Non-Profit Day 2025
Speakers.
Aileen Burke
Aileen is an experienced lobbyist, researcher, facilitator, and communicator. She has been a part of creating and adapting policy and procedure, and complex problem solving. She has significant knowledge of the
non-profit industry, with more than 15 years of front-line, management, and volunteer experience in the non-profit sector. Aileen pursued her master’s degree in political science from the University of Lethbridge, where her work focused on public policy and systems integration as it relates to the Housing First philosophy. Aileen has put her expertise in political advocacy into action with a run for office at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels.
Opening Remarks
Session 1B: Engaging Across Political Polarities
Plenary – Impact of Provincial Legislative Changes
Session 2A: Legislative Impacts – Human Services Deep Dive
Closing Remarks
Gemma Dunn
Gemma Dunn is the Executive Director of ECVO, a leading resource and advocate for Alberta’s charities and nonprofit organizations. She is a seasoned nonprofit thought leader with over 20 years of experience in the sector, including 15 years in capacity building where she is recognized for her ability to tackle complex issues. Gemma’s passion has driven her to work very closely with communities and non-profit organisations to create innovative solutions and develop systems that support a thriving non-profit sector. Her work focuses on sector transformation, leadership development and strengthening the evidence base for voluntary action. She believes that building authentic relationships and deepening connection within the sector will ultimately lead to better outcomes for all.
State of the Sector
Jon Wescott
After his introduction to politics as a provincial advocate for university students, Jon became a small business owner. After success in business, he relocated from southern Alberta and began a legal career, acting as both a litigator and as a business advisor. His knack for simplifying complex issues with industrious solutions makes Jon an invaluable part of the team. Additionally, Jon is the former Executive Director and General Counsel for an Alberta political party.
Plenary – Impact of Provincial Legislative Changes
Session 2A: Legislative Impacts – Human Services Deep Dive
Nick Blanchette
After completing his honours degree in political science with a double minor in history and philosophy as a scholarship student athlete, Nicholas became a licensed realtor and mortgage broker. Seeking to further expand his knowledge, he completed his Juris Doctor degree at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, where he was honoured on the Dean’s List and received a course prize for the 2022 BC Law Schools Moot Competition.
Nicholas completed his articles with experience as both a solicitor and a litigator before joining Alberta Counsel and offers a wide range of options to his clients.
Session 1C: Legal Implications of Using AI and the Policies You Need
David Feldman
David Feldman is the Director of Learning and Development at the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations. David has worked with nonprofit, project management advisory, and family business boards for over 20 years. As a private consultant, David had the opportunity to work with nonprofits across all stages of their life cycles. He has supported nonprofits through challenges, helped them navigate crisis situations and inspired them to redefine success. As a mediator, David has supported boards through some of their toughest moments.
David Feldman is the Director of Learning and Development at the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO). His portfolio includes governance and one on one services for the non-profit sector in Metro Edmonton. For over 20 years, David has worked with nonprofit, project management advisory, and family business boards on a range of projects, challenges, and growth.
As a private consultant, David has worked with organizations at all life cycle stages, everything from times of crisis to organizational success. As a mediator, he has supported boards through some of their toughest moments, helping passionate, caring people find common ground and a shared vision to bring their organization together, unite, and move forward. More recently, David has taken an interest in the deconstruction of the orthodox beliefs and traditions in governance to explore how we can change the design of our governance models to empower better governance and increase engagement in our organizations.
David holds a B.Sc. (Mathematical Sciences with a Psychology Minor), M.A. (Interdisciplinary Studies - Thesis explored the collective cognition of interdisciplinary teams), PMP (Project Management Professional), and Q. Med (Qualified Mediator).
Section 1C: Legal Implications of Using AI and the Policies You Need
Session 2C: Confident Governance in Changing Times
Ed Picard
Ed knows that clear and effective communication is the key to building successful relationships. He brings to Alberta Counsel a multi-disciplinary skill set from his years as a marketer, business consultant, and professional writer. Born and raised in Edmonton, Ed is an experienced litigator and has served the Alberta Court of Appeal as legal counsel. He actively supports Edmonton’s growing legal community and volunteers on the boards of several non-profit organizations.
Session 2C: Changing Dynamics of Nonprofit Governance and Legal Implications
Travis Olson
Session 1B: Engaging Across Political Polarities
Kelly Banks
Kelly Banks is the Executive producer of programming and engagement at CBC Edmonton.
In her role, she oversees current affairs programming, podcasts, community engagement and special projects. Kelly has been with CBC since 2010, first on Radio Active as a chase producer and director, and then as the senior producer of assignment for over a decade, leading teams focused on gathering and producing daily news and enterprise content across platforms.
Prior to that, she worked for several years with CityTV producing and directing their live morning show.
Session 2B: Getting Your Message Out in 2025 and Beyond
Jared Wesley
Jared Wesley is Associate Dean (Graduate Studies), a professor of political science and member of the Black Faculty Collective at the University of Alberta. He studies the links between public opinion, public policy, and political culture. His career path has included several senior management positions with the Government of Alberta. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, he is a lucky husband and proud father of two daughters.
Session 1B: Engaging Across Political Polarities
Mack Male
Mack is the co-founder and CEO of Taproot Publishing which helps communities understand themselves better. The company's flagship digital news outlet is Taproot Edmonton. Prior to becoming an entrepreneurial journalist, Mack spent more than a decade working in software development.
Session 2B: Getting Your Message Out in 2025 and Beyond
Colin Johnson
Colin Johnson is the Deputy Executive Director of the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL), where he leads initiatives that support 163 Community Leagues in building vibrant, resilient neighbourhoods. With a background in education and human resources, Colin is passionate about fostering healthy workplace cultures and driving community-based innovation. He has spearheaded several organizational transformations, including policy modernization and the implementation of new HR and technology systems to support staff wellbeing. Colin believes that empowering people is the key to sustainable community development.
Session 1A: Happy Workplaces and How to Foster Them
Michelle Harvey
Michelle Harvey is the Director of HR and Finance at REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities, where she has been part of the senior management team for several years. She has extensive experience in payroll and human resources, earning her Payroll Compliance Practitioner designation in 2004 and her Workplace Health and Performance Ambassador certification through Wellness Works Canada. A former business owner, Michelle transitioned to the non-profit sector in 2012, bringing with her a passion for people and a commitment to supporting employee success. Her dedication to creating processes and systems has been instrumental in REACH’s growth and success as an organization.
Session 1A: Happy Workplaces and How to Foster Them
Emily Slasynski
As a Director of People and Culture, Emily champions a people-first approach to leadership. With a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive environments, she works to empower teams to collaborate, innovate, and create lasting impact. Since 2020, Emily has been with United Way Alberta Capital Region, where she has played a key role in supporting the organization’s transition to a hybrid workplace—emphasizing flexibility and results. Emily, along side the United Way team, contributed to the successful implementation of a four-day compressed work week, reinforcing a culture of balance, productivity, and well-being.
Session 1A: Happy Workplaces and How to Foster Them
Lauren Wheeler
Lauren Wheeler is a public historian with over 20 years of experience in museums, heritage, and cultural sectors. She joined the AMA in 2013 as Program Lead for the Recognized Museum Program and moved into the position of Strategic Services Director in 2022. As Strategic Services Director, Lauren is responsible for ensuring the smooth delivery of programs and services across the Association’s operations.
Session 1A: Happy Workplaces and How to Foster Them
Cheryl Feldstein
Cheryl is a communications professional with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in strategic communications, community engagement, and public relations. Cheryl has worked across the sector bringing a deep understanding of community needs and the power of storytelling to drive impact. In addition to her role with ECVO, Cheryl serves as the newly elected Vice Chair of the IABC Boardhelping to guide mission-driven organizations toward greater visibility and influence through storytelling.
Session 2B: Getting Your Message Out in 2025
Doug Tweddle
Doug was born and raised in Edmonton. A graduate of the University of Alberta, he was a career Senior Manager for a number of national retail chains. Doug has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years and currently is a Client Executive with BFL CANADA. His responsibilities within this role include developing and driving the business plan and strategic growth of the not-for-profit segment, as well as assisting others in servicing the sector.
Doug is dedicated to building collaborative relationships with his colleagues and the clients he supports. He is enthusiastic about insurance and the role he plays in providing tangible client solutions.
Session 2C: Confident Governance in Changing Times
Aaron Singleton
Aaron Singleton is a seasoned political strategist and communications professional who began his career in federal politics during the 2011 election, while still in his second year of university. He currently serves as the Digital Strategy Associate at Alberta Counsel, where he leads the development of high-impact public relations campaigns and strategic communications initiatives for a variety of clients including nonprofits and professional organizations.
Aaron brings a strong background in nonprofit governance and community leadership, having served as the Vice-Chair of the Board for HIV Edmonton and Director of the Edmonton Inclusive Hockey Association. His commitment to civic engagement is further demonstrated in his role as the President of a constituency association for the Alberta NDP, where he helps shape grassroots political strategy and policy advocacy.
A trusted advisor and innovator in the digital space, Aaron is passionate about building narratives that drive public awareness, influence decision-makers, and create lasting social impact.
Session 1B: Engaging Across Political Polarities