Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes is proud to introduce New Executive Director
IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 11, 2023
The Board of Directors of Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie Dillon-Schalk as Executive Director, starting January 10, 2023. “The Board is very excited to welcome Laurie to our Community Foundation.” said Mike Bellamy, President of the Board of the Community Foundation. “Laurie brings a wealth of experience from both the private & non-profit sectors that will be of tremendous benefit to the Community Foundation, here in Kawartha Lakes.”
Laurie joins our Community Foundation with over 20 years’ experience in the private sector including 12 years in senior strategy roles at major advertising agencies including partner / VP of strategy leading the strategy & insights, digital social channel strategy and media planning department as well as 8 years as an e-commerce management consultant from IBM Canada. Laurie has a strong track record in new business development, establishing long term partnerships, supporting ambitious projects and their campaigns, managing high performing teams and working within executive teams / multiple stakeholder scenarios.
Laurie also brings unique non-profit leadership and fundraising experience from her role as a co-founder of Conquer COVID-19, one of Canada’s fastest growing national pandemic relief efforts in 2020, an 120 volunteer organization that built a private supply chain of medical personal protective equipment (PPE) and delivered to hospitals, long term care homes, women’s and homeless shelters, community health organizations, First Nations reserves and more. As part of her efforts, Laurie worked closely with the Bobcaygeon Relief Fund’s leadership team to ensure the Kawartha / Curve Lake / Muskoka / Trent Severn Region was included in relief efforts. Laurie is also currently a board member of the Kawartha Northumberland RT08 tourism efforts.
Laurie has been a seasonal cottager and property manager in Kawartha Lakes for over 20 years. In 2018, she and her family decided to buy a maple syrup hobby farm near Bobcaygeon / Fenelon Falls and, over the pandemic, relocated from Toronto to the Kawarthas community. Living locally, she has a fresh connection to supporters and partners for growth.
Laurie may be contacted at laurie@kawarthafoundation.ca
The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes is here to help create a meaningful and lasting change in our community. The Foundation is a reliable resource to connect you to the knowledge, opportunities and partners you need to make a difference in Kawartha Lakes. The Foundation’s focus is on strengthening local philanthropic network by connecting people who care with the creation of lasting legacies that address gaps in local human services, public infrastructure, agriculture and community economic development. Together with its fundholders and partners, the Community Foundation supports and strengthens local initiatives making a difference and enhancing the quality of life in this community.
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Margaret Cunningham, Foundation Coordinator
705-879-2719 ~ info@kawarthafoundation.ca