Jerry Sen
President and Chief Executive Officer, Compassion Canada
Jerry is a transformative leader who bridges strategic creativity with
clear frameworks that drive real-world results. His corporate career
spanned leadership roles at Google, PepsiCo, Maple Leaf Foods, Smucker’s
and DoubleClick, where his strategic innovations produced award-winning
results and earned recognition from
The Globe and Mail and Strategy Magazine.
In 2018, Jerry followed a profound call to leave the marketplace for full-time ministry, joining OneChurch.to’s Executive Leadership Team as Directional Leader of Digital and Outreach. He implemented initiatives reaching over one million people annually and founded LoveArmy, mobilizing 100,000 acts of goodness across Toronto over five years.
Jerry then joined Compassion Canada in 2022 as Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, leading a brand revitalization that has expanded reach and resonates deeply with supporters. He has championed a digital system transformation that has built meaningful relationships with more people. Jerry has been steadfast in cultivating a culture of collaboration and Christ-centred purpose where team members are both challenged and celebrated.
Jerry holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administrative Studies with an Honours in Marketing from York University. He and his wife, Olga, live in Markham, Ontario and have three girls and one boy.
Executive Leadership Team
Misty Fonseca
Chief People Officer
With over 25 years of leadership experience in the not-for-profit and
banking sectors in Canada, Misty is a compassionate, results-driven
leader committed to building people-centered cultures where employees
feel engaged and empowered. She takes a hands-on approach to leadership,
fostering environments where individuals can contribute to meaningful
work while flourishing and driving organizational success. A graduate of
Masters College and Seminary with a background in theology, Misty’s
values-driven leadership has guided initiatives in employee engagement,
leadership development, and organizational culture throughout her
career. As Chief People Officer at Compassion Canada, Misty is both a
trusted advisor and a strategic, people-focused leader, guiding the
development of people practices that drive organizational performance
and support long-term business goals while empowering employees at all
levels to flourish. Outside of work, Misty serves as a Governor on the
Board of Tyndale University, and lives in the Greater Toronto Area with
her husband and daughter.
Kevin Cawthra
Chief Financial Officer
Kevin has two decades of senior leadership experience in the
not-for-profit and charity sector. After starting his career at Ernst
& Young, Kevin made the intentional choice to move from the
marketplace to ministry. Since then, Kevin has held impactful leadership
roles in finance and business operations at Ambrose University and
Gideons Canada (now ShareWord Global), before joining Compassion as
Chief Financial Officer. Kevin holds a Certificate from Canadian Bible
College, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Accounting from Wilfrid
Laurier University, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA,
CA). He and his wife, Helen, live in Cambridge, Ontario, and have 3
boys.
Chris Ortiz
Chief Programs and Partnership Officer
Chris brings over 20 years of experience to Compassion as a development
practitioner in both international and Canadian contexts. He served for
many years as the Executive Director of a community development
organization in the Greater Toronto Area, which birthed a local church
along the way. He then joined World Vision Canada in various roles,
including his last role as the Program Portfolio Manager for Latin
America and the Caribbean. Chris holds an MBA from Eastern University
and a Business Certificate of Social Impact from the Smith School of
Business at Queen’s University. Chris was born in Cochabamba, Bolivia,
raised in Toronto, Canada, and recently moved to a small town called New
Dundee, Ontario with his wife, Sofia, and their daughter, Hannah.
Board of directors
Mark Fletcher, Chair
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Mark Fletcher is Vice President of Construction for Teng Inc.
Compassion’s mandate to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name
attracted him to the organization. Mark’s past experience on several
church boards and committees has given him the ability to see
big-picture issues, contributing valuable insight as board chair. Mark
enjoys setting aside one evening each week for family time, bringing the
whole family together and building relationships.
Jennifer Adkins
Langley, British Columbia
Jennifer Adkins became the Vice President of Inclusive Excellence at
Trinity Western University after pursuing her PhD in Sociology at the
University of British Columbia. She brings her passion for justice and
equity to the Compassion board, with over 25 years of experience as a
diversity consultant in the public, private and non-for-profit sectors,
and almost 10 years as an Ombudsperson for the National Energy Board.
Jennifer selected Compassion Canada as the best international
organization supporting children in poverty because of their candid and
unapologetic Christ-centred mission and the fiscal responsibility that
they demonstrate. Jennifer, her husband and their adult twin sons enjoy
living on the West Coast exploring new hiking trails and relaxing at the
beaches.
David Burton
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
David Burton gained 33 years of administration and management experience
in social and health-related programs, ranging from policy development
to front-line operations across six Government of Canada departments,
retiring in 2023. He currently serves as a member of the Parole Board of
Canada. A Compassion sponsor since 1997, he was drawn to the
organization by its holistic child development approach and
Christ-centred emphasis. His interest in working with the Compassion
board stems from a strong desire to use his administrative experience in
a way that is pleasing to Christ and can help those in need. Originally
from Newfoundland and Labrador, David and his wife reside in Dartmouth,
Nova Scotia. They are actively involved at their church, where David
chairs the Missions Leadership Team.
Dr. Marie Geschwandtner
Ottawa, Ontario
Marie Geschwandtner has 30 years of experience as a chiropractic doctor
with a special interest in women’s health, pediatrics and perinatal
care. She is co-founder and partner of Hunt Club Chiropractic and
BodyGarage and is a leader and head women’s coach at Warrior Coaching
Canada. She also co-founded Chiropractors with Compassion, inspiring
generosity and raising funds to bring hope to children in poverty. Marie
is a hiking and fitness enthusiast, foodie, travel addict and compulsive
renovator. She has been married to Dr. Yurij Chewpa for over 30 years
and has two adult sons.
Dr. Andrew Johnson
Calgary, Alberta
Andrew Johnson is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of
Medicine at the University of Calgary, and a physician specialist in
Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology at Foothills Medical Centre
in Calgary, Alberta. Andrew is drawn to Compassion’s long-term
development strategy of releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
His knowledge of infectious diseases and tropical medicine brings a
unique perspective to the board. He enjoys mentoring young resident
physicians and coaching community sports. Andrew, his wife Nicole and
their three children are active members of their local church in Calgary
and advocate for the work of Compassion.
Clark Kassian
Calgary, Alberta
Clark Kassian is a lawyer at Dentons Canada LLP. Clark has been a
Compassion sponsor for many years, and was drawn to the organization by
its holistic, Christ-centred approach to child development. With his
legal background and advocacy skills, Clark brings a unique perspective
to Compassion’s board. Clark, his wife and their two young children live
in Calgary, Alberta. In his spare time, Clark enjoys playing ice hockey
and serving in the worship ministry of his church.
Kenneth Lai
Markham, Ontario
Kenneth Lai is a Chartered Insurance Professional and currently a
Manager, Insurance Supervision at Transamerica WFG. Kenneth has spent
over 20 years in the insurance and financial services sector, serving in
various leadership roles. Kenneth and his family have supported
Compassion since 2009. Kenneth was drawn to Compassion because of its
strong focus on child advocacy and its work in coordination with local
church partners to support the needs of children in poverty. Kenneth
brings curiosity, communication and energy to Compassion’s board. His
family of four attends a local church where he serves in the small group
ministry. In his spare time, Kenneth and his family enjoy travelling
together to visit new places.
Leighton Reimer
Caronport, Saskatchewan
Leighton Reimer is a Chartered Professional Accountant, serving as
Director, Financial Services, SaskWater. Leighton and his family have
been Compassion sponsors since 2010. Leighton and his wife, Sara, had
the opportunity to visit 2 of their sponsored children and see the work
Compassion is doing in Guatemala in 2011. That experience gave him a
deep appreciation for Compassion’s Christ-centred approach to relieving
poverty and how they involve the local church in the process. Leighton’s
accounting and finance background bring a valuable perspective to the
board. Leighton, Sara and their 3 children live in Caronport,
Saskatchewan. They are involved in their local church and enjoy spending
time together as a family and with friends, as well as camping and
travelling.
Sushila Saunders
Coquitlam, British Columbia
Sushila Saunders is fueled by a desire to positively impact the world
through the integration of her faith, skills and experience. As a
Registered Nurse of over 30 years, Sushila has dedicated most of her
career to nephrology. Sushila currently serves in a senior leadership
role at BC Renal, focusing on supporting renal care in home dialysis and
palliative care. A passionate Compassion sponsor since 2017, Sushila is
inspired by Compassion’s mission of releasing children from poverty in
Jesus’ name with education and healthcare at the core of this
transformative work. Sushila enjoys spending time with her husband and
two adult children, sharing a meal with her church community, exploring
the natural beauty of British Columbia and enjoying a challenging
Pilates class.