Leadership

Allison Alley

President and Chief Executive Officer

Allison joined Compassion in 2012 to establish the Advocacy department, and became the organization’s President and 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 ignited her 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 with Compassion, Allison led the creation of three multimedia series 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. Her 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.

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.

Allison Alley, President

London, Ontario

Allison Alley joined Compassion in 2012 and became the organization’s fourth President & CEO in October 2019. 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. Her work with Compassion has taken her to more than twenty countries across North and South America, Africa and Asia. Allison previously served on the board of Kentro Christian Network and currently serves on the board of the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities. She holds an MA in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario. She and her husband, Tommy, live in London, Ontario and have two daughters.

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.

Len Hummel

Toronto, Ontario

Len Hummel has been working in a financial role with his church denomination since 2019 and is the Executive Director for the PAOC Pension Fund. Len has past experience working at 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 those in poverty, Len appreciates Compassion’s unique approach to child development and feels privileged to serve on its board. As the Lord has been compassionate with Len, so Len values the work of Compassion Canada in its service to those living in poverty.

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, currently a Manager, Insurance Supervision at Transamerica WFG and 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 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.

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.