Cure.

Margaret is grateful for her two adult sons in Newfoundland, her partner Michael and their life in the countryside near Ottawa, Ontario. She is a cat lover, gardener and naturalist, an avid reader, quilter, artist, and a pretty good cook.

Michaels’s Superpowers:

• Strong 1:1 communication and presentation skills.

• Loves to speak publicly.

• He takes a great deal of pride in being able to build and foster strong working relationships with colleagues and clients.

• Serves as a proud mentor to many individuals.

Recent Projects

• Central AB Child Advocacy Centre

• Yukon University

• Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation

To contact Michael:

C: 403.357.4747

Director of Business Development & Senior Counsel

Michael Donlevy is a seasoned executive who takes an entrepreneurial approach to everything he does.  He joined ViTreo Group in 2019, following his retirement from Red Deer College (RDC – now Red Deer Polytechnic), after more than 18 years as a member of the senior executive team, preceded by a long career in banking and financial services. 

At RDC, Michael held the position of Vice President Business Development where he was responsible for strategic relationship development and stewardship, including major donors and sponsorships, identification, engagement and expansion of partnership opportunities and long-term revenue generation from a wide range of potential sources.

Prior to this role he was Vice President, Enterprise & Community Relations with principal responsibilities for leading teams in Fund Development, Advancement Services, Donor & Alumni Relations and the School of Continuing Education. Michael led the College’s fundraising and business development teams as they raised over $60 million in philanthropic gifts and sponsorship investments. He was instrumental in securing the largest individual gift in RDC’s history, as well as new and additional investments by the College’s largest donors and sponsors.

Michael is active in central Alberta communities and currently sits on the Boards of the Northern Alberta YMCA and Red Deer Golf and Country Club. He has also held board leadership positions on the Alberta Jubilee Auditoria Society, the Westerner Exposition Association, Kiwanis Club of Red Deer, Central Alberta STARS Campaign Committee and many others.

Michael’s personal philosophy is based on the importance of being recognized for integrity, a commitment to excellence, to seeing a project through and ensuring the importance of respectful, sincere and engaged communication.

His business philosophy is that being client-centred, whether with a donor or a business contact, with the goal of uncovering ‘unmet needs’ through genuine relationship building, is fundamental to successful business development.

Michèle’s Superpowers:

• Trained in both business and the humanities, she combines art and science to explore innovative options and collaborate creatively to solve complex problems.

• Her passion is in harnessing the power of art to discover unique and pragmatic strategies and engaging it for positive social movement and change.

• Her greatest pride is in taking the impossible to the imperative.

Recent Projects:

• Moose Hide Campaign

• Bow Valley College

• Yukon University

Contact Michèle:

O: 403.210.3157

Senior Counsel

Michèle helps visionary organizations improve their governance, build capacity, effectively engage stakeholders and ensure financial stability

Michèle is a nationally recognized culture leader and nation builder, with a focus on developing the arts and cultural landscape in Canada. Through her consulting practice, she is a recognized thought leader and collaborator in key cultural planning within Alberta including leading multi-stakeholder consultation to create the province’s cultural policy. She is a pioneer in Indigenous relations, launching innovative initiatives with the International Women’s Forum (IWF), leading the Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society following the tragic passing of its founder, and providing strategic advice to the former sitting Chief of the Tsuut’ina Nation.

She is a non-practising member of the Law Society of Alberta; a graduate of Harvard University, a passionate pianist and acts as a mentor to a number of arts and culture leaders through Business for the Arts. Former board positions include The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Honens, Mount Royal University and is a current public member of the College of Alberta Psychologists. She is the recent recipient of the IWF Luminary Award (2020) and the YWCA’s She Who Dares (2017).

Her extensive background in post-secondary education and reconciliation served ViTreo well in her Project Director roles in a variety of projects.

Michèle speaks French, some Spanish, and a little Latin. She summited Mount Kilimanjaro and joined her guru Youngey Mingyur Rinpoche for a pilgrimage through the Himalayas to his hometown of Nubri. She enjoys writing, collecting arrowheads found on the shore of Lake Manitoba, Mozart, birdwatching and sunsets.

Michelle’s Superpowers:

• Strategic Communication

• Digital Fundraising

• Graphic Design

Recent Projects:

• FearIsNotLove

• Yukon University

• Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank

Contact Michelle:

O: 403.210.3157

Communications and Digital Fundraising Associate

Michelle Bergsma is a Canadian expat living in the Netherlands who supports nonprofits with their communications and digital fundraising. She specializes in aligning marketing and fund development team strategies to improve online donor journeys. Michelle launched MB Creative in 2018 and remotely works with non-profit’s around the globe, she currently has clients in Canada, USA, and the UK.

In the past year, Michelle developed brand and social media materials for FearIsNotLove, stepped up as interim support for Hospice Calgary, leading the digital strategy for their annual Hike For Hospice Calgary peer to peer campaign, and led the development and implementation of a crowdfunding campaign for Alfred Friendly PressPartners. Further, she has created case for supports, annual reports, campaign communication plans, campaign communication collateral, and more for clients such as Yukon University, Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, YMCA Camp Chief Hector and more. She has supported project teams on multiple client projects with fundraising goals from $1 million to $20 million over the past 5 years with ViTreo Group.

Before realizing her passion for digital fundraising, Michelle’s background started in online marketing. She managed the exciting marketing campaign for Global Philanthropic (UK) as they embarked on the moonshot of hosting the largest virtual philanthropy forum, Talking Philanthropy 2021. Talking Philanthropy resulted in 5000registered attendees from 52 countries, 1500+ YouTube views of the forum post event, 250+ live tweets during the event, and is considered one of the biggest philanthropy conferences ever hosted.

Prior to this, Michelle led the development and implementation of ViTreo Group Inc’s marketing and social media strategy (from 2017 to 2020), designed The Provocateur’s blog and managed the launch of the Fundraising Ask Anything events in response to the Pandemic.

Outside of digital fundraising and communications, Michelle can be found speaking on, writing about and sharing information on IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access). As a person with hearing loss, she has a personal vendetta for more inclusive spaces for everyone. Michelle has two cats and a dog (Zorro, Olaf, and Pablo) who each like to make appearances during video chats and share insights on how to improve digital marketing strategies.

Montunrayo’s Superpowers:

• Problem-solving and research

• Appreciative of multiple perspectives

• Highly adaptable

Recent Projects:

• Action Dignity

• Alberta Craft Council

• Yukon University

Contact Montunrayo:

O: 403.210.3157

Research Services Coordinator

A nonprofit enthusiast with years of experience in research, communication, advocacy and program evaluation, administrative support, and resource development. Motunrayo believes research and information sourcing is the foundation to problem solving. She is dedicated to team and client satisfaction with focused delivery of research and project support.

Motunrayo is passionate about human and social services. Before joining ViTreo, she worked as a research and client data specialist, with additional responsibility of being a database administrator and program support at the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association.

Motunrayo graduated from Lead City University with a Bachelor of science with Distinction and completed a Master of Science from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. Her passion for research and communication has consistently influenced her work experience in business and the nonprofit sector. She is a proven leader and collaborator in directing and improving work processes.

Motunrayo enjoys all Marvel and DC comics’ productions. She also believes music is an art and medicine that brings beauty into the world. She loves all genre of music and forms of dance. She enjoys cooking, trying new recipes, meeting people, and going on long drives with her family.

Natalie’s Superpowers:

• Systems thinker: Understanding all of the pieces of a process and being able to bring things together in the most effective way possible

• Operations: Collaborative, solutions focused, and able to prioritize and support team efficiency by seeing the big picture yet understanding and appreciating the small details.

• Tenacious: Responding with determination, courage, persistence, and strength

Projects:

• Managing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions at ViTreo Group.

Contact Natalie:

O: 403.210.3157

Chief Operating Officer

As the Chief Operating Officer at ViTreo Group, Natalie brings over fifteen years of progressively influential leadership experience in both for-profit and non-profit environments. Her journey began in supporting the volunteer services unit at a children's hospital foundation, setting the course for an unwavering commitment to championing vulnerable populations and dedicating her efforts towards strengthening our community.

Natalie plays an integral and essential role at ViTreo by effectively coordinating and managing all business operations, including business strategy, human resources, client services, business development, and office operations. With an eye for detail and a natural affinity for developing and implementing business processes and systems, Natalie has supported ViTreo Group in becoming the largest fundraising consultancy firm in Western Canada.

A driving force behind Natalie's professional ethos is her dedication to inspiring excellence in others. Recognizing that organizations thrive when individuals feel empowered, informed, and part of a cohesive team, she remains steadfast in fostering lasting and meaningful change within the sector through her pivotal role at ViTreo.

Natalie's academic background includes a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Victoria, where she pursued her studies after a decade of competitive soccer. Physical fitness and sports have always been a part of Natalie’s world as she is a great believer that movement is good for the mind, body, and soul!

Outside of work, you can find Natalie going on adventures with Mulligan and her husband, swimming at the local community centre, enjoying live comedy, or practicing her dance moves at live music shows around Calgary. But if the Calgary Flames are playing, you will likely find Natalie at the Saddledome cheering on her home team. Go Flames!

Nicole’s Superpowers:

• Proposal writing

• Detail oriented

• Project Support

Recent Projects:

• Alberta Association of Midwives

• Lougheed House

• Skills Society

To contact Nicole:

O: 403-210-3157

Manager of Business Development and Operations

Nicole is an innovative and insightful leader whose aim is to provide functional, effective support in various areas of business development, operation, administration, client support, database management, marketing, event planning, and office strategies.

With an eye for detail and a creative spirit Nicole loves a challenge. Nicole has a positive attitude and great passion for helping others. Her organized nature, determination, and entrepreneur mindset help Nicole with outside the box thinking.

In 2010 Nicole completed her Land Administration Certificate at SAIT and has been working in an administrative role ever since. Currently she is pursuing her Bachelor of Business Administration at Mount Royal University.

Last summer Nicole took her passion for Yoga and decided to become a certified Yoga Instructor. She completed her two-hundred-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Breathe Hot Yoga in Calgary. Currently Nicole teaches two hot Yoga classes at Illume Hot Yoga and one family Yoga and one Hatha Yoga class at the YMCA.

Sara’s Superpowers:

• Grant Writing

• Strategic Thinking

• Partnership Development

To contact Sara:

O: 403-210-3157

Associate

Sara is an enthusiastic published author and self-professed “personal growth nerd”, passionate about bridging gaps and reducing barriers for communities and organizations to achieve their mission. A natural collaborator, she offers specialized expertise around grant strategy and capacity building services for non-profit organizations. With a deep understanding of the ins and outs of the grant pipeline, she has assisted in raising millions of dollars for community driven projects. Sara uses storytelling, partnership development, and strategic thinking to inspire others to continue making their communities a better place.

A born and raised Alberta girl, Sara received a Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University of Lethbridge in Biological Sciences and Anthropology. Through a local arts board and enrollment volunteer position in a social change leadership program, she began her journey in hopes to learn more about the gaps in our system and how to elevate underrepresented groups.

In her past role as the Director of Programs at a small foundation, Sara spearheaded the development of the first DEI committee. She also successfully built and delivered two new COVID-19 response grant programs targeting sport and community building during the pandemic.

With a love for writing and personal growth, Sara created her her own self-empowerment blog called, The Attitude is Gratitude. In February 2022, she became a self-published author releasing her first book Choosing Fulfillment is Scary AF: Get Unstuck and Change the Life you Have into the Life you Want.

Sara loves to get her swag on by taking Hip Hop classes at one of Calgary’s street dance studios. An avid traveler, she has been to over 30 destinations across the globe.

Tolu’s Superpowers:

• Customer service.

• Relationship management.

• Public speaking and facilitation.

Recent Projects:

• Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter

• Alberta Craft Council

• Alberta Network of Immigrant Women

Contact Tolulope:

O: 403-210-3157

Client Services Coordinator

Tolulope is a client services professional with a passion for client management, business development, and customer service.

She loves building rapport, assisting clients and creating a positive impact with each interaction she makes. Tolu has been privileged to work on some client improvement processes during her 11 years in the financial services sector. Some of these are development of the client asset finance scheme, automation of the credit initiation process and modification of client Point of Sale (POS) Terminal requisition process.

Before joining ViTreo, Tolu worked in three leading financial organizations in Nigeria. Due to her tenacity for problem solving and client satisfaction, Tolu progressed to the position of a Subject Matter Expert (SME) shortly after joining Concentrix Technologies (Canada) Limited as a Technical Advisor.

She is an Alumni of the University of Bradford, United Kingdom where she acquired a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), she also has a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) with Distinction from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Tolu has certifications in Project Management from APMG International and the Canadian Investment Funds Certification from IFSE Institute.

Since joining the ViTreo Group, Tolulope has been responsible for the standardization of the client exit protocols and the development of the Monday.com platform for the monitoring of team deployment, client exit protocols, and business development activities.

Tolu enjoys cooking because she considers it an opportunity to teach the art of taste, texture and pleasure food can bring as a great family bonding experience. In addition to this, she loves travelling and her favorite travel location to date is Mauritius, an island just off the coast of Africa. It is known for its breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear turquoise lagoons and shimmering white beaches.

Tony’s Superpowers:

• Strategic Planning

• Board governance and development

• Major gift fundraising

Recent Projects:

• Royal Tyrell Museum Cooperating Society

• Covenant Foundation

To contact Tony:

O: 403-210-3157

Senior Counsel

Tony Myers is a passionate enthusiast, fundraiser, consultant, strategist, author, speaker, and executive coach who loves to raise money, loves to ask for money, and loves to teach others how. He has acquired a lifetime of experience in working on 6 continents with large and small nonprofit organizations undergoing change. 

His career has evolved by continually undertaking leadership roles with organizations immersed in change and transition. His expertise lies in helping leaders realize their vision and mission. He is internationally recognized for his ability to mold strategic direction, bring about change, develop revenue generation plans and successfully launch and complete major fundraising programmes and campaigns.

In all his work, Tony’s approach is to listen first, to seek deep understanding, to identify the challenges his clients face and then together find a way to meet challenges head on. He draws on his experience in setting up four charitable foundations across Canada, as advisor to several NGO leaders including two university presidents. Tony walks the talk. His involvement in the non-profit sector includes service on several boards, including the CFRE International Board of Directors, Washington D.C., the Association of Fundraising Professionals, CentrePoint for Non-profit Management, the Kelsey Institute Foundation, the ASTech Foundation, Public Legal Information Services, Sustainable Calgary, and other non-profit organizations in Canada and beyond.  

Tony brings his passion, energy, enthusiasm, commitment, experience and knowledge to his work with civil sector leaders and fundraisers, globally. His skills and experience in strategic planning, board governance and development, major gift fundraising and NGO organizational assessment have placed him in demand as a speaker and consultant around the world. And he is the first to tell you that he loves his job and says he doesn’t really work, he just gets up every morning and goes to “joy” to further the cause of philanthropy in a world of abundance.  

Tony and Erna are the proud parents of three children, and five grandchildren. Tony enjoys quality time with family and friends, gardening, reading, walking, and cross-country skiing.    

Tricia’s Superpowers:

• Helping others feel welcome in new situations

• Coachable

• Adaptable

Contact Tricia:

O: 403-210-3157

Executive Assistant

Tricia is an accomplished Executive Assistant professional with an extensive background supporting various levels of management in a variety of business sectors. Recognized for outstanding dedication and initiative, Tricia excels in effectively achieving organizational goals. Her career path is primarily rooted in the corporate world but with a deep passion and desire for helping people, she moved into the non-profit sector in 2018. Before joining ViTreo, she worked with the Alzheimer Society of Calgary as the Coordinator of Philanthropy and Engagement.

With over 20 years of experience providing administrative support along with an enthusiasm for learning and entrepreneurial mindset, Tricia is highly motivated to execute comprehensive projects. A depth of experience working with multifaceted organizations and cultures has allowed Tricia to enhance her natural ability to effectively adapt to new environments while growing her leadership skills.

Growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan, Tricia has a deep appreciation of the outdoors. In her spare time, you will find her with a camera in hand, pursuing her love of landscape and nature photography, spending time with her partner Jason at their cabin and entertaining their morkie puppy, Digby. She enjoys gardening, reading, traveling, and country music.

Contact Vincent:

C: 403-973-9696

President & CEO

Vincent Duckworth is the President and CEO of ViTreo and the Chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada.

Vincent has been a leader in the nonprofit sector for more than two decades. He is internationally recognized as a leading expert on campaign design, strategy and major gift performance. He is also Canada’s authority on philanthropic naming. His chapter on philanthropic naming can be found in the definitive Canadian fundraising reference: Excellence in Fundraising in Canada: Volume Two.

Before founding his first consulting agency in 2007, he served as a senior fundraiser for three of Canada's leading post-secondary institutions: the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary and NAIT Polytechnic.

A highly-ranked speaker, Vincent speaks regularly at conferences and events. He hosts ViTreo’s popular monthly podcast, Braintrust Philanthropy and he curates a widely read weekly recap of sector news.

His consulting engagements have included the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), the National Music Centre, the Royal Tyrell Museum, YMCA of Greater Toronto, the University of Alberta, the Ottawa Heart Institute, Francis Winspear Centre for Music, S.T.A.R.S. Air Ambulance, YMCA Calgary, BCSPCA, Ronald McDonald Charities of Alberta, Saskatoon Public Library, and the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), to name just a few.

Vincent has a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Alberta and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). He is also a certified AFP Master Trainer.

Vincent is the current chair of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy Canada and a member of the AFP Global Board of Directors. He is a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Chapter in Edmonton and was a board member of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VIII for eight years.

Vincent was named as the Association of Fundraising Professionals Calgary and Area’s Outstanding Fundraising Professional in 2018.

Vincent and his wife Christine have three children: Jack, Ethan, and Allison. Vincent is an avid cyclist who likes to hike, write, and when he can, he and his family enjoy time at their lake house in southern Saskatchewan.