Harvey McKinnon - President

Harvey is recognized as one of North America’s leading fundraising experts. He is the author of five acclaimed books, and is the co-author of the #1 international best-seller The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All. It won the Nautilus Gold Award for books on social change and the book was also one of Amazon’s Best Books of the Year. It reached number one in both the US and Canada, and has been translated into eight languages. (All royalties have been donated to charities.)

Harvey is considered a world leader on monthly giving. He wrote the first book on this highly lucrative area, Hidden Gold which each year raises billions of dollars for non-profits. His latest book is How to Create Lifelong Donors Through Monthly Giving, released in 2020.

His best-selling book, The 11 Questions Every Donor Asks is used as a major gift training manual for fundraising departments throughout the US and Canada from United Ways to the San Diego Zoo. The second revised edition was published in 2015.

He is a highly rated trainer and has taught fundraising to thousands of non-profit staff. Sample topics have included: Mid-level giving, Direct mail, On-line and Offline integration, Creativity and the Future of Communications. He is a frequent speaker at conferences including: the AFP International (where he was tied for the highest rated out of over 100 speakers), AFP Congress, IFC (including teaching master classes), AAFRE, AFP chapters, CCAE, CASE, CAGP, National Storytelling Conference and many more. His keynotes include the YMCA International NAYDO Conference and national fundraising conferences in Australia and Norway.

He is an award-winning copywriter, and has written for many publications including: Grassroots Fundraising Journal, and Contributions as well as The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, National Observer and many others. Harvey’s popular seminar How Today’s Rich Give was produced as a CD by Jossey-Bass.

He has been profiled in publications such as Success Magazine and the Vancouver Sun. And he has been a frequent interviewee of many media outlets, including national radio in Canada, Australia and the USA.

He has produced a wide variety of award-winning documentary films that have been aired on the BBC, CBC, ABC, PBS and many other networks around the world. They include: Side-By-Side: Women Against AIDS in Zimbabwe; The Black Sea in Crisis, and biographies of David Suzuki and William Shatner.

He has developed strategy for, and has been an activist on causes including: anti-apartheid work, AIDS advocacy, anti-gambling expansion, ending violence against women, anti-tobacco activism, environmentalism and anti-poverty efforts among many, many others.

Before founding Harvey McKinnon Associates in 1989, Harvey spent ten years with Oxfam Canada. His company raises money for dozens of non-profits in Canada and the USA.

Harvey has served on many Boards including the Advisory Board of the Brainerd Foundation (US), Oxfam Canada, and the Vancouver International Comedy Festival. He currently is on the Vancouver International Writers Festival. He knows 17,659 jokes.

Leslie Traynor - Senior Consultant

Leslie joined the Toronto HMA team in 2009.

She began her fundraising career in 2007 after spending over 20 years in the corporate sector. As a Regional Sales Manager, for a full service product fundraising company, Leslie worked with schools and non-profit organizations throughout Eastern Canada. She was impressed by the commitment and passion of the fundraisers she met, and they inspired her to change careers. Shortly after, Leslie began work with the Canadian Cancer Society.

While employed at the Society, Leslie worked on initiatives that provided insights into non-profit best practice with respect to donor retention and stewardship. Leslie’s corporate career was founded on many of the same relationship building principles. Value and respect for your customers, and in the case of her clients today – their donors.

Leslie has managed campaigns for animal rights, health and conservation charities. She believes charities can benefit from the pages of successful companies who strive to convert each new prospect into an advocate.

Ryan Garnett, CFRE - Head of Integrated Marketing

Ryan is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with more than 10 years of experience helping non-profits raise more money for their causes. He joined HMA in 2011. As Head of Integrated Marketing he helps clients develop strategies for integrating their efforts through all channels including direct mail, online, e-mail, social media, and telemarketing.

Ryan has been a speaker at a number of fundraising conferences/events including the AFP Toronto Congress, Bridge Integrated Fundraising Conference, AHP International, CAGP, Western Canada Fundraising Conference, and many others.

In addition to his work at HMA, Ryan serves on the board of directors for the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society, a national historic site in Steveston, BC. Outside of work Ryan is an avid traveler always looking forward to his next adventure. In the summer you’ll usually find him on the golf course or baseball diamond, and in the winter he loves to compete in both hockey and volleyball.

Katie Dudley - Senior Account Manager

Katie has been in the fundraising scene since 2008.

Over the years she has worked with various HMA clients helping them connect with their donors and fundraise through direct response campaigns. She also spent two years with CAMH Foundation coordinating their annual and monthly donor programs.

It is Katie’s honour to work with her lovely clients and share their missions. Her priority is to provide the best in project management and strategy to help them reach their fundraising goals. She loves communicating with donors about the tremendous impact they are having and sharing stories with them about who they are helping with their support.

In her spare time, Katie loves going on adventures with her husband and daughter, gardening, reading and hiking.

Tara Lepp, CFRE - Senior Account Manager

Tara Lepp, CFRE, is a dedicated fundraising professional with over 19 years of experience. She has unique experience having worked on the agency and client side.

Tara recently came to work at HMA, having spent over seven and a half years working at Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation managing their annual giving programs including: donor mailings, grateful patient, staff tribute program, in honour and in memoriam program, staff lottery and employee giving program.

One of her crowning achievements at Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation was managing the Winning Wednesdays 50/50 Staff Lottery. Tara helped launch the staff lottery in 2012 with 980 tickets available, selling out in two and half weeks. She helped grow the staff lottery to sell all 10,000 tickets in 2015. Cumulatively, the lottery has raised over $700,000 net to support Hamilton Health Sciences programs.

While working as a consultant at Stephen Thomas, Tara managed the annual fund programs for a diverse group of organizations such as: Amnesty International, Greenpeace Canada, Schizophrenia Society of Canada, Red Cross Lottery – Ontario Zone, Interval House (Canada’s 1st Women’s Shelter – Toronto), Canadian Olympic Committee, Osteoporosis Canada, Plan Canada, Surf Life Saving Foundation (Australia), among others.

In her down time, she serves on the Board of the AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter as Director, Education, overseeing all education events and is a Girl Guide leader with the 1st Waterdown Guides.

Tara enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and loves the theatre and hiking.

Karri LaJeunesse - Senior Account Manager

Pam Vokey - Head of Production

Pam began her career with HMA in January 2014, after having worked in the book publishing industry for 10-plus years.

While new to fundraising, Pam is no stranger to working with the creation of printed pieces. She started her career as a Marketing Coordinator for a major global book publisher, working on the production and creation of direct mail pieces. Pam then moved on to become a Production Editor, managing the production of a variety of non-fiction titles from business to parenting to true crime. With a love of schedules, the printed word and everything production, Pam is in her element while managing the production of the fabulous direct mail pieces HMA creates.

Pam is currently helping to manage the production of direct mail pieces for clients including The Lung Association, Oakville Hospital Foundation, Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation, Indspire and Seva Canada. She is enjoying the opportunity to work with great organizations that help so many people.

When Pam is not at work or planning her next home upgrade (from the endless list), she can be found spending time with her family – learning all there is to know about super heroes, monsters and ancient Egypt.

Deb Pound - Production Manager

Deb joined HMA officially in March 2010 (right after a stint as a 2010 Olympic Winter Games volunteer), but had done some contract work for HMA in 2008. Deb’s production management experience includes some graphic design and several years as a senior Print Procurement Officer with the Alberta Government before moving to Vancouver. Deb augmented her print purchasing expertise with several years working for World Project Management, Go Direct Marketing, JWT Direct and DDB working with printers and mailhouses for a wide variety of clients.

Deb’s enthusiasm for her work comes from her genuine appreciation for the magic of the print process, and her belief that direct mail at its best, can amaze, delight AND produce great results for our clients. That HMA associates itself with some of the most worthy causes and clients is just an added bonus as far as Deb is concerned.

Outside of working hours, Deb has a passion and commitment to Bard on the Beach Shakespeare festival (Volunteer of the year in 2008) as a volunteer, member and patron, and she is an avid, not great, curler, and serves on her curling club board, the regional board and is a Curl BC Board of Governor member.

Cheri Duncan - Production Manager

Cheri is an experienced direct marketer with more than 24 years of experience in print and production. She joined HMA in 2022 after working with a mailhouse which provided services both in Canada and to organizations around the world.

Cheri believes in using the power of direct mail to make a difference in the world, and loves seeing the great successes that HMA helps to create for non-profits across the country.

When she’s not busy creating detailed production critical paths, and negotiating with suppliers to get the best deal for HMA clients, you’ll usually find her outdoors. She loves hiking, exploring nature, and she is a big geocacher with more than 900 caches to her name. She is also a world traveler, and has visited more than a dozen countries.

Doug Fleetham - Data Manager

Doug is an experienced database developer who joined HMA in 2011.

He graduated from McMaster University with a BA in Psychology and with a diploma in Information Technology from Capilano College. In a career that spanned ceramics, warehousing and marketing firms, he has become well versed in analytics, reporting and data management.

He is delighted to be part of the creative, dynamic team at HMA and to be working for so many ethical, positive clients that are striving to affect real change including Burnaby Hospital Foundation, Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, OXFAM, and University Hospital Foundation.

Doug is a musician, a hoarder of all things electric, and an occasional sound man for a variety of groups on the island that he and his family call home.

Jerry Janiczek - Data Manager

Jerry is a true data expert who joined HMA in 2017. He graduated from Mohawk College in Brantford, Ontario, in Computer Systems Technology.

Prior to joining HMA, Jerry spent 23 years working for a local direct mail company providing data management services for countless domestic and international clients. During all these years Jerry had the opportunity to work with many wonderful people in the direct mail industry and honed his skills in data, computer, networks, and IT support. Among the people he worked with, Jerry actually spent 10 years working side-by-side with HMA’s other Data Manager, Doug. He is very happy to have been reunited with Doug at HMA.

Outside of HMA, Jerry spends time with his wife, 2 kids, and his grandson who just recently turned one. He enjoys cooking, completing small (and big) projects around the house, and he occasionally smokes his own meats.

Cassandra Mullins - Head of Design

Cassie has had a creative flair since she was young and has been passionately designing in multiple mediums since.

After completing a 3-year graphic design program at Durham College in Oshawa, Cassie worked for a local print shop where she gained her extensive knowledge of the printing process. From there, she moved on to a direct mail company where she worked for 4 years developing her passion for fundraising design. That’s where she met Leslie Traynor, who later brought her over to the HMA team in January 2011. Since then, she’s worked on hundreds of design projects for multiple charities and has moved into the role of Head of Design, overseeing HMA’s expert design team.

Cassie loves designing newsletters and is excited by all new design projects that come her way. She’s worked with just about all of HMA’s clients in her many years with the company and loves that she has a small part in making the world a better place through her designs.

Christa Ledding - Digital Design Lead

Christa graduated from the IDEA program at Capilano University, in 2007, with a diploma in graphic design. She’s been working hard to build a diverse art and design portfolio ever since. As a graphic designer, she has a passion for beautiful yet functional graphics, and is driven by the desire to create.

Since 2012, Christa has been working as a freelance designer with a variety of clients. She started working with HMA in 2013 and loves the challenges and rewards associated with working in fundraising and strives to help make a positive impact.

In Christa’s spare time she enjoys oil painting, jewelry design, cooking, and trying her hand at anything creative. She is always looking for opportunities to expand her horizons by trying something new or meeting people from different walks of life.

Marina Trozzi - Senior Digital & Graphic Designer

Marina is proud to call Toronto (and HMA) her home. She attended a Graphic Design program in the college town of Gainesville, Florida. She had the honour of working for the University of Florida for 5 years as an Admissions Assistant and a Graphic Designer. One of Marina’s greatest achievements was being recognized at the American Advertising Awards, one of the industry’s largest creative competitions. She took home four silver wins, and a 4th District Regional Gold.

Marina is eager to dive into the world of fundraising. Aiding in helping make the world a better place is one of the many things that she’s passionate about.

In her free time, you can catch Marina planning her next bucket list vacation. She tries to visit a new country every year. She enjoys being active, cooking, photography, planning activities and exploring all that the city has to offer.

Seiko Karakama - Senior Graphic Designer

Seiko earned her 3-year design diploma at Capilano University. She also has a BFA in Media Arts, a graphic design certificate and an UX Design certificate — her passion for learning never ends.

Prior to joining HMA in 2019, she has worked for a non-profit organization, Adoptive Families Association of BC and a company called Karma Exchange — an online deal site like Groupon but where 100% of profits went to charity. At HMA, she is excited to help multiple charities in their pursuit to making the world a better place through her designs. Along with other passionate team members, it brings her joy to find creative solutions for clients and make a positive impact in the global community.

For several years, she volunteered at the Powell Street festival for the local Japanese community organization, Tonarigumi. She spent many years helping run several Meetup groups, and eventually running her own. She also used to teach free yoga classes.

Seiko enjoys reading, writing, bowling and yoga. She loves traveling and learning about different cultures.

Gayle Robinson - Bookkeeper & Controller

Gayle has been working with HMA since 1999. Her financial experience comes from many years of setting up financial records and managing finances in both volunteer and paid capacities. She has worked with the public school system, solidarity groups, charities, and various for-profit organizations.

Gayle earned her Diploma in Business Administration and Accounting from Capilano College while raising her two daughters.

Gayle leads a rich and fulfilling life that includes a great deal of grassroots activism both locally and internationally. She is committed to achieving social and economic justice through community-based organizations.

Gayle is very active in the struggle for peace and democracy in El Salvador, raising both money and awareness for this cause. Her years of involvement with the Latin American community have opened her eyes to the amazing power of the human spirit.

Kevin Wilson - Account Manager, Office Manager and Executive Assistant

Kevin has been involved in the non-profit sector since 2012, primarily with Environmental NGO’s before his path led him to HMA in 2015. After spending years raising funds through canvassing, Kevin welcomed the chance to make an impact on the non-profit world from a warmer location. He is a part-time digital campaign strategist, and has worked on a variety of third-party election campaigns including the successful 2015 ABC Canadian Veterans federal campaign and the 2017 Stop The Grizzly Killing provincial campaign.

Kevin grew up on the West Coast, graduating with a double-major in Environmental Studies and Sociology from the University of Victoria. Having always been drawn to the forest, Kevin can often be found outdoors. When not relaxing at home with his partner and two cats, he can often be found hiking the local mountains, biking around the city or exploring lesser known trails and beaches of BC.

Kevin is inspired by the work he does with HMA, which he feels gives him the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world. He is passionate about the environment, fostering social change and pushing towards a more equal, fair, and just global society.