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 twenty 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 Canadian Centre for Christian Charities, an association that serves over 3,200 diverse Christian ministries to become exemplary, healthy and effective. Prior to that, she served on the board of the Kentro Christian Network, 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.
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
Jerry is a transformative digital and brand marketing leader who brings
first-hand experience from some of North America’s most well-known
companies, including Google and Maple Leaf Foods. After decades of
impact, Jerry felt called by God to leave the marketplace for ministry.
He joined the Executive Leadership Team at OneChurch.to, the church he
has called home for over 35 years. He served as the church’s Directional
Leader of Digital and Outreach before joining Compassion Canada as Chief
Marketing and Digital Officer. 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.
Misty Fonseca
Chief People Officer
Misty has over two decades of leadership and human resources experience.
She started her career at one of the “Big Five” in Canada’s banking
sector. She held various roles in the banking industry and travelled
across Canada recruiting, training and developing staff. Misty joined
Compassion Canada in 2014, bringing her unique ability to prioritize
both people and purpose while driving forward the mission. She is
passionate about cultivating a healthy and vibrant culture, where staff
are engaged and enabled to contribute their best work. Misty is a
graduate of Master’s College and Seminary where she focused on theology.
She and her husband, Mike, live in Burlington, Ontario with their
daughter, Alice.
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.
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
Recently retired (2023), 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 and is the Executive Director for the Pentecostal
Financials Services Group and PAOC Pension. 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.
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.