Meet the Team

CHRIS CARTER
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

From the implementation of 360 degree multi-channel campaigns through to specific online driven strategies involving business strategy, presentations, advertising, media, digital, social, PR, experiential, brand identity, direct and measurement + analytics, Chris Carter has created a diverse portfolio of experience. He is a senior marketing expert who brings an innovative, holistic approach to branding and marketing for companies of all sizes. Chris is the founder of Funding Innovation and will tell you that COO actually stands for ‘Calm On the Outside’, when really, he is constantly in motion, working tirelessly to nurture the business and extend its impact. He is inspired on a daily basis by the children and amazing families he is honoured and humbled to serve. He is a voracious learner and enjoys adding new skills to his repertoire on a regular basis. Above all else, Chris is known for his ‘big heart’ – he donates time, expertise and resources to many amazing causes and is always looking to see how he can make a bigger difference.

“I’m not a businessman – I’m a business, man.”
— JayZ

PETER BERESFORD
CHAIRMAN & CEO

Peter Beresford is a global executive with 31 years of senior management experience. As Chairman for Funding Innovation, Peter is responsible for the business/strategic planning, finance and public relations. Smart business people who match their brilliance with a practical ‘can-do’ attitude inspire him. He enjoys playing golf, tennis & hockey, cottage life and his grandchildren. Peter is also the volunteer President and Board Member of Toronto’s famous Santa Claus Parade. He is known by many as the ‘executive assistant to Santa Claus’.

“Face reality as it is, not as it was or as you wish it to be.”
— Jack Welch

RON GARDNER
PRESIDENT

Ron Gardner has over 40 years of senior sales and marketing experience. Ron is responsible for Funding Innovation’s business development and relationship management efforts at the Charity, Foundation and Corporate Partner level. He finds inspiration in such great leaders as John F. Kennedy and Winston Churchill who worked tirelessly to bring about necessary change and achieve the seemingly impossible. He enjoys walking a minimum of 5 miles a day, playing golf and listening to classic rock music. Ron is the former chairman of the Board for Nelson Youth Centre and has been with them since 2000.

“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
— John F. Kennedy

DARRYL BUDD
BOARD MEMBER

Darryl Budd is a founding board member of Funding Innovation. As former owner of Budd’s BMW, Darryl has been involved in charitable organizations for over 4o years. He is a strong supporter of children’s causes in particular.

MEGHAN HASTINGS
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Meghan is a multitasking queen whose incredible organizational and administrative skills lead and motivate the Funding Innovation team and keep the business running smoothly. She finds inspiration in her family’s legacy – her grandparents moved to Canada so that their children could have a better life – and she cherishes the roots and family strengths that continue to flourish as a result. She enjoys hiking, spending time with her two dogs, and reading a good book.

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”
— Walt Disney

LESLEY CARTER
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Lesley is the heart, the smiling face and the glue that holds it all together at Funding Innovation. She is the first person you see when you walk in the door and the last person to wish you well as you go back out into the world. She is greatly inspired by her children; making a difference out there in the world and loving what they do. She is a very proud mama. Lesley enjoys walking, being outdoors, and having a project on the go at all times.

“Get up, dress up, show up & never give up.”
— Genevieve Rhode

DAVE LAFLEUR
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

What do YOU know about Dave Lafleur??

He comes to Funding Innovation with over 25 years of Financial Management experience and has a CPA/CMA designation. He has a wealth of knowledge that combines his financial expertise, his focus on the company’s efficient operations, and developing strong working relationships with staff and business partners. A testament to these skills was his lead role in managing of the charter plan that brought PGA Tour players from the British Open back to Canada for the RBC Canadian Open, for his last 7 years working for Golf Canada.

Dave loves to play hockey, baseball and golf. He also volunteers his time with youth sports – he enjoys coaching which he has done for many years and is also a board member of the Burlington Girls Hockey Association.

“Would you make that same decision if you were using your own money?”
— James Grant

HEIDI PERRAS
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Heidi is a solution person. She troubleshoots and solves any issues that may arise from day to day and streamlines each process to ensure happier customers and therefor happier foundations. She organizes deliveries nationwide and liases with each of our warehouses and Fundraising Consultants daily. . She finds inspiration in those who have worked towards a social justice – those who have banded together to succeed in peaceful revolution for the betterment of society. Heidi is an avid book nerd and a history buff. She enjoys Crossfit and travels as much as possible.

“Our ambition should be to rule ourselves, the true kingdom for each one of us; and true progress is to know more, and be more, and to do more.”
— Oscar Wilde

NITIN SHARMA
WAREHOUSE & LOGISTICS MANAGER

Nitin manages the daily operations of the Funding Innovation warehouse, including the shipping/receiving, maintenance and supply chain management. What inspires him the most are compassionate, hardworking and dedicated individuals like his father. Nitin is a sports enthusiast who enjoys playing basketball, baseball and golf.

“Only the strong survive.”

MEGAN MCNAMARRA
DIRECTOR OF FIELD OPERATIONS

Megan McNamara is the Director of Field Operations. She is our GO TO for our Fundraising Consultants for support and direction and ensuring we have everyone where they need to be. She is inspired by her bright and beautiful little boys and loves nothing more than spend time outdoors, preferably camping, with her family, puppy dogs included!

“It is better to attempt something great and fail than attempt nothing and succeed.”
— Unknown

KATHY COOPER
OPERATIONS AND LOGISTICS SUPPORT MANAGER

Kathy Coopere has worn many hats at Funding Innovation, and is always the first to lend a hand or take on a project when needed. Currently, in her new role as Operations and Logistics Support Manger, Kathy ensures our day to day operations run smoothly and ‘all our bases are covered’. 

LAUREN DUNPHY
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

Lauren Dunphy is one of our frontline representatives, maintaining communication with our bidders. Her adventurous spirit combined with her compassion is the perfect combination when it comes to providing the best SOLUTIONS possible for our customers. Lauren gets incredible satisfaction from providing successful bidders with their artwork while simultaneously raising funds for our foundation partners. She is one of our many fitness fanatics and bookworms and loves to travel and explore new places. And she can cook, too!

“Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules and build a life you’re proud to live.”
— Anne Sweeney, President of Walt Disney Co.