DeAnn is the President & CEO of Edmonton John Howard Society working to eradicate the root causes of crime to build safe and healthy communities. As a seasoned executive with more than 20 years in business, health care and the community sector, DeAnn is known for driving transformational change, maximizing operational excellence and building collaborations to enhance the lives of individuals. DeAnn is passionate about mental health and community development. She has held numerous community board appointments including Board Chair for Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters, Board Chair for Terra Centre and a Board member with the Mental Health Foundation. DeAnn holds an undergraduate degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice and a MBA in executive leadership. In her spare time, DeAnn can be found on the soccer field and running in Edmonton’s beautiful river valley.

Roseanne is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 20 years of experience, who has spent the majority of her career providing strategic and advisory support to business clients. She is currently the Chief Financial Officer at the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation Edmonton. She previously ran her own consultancy firm working with clients working across countless industries—including technology, financial services, real estate, benefits and not-for-profit. When not supporting her clients, Roseanne can be found spending time with her family, enjoying the outdoors, delving into a new book or giving back to the community by volunteering with local sports organizations and charities.

Simon is currently a special advisor to the Board of Directors of the Alberta Mining Safety Association, a member of the Board of Directors of Bennett Jones, a past member of the University of Alberta Alumni Association, and a past president of Grandview Heights School Council. Simon has been married to his wife, Tara, for 29 years, and together they have three grown children, Emma, Megan, and Spencer. His spare time is spent outdoors as much as possible and lifelong passions include gardening, cycling, trail running, skiing and golf.

Nicholas Mitchell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Alberta, and the Senior Medical Director of the Addiction and Mental Health Strategic Clinical Network and Provincial Medical Director for the Addiction and Mental Health Provincial Team within Alberta Health Services. In his roles with AHS he is involved in government and community stakeholder relations, policy, strategy, and research and innovation with a goal of improving the quality of healthcare for Albertans.

Angy has 20+ yrs in the financial sector including roles in Financial Planning, Branch Management, Regional Office, and Vice-President Commercial Markets. She is currently National Director for Practice Management with RBC. Angy and her spouse Phil Nelson enjoy hiking the Alberta trails, cross fit, and running, and spending time with their dogs. Angy holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Dalhousie University, Hons. BA in Political Science from University of Calgary, and a Financial Planning designation.

Donna is a CPA, CMA with over 25 years of experience in various industries including, construction, manufacturing, not-for-profit, and distribution. She is currently the Director of Shared Services for Women Building Futures Society, a not-for-profit providing training to women and assisting them to gain economic security.

Donna has been married for 34 years. Together, her and Travis have two grown children and three precious grandchildren. When not working or volunteering, Donna enjoys spending time with her family, reading, enjoying the outdoors, and socializing with friends.

Darren Lunt is a seasoned organizational leader with extensive experience across various industries and has a wide network across the province. He possesses a unique blend of skills in fundraising, sales, marketing, non-profit leadership, and corporate management.

For the past nineteen years, Darren has been an integral part of Weldco Companies, progressing from Sales and Marketing roles to ultimately becoming the President. Under his leadership, Weldco achieved strong revenue growth and expanded sales partnerships in the United States and South America.

Darren has had leadership roles in not-for-profit and philanthropic organizations in Edmonton and Drumheller, including the Edmonton Humane Society, Royal Tyrrell Museum Society, and the Pilgrims Hospice Society. During his last five years in the not-for-profit sector, Darren served as an Executive Director, refining his abilities in board reporting, strategic implementation, team leadership, and brand representation for the organizations he was involved with.

Originally from Edmonton, Darren is married to his wife of 31 years (Lori), and they have two adult children currently pursuing their post-secondary degrees. Darren is a graduate of NAIT’s School of Business and earned his MBA from Athabasca University.

Jo-Anne has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Alberta and over 20 years of experience designing print materials, digital content, and websites. Residing in Edmonton, she is an outgoing and enthusiastic person that has worked across a variety of industries. She has found her niche working in the non-profit sector on projects that are both meaningful and rewarding. She is passionate about innovative problem-solving, diligent about details and deadlines, and always strives to deliver premium results. She is always looking to expand her areas of expertise and is currently exploring photography and video production.

When she’s not being swarmed by her two cats, Jo-Anne enjoys running, yoga, and travelling to sunny shores with her husband and daughters.

Jill is a professional fundraiser with over 11 years of hands-on experience in the nonprofit industry. She holds a Bachelor of Business degree from Okanagan College with a double major in Management and Marketing. Jill spent several years working in fund development at Camp Health, Hope & Happiness (i.e. Camp He Ho Ha) and thoroughly enjoyed making summer camp dreams come true for children and adults with disabilities.

She joined the Mental Health Foundation in July 2022 in the newly created position of Grants Coordinator. She brings creativity, enthusiasm, and passion for mental health. Jill is excited about contributing to building resilient individuals, organizations, and communities through accessible and holistic mental health programs and support.

She volunteers with Edmonton Cause Players as an administrative board member and costumed entertainer; bringing smiles to children at community events throughout the greater Edmonton area. In her spare time, Jill is either creating a new costume, dressing up as a princess at a charity event, throwing weights around at CrossFit, camping, or spending time with her incredible spouse, Ryan.

Natalie brings over a decade of invaluable experience from Toronto, Ontario, where she has dedicated herself to the non-profit sector. With a rich background in fostering connections among individuals, families, corporate partners, and foundations, she has consistently fueled inspiration for causes close to their hearts.

Embarking on her professional journey in international development, Natalie played a pivotal role in fundraising for underprivileged communities worldwide, striving to improve access to healthcare and education. Her advocacy for gender equality and human rights reflects a deep-seated commitment to making a meaningful impact on a global scale.

In her most recent role at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation, the preeminent mental health hospital in Canada, Natalie took the reins of all fundraising efforts for Child and Youth Mental Health research. Notably, she played a key role in CAMH’s groundbreaking $500-million campaign, to establish a state-of-the-art Research and Discovery Centre. The visionary project aimed to centralize mental health research in Canada, a testament to Natalie’s leadership and dedication.

Natalie’s passion for mental health and addictions issues extends beyond her professional life, becoming a personal mission fueled by witnessing the profound impacts of mental illness and recognizing the existing gaps within the Canadian healthcare system. Firm in her belief that mental health is the paramount cause of our time, Natalie is eager to persist in her career, championing dignified mental health care and addiction services for those grappling with mental health challenges. Her unwavering commitment to this cause exemplifies a compassionate advocate ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health struggles.

Shelley is an accomplished self-starter with a strong background in the nonprofit and finance sectors. Working remotely from Ontario, Shelley gained her extensive experience in data management and event coordination at the Grand River Hospital Foundation, following a tenure with the Bank of Montreal. Shelley volunteers making and providing hot meals for vulnerable people, as a social media manager for a nationwide prostate cancer non-profit, and is on the Finance Committee as an advisor at her church. In her spare time, Shelley enjoys hiking and camping in Ontario, and beyond.

Geoff has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Victoria and brings a wealth of leadership experience to the foundation. He is a very proud father and husband. Although he spent 13 year in Victoria, he was born in Edmonton. Geoff has always been a strong advocate for others, a coach, a mentor, and most of all a firm believer in Community. With his passion for the cause, his formal education, and over 15 years of successful team leadership, it is his goal to bring more awareness and support for mental health and addictions across Alberta.

Geoff’s personal and professional connections across Alberta will prove to be a great addition as the Philanthropy team lead. He will be developing new methods to be involved in communities and will work with both government and private individuals to help build lasting change. He is ready to roll up his sleeves and get into the trenches with all of us to reach our collective goals.