2023/2024 Chapter Board of Directors

Ron became our chapter President in October 2023. He currently serves as the Manager, Fund Development with Inn From The Cold

Professionally Ron has held several senior positions over the past seven years with an emphasis on education, ministry and healthcare. Today Ron spends his days as Development Manager with Inn From The Cold.

In his spare time, Ron enjoys being active with his family, reading, and serving others when able. He is currently completing a degree in Leadership from Trinity Western University and gained his CFRE.  Ron is looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to the AFP Calgary community and is hoping to do so in the position of President after the September 2023 AGM.

Marni has been working in the non-profit sector for over 20 years; her current role is Director of Fund Development with Accessible Housing Society. Marni’s interest in fundraising and philanthropy started at Calgary HandiBus Association in 1999.  Since then, Marni has worked as an Associate with ViTreo Group and with The ALS Society of Alberta.

Marni has experience in annual giving, prospect research, planned giving, events, major gifts and donor stewardship. She has a particular appreciation and understanding of small shop operations. Marni has worked with corporations, individuals, estates, foundations and service clubs.

In 2001 a supervisor recommended Marni get a membership with AFP Calgary & Area Chapter and begin to network, build skills and make connections in the sector. This interaction with chapter members and leaders is what really peaked Marni’s interest in the profession.

Marni first joined the AFP Calgary & Area Board in 2011 as Co-Chair of National Philanthropy Day, along with Lorie Abernethy.  Since joining the Board, Marni has held the roles of Every Member Campaign Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and President-Elect.  Marni is thrilled to hold the President position on the Board and looks forward to continuing to serve the Chapter and membership.

Marni’s personal interests include camping, boating, and outdoor activities.

John has been in the non-profit sector for over a decade, starting with The Arthritis Society in 2007. His journey into the non-profit sector started while operating a local running store, getting involved with sponsorship, and joining many of their event committees. From this start he moved on to a twelve year stint in the post-secondary field, starting as a mat-leave cover with Sponsorship, and working up to a Senior Development role. Currently he works at Hull Services as Director, Development & Communications.

He has volunteered for many years with AFP; as Volunteer Chair for the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, In-person Webinar Host for many years, and four years on the Generosity of Spirit Jury.

When not helping out with AFP Calgary, he puts on his cowboy hat and volunteers for the Calgary Stampede Parade Committee. Starting in 1989 as a Street Marshal, he has volunteered the last 32 years with the parade, currently Chair of Entries, managing a team of over thirty who recruit content each year for the kickoff to the Stampede.  He also is a 30+ year volunteer with the Calgary Police Service and their Volunteer Resource Unit, and has over 20 years with a number of Calgary’s iconic road races.

John was honoured to earn his CFRE in 2013, with the expert mentorship of Vincent Duckworth, and is forever proud of his White Hat award from 1989. An avid outdoor enthusiast, he has run 47 marathons and counting, including the iconic Death Race!

Candice has just joined the AFP Calgary & Area board in the role of Secretary. During her daytime hours, she works with Kids Cancer Care as their Development Associate, Donor Relations and Marketing

Cindy started fundraising in 2013 before she even realized being a professional fundraiser is an excellent career path. Her journey started in a volunteer role for a school club while she was still a student at the University of Calgary. She was responsible for securing sponsorships for the club’s annual operations and gala.

Her next fundraising opportunity appeared during her internship at the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre. Cindy was not in a fundraising role at the time but she saw an opportunity to fundraise and ended securing a $2,500 grant for her program she was running.

At that moment, she knew fundraising was something she enjoyed and it helped make a difference in the community.

Cindy joined AFP in 2017 as a committee member because she loved planning events and bringing in new ideas. She wants to bring value to all members and create a community where seasoned and new fundraisers can both benefit.

Outside of fundraising, she loves food. She is a real foodie and is always out enjoying the best foods in Calgary. Wondering where to eat? She will have the answer for you.

Jason has been in the non-profit sector for over 14 years after starting at a regional branch of the Canadian Cancer Society. His love for this type of work has carried him on a successful non-profit career journey, working with such organizations as HIV Community Link and Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. Jason recently joined the team at Family Matters as their Director of Development. Previousy, Jason was the Director of Development position with Food Banks Alberta. Throughout his career, he’s gained valuable experience, on all aspects of fund development, and efficiently reaches his goals through community engagement, annual giving, major gifts, and planning gifts.

Jason enjoys giving back to his community. He has donated his time in many capacities with organizations in the province. He has volunteered with event planning for HIV Community Link and with Oneball, a charity that promote testicular cancer awareness. He currently volunteers as the Logistics Lead with ‘Look Good Feel Better’; an organization that helps woman living with cancer.

Since 2007, Jason has called Calgary home and appreciates what the city has to offer. He values healthy living and enjoys keeping active, whether that’s walking through Prince’s Island Park or joining a yoga class. He also enjoys travelling to and spending time in the mountains.

Sarah has served on the Chapter board for a few years, holding down the co-chair position for National Philanthropy Day in 2020/21

Lorie Abernethy, MA, CFRE and Outstanding Fundraising Professional 2019 – Though technically a Past President of the Chapter board, Lorie now fills the role of Chapter Executive Director since April 2022. Lorie has focused her fundraising career in major gifts in the arts and education institutions. She moved into CEO/Executive Director roles and holds several board positions with non-profit organizations.

Nancy began her journey in fund development in 2005. During her career she worked for non-profits in the fields of social services, physical disabilities, education, sports, and the arts. Each was an opportunity to develop skills and expertise. Learning about the lives of the people using the services of the organization, gave Nancy insight into worlds full of challenges and hope. Obtaining her CFRE was a highlight of her career. It may not be current but she knows what she accomplished. The world of fund development is full of ups and downs, challenges and accomplishments. Nancy knows the next problem may just be around the corner but she will meet each one with anticipation and enthusiasm.