Allison Alley
President and Chief Executive Officer, Compassion Canada
Allison joined Compassion in 2012 to establish the Advocacy department, and became the organization’s fourth President & CEO in October 2019. She speaks regularly at events, churches and schools across the country and represents Compassion to other charities and sector associations. Her work with Compassion has taken her to more than fifteen developing countries across North and South America, Africa and Asia.One of Allison’s greatest passions is working towards a world where all children can live a life free from poverty and flourish in Christ. It was her time teaching English in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2000 that God first used to ignite a passion for ministry to children at risk. After spending more than a decade in leadership roles in the marketplace, God used her love for her own children to call her to be an advocate for children living in poverty. She stepped away from her career as a financial advisor and entered full-time ministry at Compassion.
In her former role, Allison also led the creation of three multimedia series from Compassion Canada that invite families, churches and groups to fulfil Jesus’ instruction to care for “the least of these.” Step Into My Shoes lets children experience life with a Ugandan family, True Story helps youth explore poverty in light of God’s redemptive story, and Eyes to See challenges adults to live out their faith in action.
Outside of Compassion, Allison serves on the board of the Kentro Christian Network (formerly the Canadian Christian Relief and Development Association), a medium that exists to share expertise, encourage collaboration, and enhance the relief and development activities of more than 50 international organizations working in over 100 countries to seek flourishing lives and communities.
Allison holds a Master of Arts in Global Leadership with an emphasis in International Development and Urban Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary’s School of Intercultural Studies, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey Business School. She and her husband, Tommy, live in London, Ontario and have two daughters.
Executive Leadership Team
Jerry Sen
Chief Marketing & Digital Officer
Kevin Cawthra
Chief Financial Officer
Misty Fonseca
Chief People Officer
Board of directors
Chair: Mark Fletcher
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Mark Fletcher is Vice President of Construction for a company called Teng Inc. Compassion’s mandate to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name attracted him to the ministry. Mark’s past experience on several church boards and committees has given him the ability to see big-picture issues, contributing valuable insight as a Board member. Mark enjoys setting one evening each week for family night, bringing the whole family together and building relationships.
Jennifer Adkins
Langley, British Columbia
Jennifer Adkins became the Vice President, Inclusive Excellence at Trinity Western University after going back to pursue her PhD in Sociology, at the University of British Columbia. She brings her passion for justice and equity to the Compassion Board, being equipped 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. After much investigation, 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 has over 30 years of administration and management experience in social and health-related programs, ranging from policy development to front-line operations across four Government of Canada departments. A Compassion sponsor since 1997, he was drawn to the organization by its holistic child development approach and its Christ-centered emphasis. His interest in working with Compassion’s 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 & Labrador, David and his wife reside in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. They are actively involved in their church, Hillside Wesleyan, where David chairs the Missions Leadership Team.
Dr. Marie Geschwandtner
Ottawa, Ontario
Marie has 30 years of experience as a Chiropractic Doctor with a special interest in women’s health, paediatrics and perinatal care. She is cofounder 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.
Len Hummel
Toronto, Ontario
Len Hummel has been working with his church denomination, in a financial role, since 2019. Prior to that he worked for a Canadian bank, for over 25 years, serving in corporate, international, and commercial credit roles. With a strong desire to see the gospel spread and to serve the poor, he appreciates Compassion’s unique approach to child development and feels privileged to serve on its Board. As the Lord has been compassionate with Len (Ps 103:4), so Len values the work of Compassion Canada in its service to the poor. He has assisted with Alpha courses and in various other ministries in the churches he has served.
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, AB. Andrew is attracted 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 most enjoys mentoring young resident physicians and coaching community sports. Andrew, his wife Nicole and three children are active in the ministry of the 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 Kassian has been a Compassion sponsor for many years, and was drawn to the organization by its holistic, Christ-centered 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.
Ian Lawson
Lethbridge, Alberta
Ian Lawson brings distinguished leadership to the Board with decades of leadership and ministry experience. Recently retired, he continues to engage various ministries as a freelance volunteer – transitional pastoral ministry; teaching at Briercrest College and Seminary; teaching in the global church; leadership on other ministry boards. Initially drawn to Compassion’s desire to fulfill the biblical mandate to care for the poor, Ian’s commitment to that mission continues to grow with his travels to 5 Compassion field countries. Ian’s passion for the Global Church is growing, having taught in another 7 countries. He is the father of 5 grown children and 16 grandchildren, and creatively finds time to invest in them.
Leighton Reimer
Caronport, Saskatchewan
Leighton Reimer is a Chartered Professional Accountant, serving as Chief Financial Officer at Briercrest College & Seminary. Leighton, and his family, have been Compassion sponsors since 2010 and he and his wife, Sara, had the opportunity to visit 2 of their sponsored children and 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.