Meet The Gerard Search Team

Phil was a fundraiser for over a decade before becoming a recruiter. His experience as a fundraiser is a strong advantage for Gerard Search and for you. We understand the nonprofit sector as insiders. We do not only know it we are part the community. Phil raised close to $20 million in his career. He understands fundraising best practices, speaks the language, and knows the challenges that professionals in the field face and what they are looking for in a rewarding career. Phil was a board director with the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Vancouver for five years.

Karen, an ambitious and driven aspiring entrepreneur, brings over 10 years of extensive administrative experience spanning across diverse industries. Originally hailing from Chile, she has now made Canada her cherished home. Passionate about forging meaningful connections, Karen thrives on socializing and engaging with others. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge and personal development, she actively seeks out opportunities to learn, grow, and continuously expand her skill set.

Preeti is a results-driven professional with over four years of extensive experience in project and program management, recruitment, and development. At Gerard Search, she specializes in identifying and reaching out to candidates who could be a perfect fit for our searches. Additionally, she has experience in alumni relations with the University of Toronto, further enhancing her ability to connect with diverse talent. With her proactive approach and keen eye for talent, there’s a good chance you’ll hear from Preeti soon as she works to connect exceptional individuals with exciting opportunities!

For over two decades, Chris was a senior fundraising professional at Simon Fraser University, spending 17 years as Executive Director, Advancement. She raised over $30 million for the School for the Contemporary Arts at Woodward’s and led teams that secured $275 million for the university’s 50th anniversary campaign. As a consultant, she has served as Interim Executive Director of the Centre for Child Development in Surrey, BC, and as Campaign Director for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Centre for Cancer Prevention and Support in Vancouver.to our clients and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Noah has 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, leading teams, building capacity, and coaching staff and volunteers. He has raised tens of millions for health and social service organizations across Canada.

His recent roles include Vice-President of Development & Operations at Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, Senior Consultant for KCI, and Vice-President of Development & External Relations at Canucks Autism Network. He also served as Associate Director at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Louis Brier Foundation.

Noah’s extensive experience ensures he understands the needs of both organizations and candidates.

Kristy is a seasoned Senior Human Resources Professional with 20 years of experience in HR operations, recruitment, and strategic support, known for driving recruitment and operational excellence. Passionate about helping people find career fulfillment, Kristy leads with curiosity and empathy, ensuring individuals not only succeed but thrive in their roles.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources from the University of British Columbia and a postgraduate diploma in Business Management from Capilano University. Her extensive practical experience, including support for Development and Alumni Engagement portfolios, provides her with a unique perspective in her work.

Emilia is a recruiter, career coach, and seasoned veteran of the social profit sector. With nearly 15 years of experience as a fundraiser, she has honed her skills in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within the nonprofit world. 

At Gerard Search, Emilia is responsible for overseeing our Eastern region.. Emilia's comprehensive understanding of both sides of the recruitment process ensures that she can effectively identify and place candidates who not only meet the technical requirements of a role but also align with the organization's mission and culture. Her dedication to fostering successful and fulfilling careers in the social profit sector is evident in every placement she makes.

Anna is a Career Strategist and Speaker with a remarkable talent for helping individuals and organizations recognize and share their value. With over two decades in career development, primarily in the nonprofit sector, she also has nearly ten years of experience as a recruitment advisor, connecting charities and nonprofits with dynamic talent. Anna's diverse background and belief in win-win scenarios give her a unique perspective on the needs of both candidates and employers. As a member of the Manitoba Association of Career Development and the Career Professionals of Canada, she stays connected to a broad network of professionals working with job seekers.

Ligia, a CFRE, is an International Legacy Consultant and Strategist at GlobetrottingFundraiser, helping charities worldwide develop their legacy fundraising strategies. 

Ligia is a seasoned international presenter, having trained thousands of fundraisers in legacy fundraising. This expertise positions her exceptionally well as a Talent Manager in the nonprofit sector, where she excels in identifying and nurturing fundraising talent. She’s the author of the ‘Small Shop Fundraising’ chapter in Excellence in Fundraising in Canada, and has contributed to AFP’s Advancing Philanthropy and various industry podcasts. Born in Buenos Aires and now based in Montréal, Ligia speaks Spanish, French, and English fluently.