Our Team
Eric Avner (he/him)
President & CEO
519-725-1806 x 201
Eric is accountable for leading Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) and working with the Board of Directors, committees, and team to oversee WRCF to further the vision of ensuring our communities are “equitable, connected, and sustainable; and people are thriving”. He has overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the organization and collaborates with people locally, provincially, and nationally to develop innovative ways to influence lasting social change by maximizing philanthropic opportunities. Eric leads WRCF’s strategic activities linked to our core area of focus: Social Infrastructure. Please contact Eric if you want to learn more about the strategic direction of WRCF, potential partnership opportunities, WRCF’s impact investment strategy or potential impact investment projects.
Lynne Short (she/her)
Vice President
519-725-1806 x 204
Lynne is accountable for advancing social change and maximizing impact through WRCF’s granting, convening, research, learning and outreach. This includes leading WRCF’s overall granting, philanthropic services and volunteer engagement strategies and initiatives, as well as driving WRCF’s brand, marketing and communications initiatives, with a focus on sharing what the Foundation is involved with in the community – and how individuals, companies and organizations can participate. Lynne is responsible for ensuring WRCF embeds equity and trust-based philanthropic policies in our day to day operations. Lynne is your primary contact if you would like to be a member of one of WRCF's Committees. Any media, advertising, speaking engagement or sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Lynne.
Dan Robert (he/him)
Director, Philanthropy
519-725-1806 x 205
Dan leads the development of a coordinated, donor-centered fundraising strategy, which includes identifying and developing community partnerships that align with WRCF's brand and goals. He serves as the primary contact for our Fundholders and donors, as well as future Fundholders and donors, and works with them to envision what their philanthropic legacy can be. Dan is a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners as well as the Waterloo Wellington Estate Planning Council. He also holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. If you have questions about your funds or donations, please contact Dan.
Mackenzie Ainlay (she/her)
Philanthropic Services Specialist
519-725-1806 x 207
As the Philanthropic Services Specialist, Mackenzie assists with the development, coordination and execution of our Fundholder and donor engagement strategy, including supporting the Fundholder grant-making process. She forges new relationships with a variety of partners across the Region in order to advance the objectives of WRCF, including Professional Advisors, corporations, organizations and other prospective Fundholders. If you are ready to make a grant from your fund, need support for a fundraising campaign related to your fund, or want to learn more about becoming a new Fundholder, please contact Mackenzie.
Blessing Akpan (she/her)
Director, Community Impact
519-725-1806 x 206
Blessing leads the Community Impact Team that is accountable for WRCF’s Granting Programs. In partnership with Lynne, she is also responsible for the outreach and interaction with charitable and social purpose organizations for the purposes of granting/funding and attracting impact investees. She collaborates with partners across the region to drive systems change with a focus on creating caring and equitable communities. In addition, Blessing manages opportunities to convene conversations and mobilize networks in order to generate ideas and actions to respond to current and emerging needs across our community. Contact Blessing if you are a social purpose organization and would like to discuss funding opportunities through WRCF, or want to discuss ways to amplify voices about important issues across Waterloo Region.
Lila Kennedy (she/her)
Community Impact Coordinator
519-725-1806 x 103
Lila is a member of the Community Impact team and is accountable for the day-to-day management of WRCF’s grant streams and the Committees that support them. This includes all granting processes. Lila also focuses on assisting charitable and not for profits organizations, to make it as easy as possible to apply for grants or any required reports for funds received. She is responsible for organizing site visits to charitable organizations. Contact Lila if you want to arrange a site visit from WRCF to your organization, or if you are applying for a grant through WRCF.
Rochelle Benoit (she/her)
Marketing & Communications Lead
519-725-1806 x 209
Rochelle is accountable for the marketing, communications and design components of WRCF. She manages WRCF’s online presence and drives events focused on bringing communities together to solve the issues of today and tomorrow. Rochelle works closely with community partners to share news about what’s happening in Waterloo Region. She also manages the distribution of key mailings, including WRCF’s monthly newsletter. Questions about logos, recognition or events should be directed to Rochelle.
Dani Siddique (she/her)
Digital Marketing Associate
519-725-1806 x 215
As the Digital Marketing Associate, Dani amplifies the work of WRCF. She is in charge of sharing updates through WRCF’s website, social media channels and monthly newsletters. Dani works alongside Rochelle to support WRCF’s events. She helps maintain WRCF’s digital assets and assists with special projects linked to marketing and communications. Contact Dani if you would like help sharing a local event or are interested in subscribing to our newsletter.
John Bowden
Director, Financial Services
519-725-1806 x 202
John is accountable for WRCF's long-term financial health and reporting. He leads and manages the organization's overall finance functions and performance and oversees WRCF's investment and impact investment activities. John performs financial forecasting, planning, and fund reporting and supports WRCF's Board and committees regarding organizational strategies and financial decisions. He is also responsible for audit, accounting operations, and disbursement. If you have any financial, audit, or investment related questions, please contact John.
Elva Zhou (she/her)
Project Lead – Finance & Strategic Initiatives
519-725-1806 x 208
Elva oversees WRCF's CRM system and undertakes research and data analysis to support the organization's reporting and decision-making. She manages the impact investment process and assists with Responsible Investment related activities. Elva supports the leadership team with new initiatives and leads the impact measurement strategy, affordable housing and other strategic projects that partner with the community. She is the liaison of the WRCF's Finance & Audit Committee, Investment Committees, and Due Diligence Committee to ensure our financial processes are transparent and efficient. Contact Elva if you want to know more about the strategic initiatives we are undertaking.
Neha Pingua (she/her)
Financial Services Associate
519-725-1806 x 213
As a member of the Finance Services team, Neha handles WRCF’s donations, receipts, accounts payable, and payment requests. If you need support or have any questions about your donations, tax receipts, or payments, please contact Neha.