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.