Advisor to the not-for-profit sector and high-performance guide with over 30 years of experience.
I can support you and your organization.
I partner with small to medium-sized not-for-profit organizations to help you:
- navigate to a successful board/executive leader partnership
- plan and lead through times of organizational development or change
- set your leaders up for high performance through practical skills training and coaching
- establish strong governance, government relations, fund development and communications strategies and practices
I guide emerging and established leaders on:
- effective goal setting and program execution
- managing the move into a senior leadership role successfully
- emotionally intelligent leadership
- career advancement or transition
“Gail has been a trusted strategic advisor to Bethany as we’ve focused on expanding our external presence and elevating our brand with donors, government representatives and community partners during a time of significant change. Gail brings an energy and passion to everything she does. She is a valued thought partner and works seamlessly across our teams to help us respond to challenges and make the most of opportunities.”
Jennifer McCue
President & CEO
Bethany Care Society
“Gail is an experienced fundraiser and strategist and we have been so lucky to have her on the sidelines guiding our organization on an ambitious and complex fundraising capital campaign. Her genius area is creative problem solving and guiding leaders in situations involving communications, government relations, fundraising and strategic planning while doing so with poise, calm and a positive outlook. We love Gail and are so grateful for her ongoing involvement and guidance.”
Cendrine Tremblay
Chair
Silver Linings Foundation
“Gail is first and foremost an expert in fundraising and leadership with a passion to see others succeed for the good of the community. Her coaching style is based in goal setting, learning and emotional intelligence, and she helped me become a stronger leader as I tackled a new role. She freely shares her learning and experience to help her clients consider all sides of a challenge.”
Genine Neufeld
Director of Philanthropy
Kids Cancer Care Foundation
“Gail worked with us years ago as we built a fund development program for the organization. She provided us with practical tools, walked us through processes, and worked side by side with us as we increased our skills. Gail brings the full spectrum of not-for-profit experience to her coaching because she’s done it all…she’s been a planner and implementer, an executive leader and a board member. I continue to learn from Gail and rely on her counsel.”
Pam Krause
President & CEO
Centre for Sexuality
“Gail joined STARS as a consultant to our Foundation team, and she was a game changer. Greater focus and optimizing our strengths were key outcomes thanks to Gail’s involvement.”
Andrea Robertson
Former President & CEO
STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) Foundation
“Gail’s exceptional blend of thoughtfulness, knowledge, and intelligence, coupled with an ability to ask the right questions and address core issues, sets her apart. She has shaped my leadership journey in the non-profit sector, imparting invaluable insights and fostering my growth with unwavering support.”
Crystal Mahon
Director, Advancement & Annual Giving
Mount Royal University
“Collaborating with Gail has been truly transformative. Her expert guidance in navigating the details of senior-level leadership, combined with her dedicated focus on emotionally intelligent leadership skills, has moved me to new heights professionally and personally.”
Amtul Siddiqui
Executive Director
Bethany Care Foundation
“Gail has been an invaluable asset to the CFBTS. Her guidance and direction have helped us to set and achieve our short and long-term goals while also supporting us in navigating new and unfamiliar territory. Gail’s commitment goes far beyond just creating a plan; the education, training, and advice she provides have given us the tools we needed to grow and prosper. We are grateful for her dedication and the impact she has made on our organization.”
Thomas Kerr
Chair
Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society
“Gail meets organizations and people where they are and helps them discover ways to incrementally and realistically achieve goals. I rely on Gail for her executive level and proven expertise in her field, great advice that’s tailored specifically for our program and recommendations that are clear and executable for our team.”
Jamie Leong-Huxley
Vice President, Advancement
Alberta University of the Arts
“I was able to work with Gail for leadership coaching related to personal and organizational networking and brand building. Very early in working together, my priorities shifted abruptly to change management and internal communications strategy support. Gail provided significant guidance and expertise through this challenging period, and we were able to return to the original intent of the coaching once some operational issues had stabilized. Gail was able to seamlessly switch the type and style of support I needed thanks to her significant leadership and tactical experience. Her coaching benefited both me and my organization greatly.”
Tom Naested
COO
Vecova
Here’s what I bring.
))I bring over 30 years of experience working on the front line as a successful fund development and communications professional, government relations advisor and executive leader for charitable organizations across Canada. I established my consulting practice in 2013. I provide support to a small number of clients at a time to deliver attentive, customized support tailored to each client’s unique circumstances and needs. I love sharing my lived experience, tools, and best practice guidance to help clients enhance their confidence, create results, and build lasting success.
I’m certified in EQi and EQ360 emotional intelligence (EQ) assessment tools and developmental coaching. I believe well-developed EQ is essential for success in communications, fund development, government relations, leadership …and life!
Based out of Calgary, I am privileged and grateful to live and work on the ancestral and traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (made up of the Siksika, Piikani, Amskaapipiikani and Kainai First Nations; the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations, comprised of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; and the Tsuut’ina First Nation) and the homeland to the historic Northwest Métis and to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Métis Nation Battle River Territory (Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6).
I’m a volunteer Board Member for Centre for Sexuality (www.centreforsexuality.ca) because equity, diversity and inclusion, safe schools and safe communities are important to me. I want to be an informed and supportive ally.
Clients I’ve worked with.
A few of the great organizations I’ve had the privilege of working with:
Alberta University of the Arts (Calgary)
Bethany Care Society (Calgary and Central Alberta)
Bridges Social Development (Canada Bridges) (Calgary and Area)
Canadian Cattle Foundation (Canada-wide)
Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society (Southern Alberta)
Calgary Homeless Foundation (Calgary)
Calgary Pro Musica Society (Calgary)
Centre for Sexuality (formerly Calgary Sexual Health Centre) (Calgary)
Community Links (Rocky View County)
cSPACE King Edward School (Calgary)
Family Service Canada (Canada-wide)
Kindred (formerly Catholic Family Service/Unlocking Potential Foundation (Calgary)
McMan Youth & Family Services (Calgary)
PREP Society (Calgary)
Quetico Foundation (Ontario)
Radiance (Calgary)
Safe Haven Foundation (Calgary)
Silver Linings Foundation (Calgary)
STARS Air Ambulance (Western Canada)
Prior to moving into consulting, I applied a successful model of strategy, people and practice in leadership roles at the following organizations:
Trans Canada Trail & Chapter 150 Campaign
Canada-wide
Led a successful government relations and donor stabilization strategy for the Trail’s $15M annual fund development program. Developed and launched a $150M national campaign strategy to complete the Trail by 2017. Served a high-profile pan-Canadian Board of business and philanthropic leaders.
David Thompson Health Trust
Central Alberta
Provided executive leadership to a healthcare philanthropy start-up that provided fund development expertise and coordinated support to over 20 community-based fundraising groups and small rural health foundations.
Calgary Health Trust & Reach! Campaign
Calgary
Provided senior staff leadership, campaign plan development and execution on the $200M leadership gifts phase of a successful $300M+ fundraising campaign for the Calgary Health Region and University of Calgary and senior leadership to the Health Trust’s $20M annual fund development program.
Glenbow Museum
Calgary
Established and implemented the Museum’s first strategic fund development plan and led the Museum’s fund development, memberships, gift shop sales, corporate art loans and facility rental business units.
Calgary Zoological Society
Calgary
Designed and executed all aspects of the Zoo’s annual fund development program, including database management, special events, annual giving, planned giving, major gifts and primary support to a $13M capital campaign for The Canadian Wilds.
Let’s talk!
Tell me how I can support your organization or leadership development.