Sandra Richardson
CEO
Prior to joining the Victoria Foundation as CEO in 2001, Sandra enjoyed a successful career in fund development in both Canada and the USA. Most…
Serkan Altay
Director of Investments
Serkan was born in Turkey, raised in Bahrain, studied in Canada and worked in Dubai and Toronto, before finally calling the west coast home in…
Rory Grewar
Director of Special Funds
Rory was born and raised in Winnipeg and attended the University of Manitoba. He worked for 14 years as a Senior Administrator with the Provincial…
Carol Hall
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Carol joined the Foundation in 2014, bringing more than 20 years of experience in community development and philanthropy within the non-profit sector. She has worked on projects in…
Robert Janus
Director of Communications
Born and raised in Alberta, Rob moved to Victoria in 1983. Following studies at Camosun College and the University of Victoria, he has worked for…
Alison McCluskey
Director of Finance
Alison was born and raised in Saskatoon and attended the University of Saskatchewan. After university, she moved to Vancouver to pursue her Chartered Accountant Designation….
Sara Neely
Director of Philanthropic Services
Sara joined the Victoria Foundation in 2008. She is responsible for working with professional advisors and their clients, building relationships in the community and enhancing…
Natasha Benn
Manager of Philanthropic Services
Natasha’s background includes over 13 years as a paralegal specializing in the area of Wills and Estates with the law firm of McConnan Bion O’Connor…
Rudi Wallace
Grants Manager
Born in Vancouver, Rudi moved to Victoria with his family in 1991. Growing up on the island, he developed a deep love for the west…
Jessica Bell
Manager of Strategic Partnerships
Jessica joined the Foundation in 2019 with almost 20 years experience in fundraising and philanthropy within the social profit sector. With an educational background in…
Brin S Morgan
Director, Governance and Executive Operations
Brin was born in Edmonton and raised in Prince George. She has called Victoria home since 1991, when she moved here having never visited the…
Melody Burns
Office Administrator
Melody was born and raised in Victoria and completed her studies in Business Management and E commerce, graduating with honours. While working in innovative private…
Anna Glenny
Community Initiatives Coordinator
Anna was born in the Comox Valley and has lived on Vancouver Island for most of her life, graduating with a BA in Social Sciences…
Nathan Lapointe
Senior Accountant
Nathan was born in Vancouver, raised in Victoria and graduated from Oak Bay High School. He has been with the foundation since May 2008. He…
Kate Donahue
Philanthropic Services Associate
Kate was born and raised in Edmonton and obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Alberta. After University, she moved to Vancouver…
Tanya Chassé
Administrative Assistant
Tanya spent her formative years in the Yukon and, after a short stint in Lethbridge, Alberta, arrived in Victoria in 1989 to study at the…
Zahura Ahmed
Grants & Youth Programs Associate
Prior to joining the Foundation, Zahura worked on several international and community development initiatives, including with the International Development Research Centre and Global Affairs Canada….
Melanie Porter
Communication and Project Coordinator
Melanie was born in Burnaby and raised in Comox before settling in Victoria in 2003. She studied Travel Counselling/Tourism at North Island College. Melanie’s previous…
Kyle Wells
Communications Specialist
Kyle grew up in Chemainus and called a number of different places around BC and Canada home before returning to the Island and settling in…
Sandra Richardson
CEO
Prior to joining the Victoria Foundation as CEO in 2001, Sandra enjoyed a successful career in fund development in both Canada and the USA. Most recently, she worked for five years as Director of Development and Planned Giving with the Victoria Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation and prior to that as Director of Development for the Cleveland Playhouse/Cleveland Opera. Among her many professional endeavours, Sandra has been a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) for over 10 years and has been an integral part of the success of the CAGP Vancouver Island Roundtable, where she served as Chair for four years. She also served on the Board of Community Foundations of Canada for eight years and for six years was an active participant with the Transatlantic Community Foundation Network. Sandy has been recognized on many occasions for her achievements and for her distinguished service to the community, including being invited to enter the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem (2007) and a recipient of the Royal Roads University Community Leadership Award (2008), Vancouver Island Public Relations Professional of the Year Award (2009), University of Victoria Distinguished Alumni Award (2010), Rotary Community Leadership Award (2011), Order of British Columbia (2016) and University of Victoria Honorary Doctor of Laws (2018). Serkan Altay
Director of Investments
Serkan was born in Turkey, raised in Bahrain, studied in Canada and worked in Dubai and Toronto, before finally calling the west coast home in 2012. A world traveller, he brings over 10 years of investment experience into his role in overseeing the primary endowment portfolio and management of the Foundation’s financial assets. Serkan has volunteered for a number of organizations across Victoria and is a CFA charterholder. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising and discovering the natural beauty of Vancouver Island with his family. Rory Grewar
Director of Special Funds
Rory was born and raised in Winnipeg and attended the University of Manitoba. He worked for 14 years as a Senior Administrator with the Provincial Government’s Environment Commission. In 2004 he moved to B.C. to become Director of Administration at the David Suzuki Foundation and in 2010 fulfilled a lifelong dream to move to Vancouver Island when he joined the Victoria Foundation. Rory has served on several charitable boards including the All Charities Campaign of Manitoba, the Institute of Public Administration of Canada, and the Performing Arts Lodge (Vancouver). He has also volunteered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, The Immigrant Centre of Winnipeg and, most recently with the Victoria Film Festival. He has a passion for travelling and has visited over 30 countries and loves theatre, classical music, art and architecture. Carol Hall
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Carol joined the Foundation in 2014, bringing more than 20 years of experience in community development and philanthropy within the non-profit sector. She has worked on projects in Victoria and globally to mobilize knowledge and tools to strengthen communities in an era of rapid change. Prior to moving to Vancouver Island, she was executive director of a foundation in New England that conserved farms and natural areas, and earlier worked on community and economic development projects in southern Africa. She started her career focusing on emerging workplace issues with the Society for Human Resource Management based near Washington, DC. She completed studies at University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University and University College London. In her spare time, she enjoys playing piano, Nordic skiing and hiking in the great outdoors.
Robert Janus
Director of Communications
Born and raised in Alberta, Rob moved to Victoria in 1983. Following studies at Camosun College and the University of Victoria, he has worked for over 25 years in the fields of communications and social marketing.
Rob started his career at the Capital Regional District where he worked for 14 years managing a number of communications and operational programs within the Environmental Services Department. He has also worked as an independent sustainability consultant for businesses, government and non-profits and, most recently, as a member of the executive team for Victoria Hospice, looking after communications, marketing and public relations.
Rob joined the Foundation in 2012 and enjoys volunteering as well as gardening, renovating, traveling, classic cars and spending time with his friends and family. He is an active volunteer and has held numerous positions with local organizations, including Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Environment Committee, Chair of the BC Hydro PowerSmart Awards Committee, Founding Board member of the Victoria Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, and member of both the Bowker Creek Watershed Steering Committee and the Oak Bay Climate Change Steering Committee. Alison McCluskey
Director of Finance
Alison was born and raised in Saskatoon and attended the University of Saskatchewan. After university, she moved to Vancouver to pursue her Chartered Accountant Designation. Alison worked in Public Practice with Grant Thornton (and its predecessor firms) for 17 years in both Vancouver and Victoria. Prior to joining the Victoria Foundation in July 2016, Alison was the Director of Finance at Habitat for Humanity Victoria for 7.5 years. She has also served on several charitable Boards including the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society and The Story Studio Writing Society. Outside of work Alison has two young daughters and a busy family life. With any spare time, she enjoys being active outdoors and getting together with friends. Sara Neely
Director of Philanthropic Services
Sara joined the Victoria Foundation in 2008. She is responsible for working with professional advisors and their clients, building relationships in the community and enhancing services provided to individuals and organizations who invest their funds with the Foundation. A native Victorian, Sara graduated from the University of Victoria Faculty of Law in 1982. After practicing for several years Sara joined the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation in 1993 where she served as the Director of Gift and Estate Planning for over 14 years. Sara maintains membership with the Law Society of British Columbia, the Canadian Bar Association, the Victoria Estate Planning Council, and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners. She was also the founding chair of LEAVE A LEGACY™ British Columbia and served on the Board of the Victoria Symphony for six years. Natasha Benn
Manager of Philanthropic Services
Natasha’s background includes over 13 years as a paralegal specializing in the area of Wills and Estates with the law firm of McConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson. Wanting a career change, Natasha decided that a natural fit would be in the area of Legacy Giving. Natasha joined the University of Victoria and managed the Planned Giving and Estate Administration Department for over six years. More recently, Natasha joins us after three years with Victoria Hospice where she established a formal planned giving program and later became the Director of Fund Development. Natasha has served on the Board of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners for seven years, as well as the LEAVE A LEGACY™ program. Born and raised in Victoria, Natasha enjoys the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. She spends her weekends gardening, cooking and crafting. Rudi Wallace
Grants Manager
Born in Vancouver, Rudi moved to Victoria with his family in 1991. Growing up on the island, he developed a deep love for the west coast and the vibrant region that Victoria continues to become. Heavily involved in the non-profit and social justice community in Victoria, he completed his BA at the University of Victoria in Political Science before going on to complete a bilingual graduate degree at the University of Ottawa, specializing in Community Development and Post-Colonial Studies. Rudi brings 5 years of non-profit leadership experience with an in-depth understanding of grant writing, social enterprise and non-profit management to his role as Grants Manager. In his spare time, he loves going to the movies, travelling, reading and volunteering. Jessica Bell
Manager of Strategic Partnerships
Jessica joined the Foundation in 2019 with almost 20 years experience in fundraising and philanthropy within the social profit sector. With an educational background in marketing and communications, she began her career at Big Brothers and Sisters of Victoria where she discovered a passion for strengthening resources that serve the emotional and physical well-being of children and their families. She has spent most of her professional experience in healthcare fundraising, including an active role in BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s $200 million campaign for a new hospital. She serves on the Association of Fundraising Professionals board and is the current Victoria National Philanthropy Day chair. Her commitment to social change and honoring the heartfelt connection between a donor’s intention and the causes they love is what brought Jessica to the Foundation. As the organization’s new strategic partnership manager, she will serve as the resource and bridge between community initiatives and philanthropic services. Brin S Morgan
Director, Governance and Executive Operations
Brin was born in Edmonton and raised in Prince George. She has called Victoria home since 1991, when she moved here having never visited the city before. She attended Camosun College and the University of Victoria, studying psychology and then business administration. After 16 years in the tourism industry, she changed career paths and joined a local real estate company. As part of their support staff for over 5 years, she filled many different roles including reception and conveyancing. Outside of work, Brin enjoys an active lifestyle, reading, and creating foods, crafts and memories with her family. Melody Burns
Office Administrator
Melody was born and raised in Victoria and completed her studies in Business Management and E commerce, graduating with honours. While working in innovative private industry around Victoria, and starting a live-streaming business with her partner, Melody has also been an active member in the community serving special interest groups. She is passionate about raising up the community around her through social innovation. When not working or volunteering, Melody enjoys listening to podcasts, hiking, taking in the cultural aspects of the city, and spending time with her young children. Anna Glenny
Community Initiatives Coordinator
Anna was born in the Comox Valley and has lived on Vancouver Island for most of her life, graduating with a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Victoria. She has worked in the civil society sector for over ten years, coordinating programs in organizations with causes as diverse as restorative justice, health research and promotion, and community development. Anna joined the foundation in 2017 and is passionate about supporting changemakers in our community and strengthening the local civil society sector. Nathan Lapointe
Senior Accountant
Nathan was born in Vancouver, raised in Victoria and graduated from Oak Bay High School. He has been with the foundation since May 2008. He graduated from Camosun College in April 2009 with his Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting Option) degree. He completed the Certified General Accountant program in August 2011. Nathan completed co-operative work terms with local accounting firms before joining the Foundation. Nathan enjoys volunteering, reading books and playing board games. Kate Donahue
Philanthropic Services Associate
Kate was born and raised in Edmonton and obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Alberta. After University, she moved to Vancouver where she worked in the Marketing and Communications Field for Concert Properties and later Deloitte. In 2013, her family moved to Victoria. Prior to joining the Victoria Foundation, Kate was the Marketing Manager at Ecoasis. Outside of work Kate enjoys spending time with her family on adventures in the great outdoors. Tanya Chassé
Administrative Assistant
Tanya spent her formative years in the Yukon and, after a short stint in Lethbridge, Alberta, arrived in Victoria in 1989 to study at the University of Victoria. She holds a diploma in journalism, a BFA in writing and post-graduate certificate in fiction. Tanya’s work has taken her down many paths including administrative work and grant writing with local non-profits and charities. During her 11 years as an Executive Assistant at a local newspaper, she created a long-running writing contest. In her spare time, Tanya loves reading, writing and exploring local trails wither her partner and their newly adopted dog. Tanya joined the Victoria Foundation in 2019. Zahura Ahmed
Grants & Youth Programs Associate
Prior to joining the Foundation, Zahura worked on several international and community development initiatives, including with the International Development Research Centre and Global Affairs Canada. She completed her studies at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Although she spent much of the last decade in Ottawa ON, Zahura grew up in Calgary AB and worked in Bangladesh between her degrees. In Bangladesh, she conducted research on national and international labour regulation, and contributed to advocacy efforts for female domestic migrant workers. In Calgary, she helped youth foster a better sense of community and volunteerism. Her greatest passion is working with youth to foster a holistic, critical understanding of local and global issues, and ultimately building better communities for all people. In her spare time, she loves hiking, reading, climbing, and cooking. Melanie Porter
Communication and Project Coordinator
Melanie was born in Burnaby and raised in Comox before settling in Victoria in 2003. She studied Travel Counselling/Tourism at North Island College. Melanie’s previous positions include Sales and Business Development Representative at Core-Mark International, and Administrative Technician at Ross Place Retirement Centre. Melanie enjoys the activity and natural beauty that Victoria and surrounding areas have to offer and enjoys taking in the cultural talent that we have in this city. Kyle Wells
Communications Specialist
Kyle grew up in Chemainus and called a number of different places around BC and Canada home before returning to the Island and settling in Victoria in 2012. Following studies at the University of British Columbia and the University of King’s College, Halifax, he worked as a newspaper reporter both in Powell River and Victoria. In 2014, Kyle made the switch to communications, taking a position with the Royal BC Museum, and went on to join the team at the Victoria Foundation in 2016. A lifelong movie nerd, Kyle continues to keep a toe in journalism by covering film festivals for Monday Magazine. Kyle is also an avid reader and enjoys cooking and playing music.