Afternoon Plenary | Panel Disccusion on Donor Relations Best Practices

2:15 - 3:30 PM

Moderator: Jessica Veitch

Jessica Veitch is the Manager, Donor Recognition at Sinai Health Foundation in Toronto. She has spent the last decade translating and growing her skills and knowledge from a variety of industries to her career in donor relations. Working in community and healthcare organizations, her roles have included policy and standards development, implementing and executing donor relations and stewardship practices for all levels and streams of donors, and specializing in donor recognition and capital projects.

Most recently, she has managed the redevelopment of comprehensive recognition systems and standards for a complex multi-site healthcare organization—including strategic development, design and launch of a digital donor wall, unique to North America in size and complexity—and is currently rolling it out system-wide. Relationship building and creative problem-solving allow Jessica to routinely exceed donor expectations, while maintaining the integrity and mission of the organization.

Jessica previously studied photography and jazz performance, and in 2016 she received a certificate in Design Management and award in Project Management from Ryerson University. Joining ADRP in 2008, she has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2016.

Panelist: Richard Howe

Richard, during the 26 years of operation of his firm Presidential Environment Inc., has consistently been an AFP member and Congress vendor. Presidential, under Richards leadership, has been involved in a wide diversity of Canadian fundraising campaigns, and produced recognition to acknowledge some of the country's largest single philanthropic gifts.

With a BA, Honours from the University of Toronto and a Certificate in Construction Planning and Scheduling from Seneca College, Richard has served as Richard, during the 26 years of operation of his firm Presidential Environment Inc., has consistently been an AFP member and Congress vendor. Presidential, under Richards leadership, has been involved in a wide diversity of Canadian fundraising campaigns, and produced recognition to acknowledge some of the country's largest single philanthropic gifts.

Panelist: Caroline van Nostrand

A passionate fundraising professional actively engaged in the field for 23 years, Caroline has worked in a variety of sectors, leading teams in raising a cumulative $53+ million dollars in support of well-known healthcare, education and social service causes. Recently she struck out on her own, to launch van Nostrand Fundraising, an independent consultancy providing fundraising counsel and leadership to not for profits.

While working in a large hospital environment, as well as overseeing an education institution's capital campaign, Caroline oversaw all recognition management and services to acknowledge donors to multi-million dollar campaigns, as well as supporters of consequent capital, major and intermediate giving initiatives. An active volunteer for close to 30 years, Caroline contributes regularly to fundraising, community building and other initiatives at her community church, children's school, and various other organizations close to her heart and family.

Panelist: Malika McCray

Malika McCray is Associate Director of Stewardship at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Prior to her role in Stewardship, Malika served as a UCS Development Officer; first overseeing UCS's mid-level giving program and then as a Major Gift Officer during a key period of organizational growth. Prior to joining UCS, Malika was Director of Development for a social justice organization. Malika has a Master's Degree from Tufts University where she studied twentieth century movements for social change.

Panelist: Marian Johnson

Marian Johnson is the Manager of Stewardship and Donor Engagement at Women's College Hospital Foundation in Toronto, where she is responsible for designing multi-year, multi-tier strategies and programs to engage donors and sustain positive and mutually-rewarding relationships with donors, while exercising values of integrity and authenticity. Marian has worked in the non-profit sector for over a decade, with the majority of those years spent at multiple Toronto-area hospitals, including CAMH, Sunnybrook and Baycrest.

Marian has a BA in Sociology from McMaster University and achieved a certificate in Non-profit & Voluntary Sector Management from the R. Chang School of Continuing Studies at Ryerson University in 2010. She has completed the Canadian Association of Gift Planner's Original Gift

Planning Course, the Harvard ManageMentor Development Series and the LEADS in a Caring Environment Learning Series.

Marian lives in midtown Toronto and enjoys cooking and entertaining - especially with good wine, all things arts and culture - especially opera, ballet and her book club, and spending time with her extended network of family and friends.