Meet Our Board

Melanie Barrett - President

Melanie is the Director of Development at Albert College, an independent boarding and day school in Belleville teaching students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Melanie has been working in the Advancement Office at Albert College for over 15 years. She is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and runs a dynamic team. Melanie and her team manage fundraising, alumni relations and special events for the school. Melanie is a graduate of Loyalist College and the University of Ottawa and was introduced to fundraising while studying Public Relations. Melanie has been a Board Member with AFP SEO since 2012.

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Ben Seewald - President-Elect & Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access (IDEA)

Growing up, Ben Seewald wasn't like every other kid, who dreamed about being a rock-star, or kangaroo, or an astronaut - he always wanted to inspire phenomenal people to make a difference in their communities. Ben is living his dream with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada as the Senior Specialist of Major and Legacy Giving. A brain tumour survivor himself, Ben loves good food, great music, keeping active, flossing, and spending as much time as possible with his fabulous partner and eight-year-old firecracker daughter. Ben is an experienced relationship builder with over 20 years of demonstrated success working in the not-for-profit and higher education industry.

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Marie Miller – Past President & Every Member Campaign

Marie has been fundraising in Kingston for more than 20 years (12 at Queen’s University and 8 at St. Lawrence College). Her fundraising career began as the Development Officer for (then) Queen’s Principal, Dr. William C. Leggett and VP (Advancement), George Hood.  She was the Major Gift Officer for the $20⁺ million Queen’s mini campaign that raised funds to develop new outdoor playing fields and refurbish Richardson Stadium.  Marie served one year as a Stewardship Officer, and her final two years as a Gift Planning Officer, both at Queen's.

Shortly after Marie began her career as the Senior Development Officer at St. Lawrence College (SLC), the Uncommon Campaign was launched, which raised more money than ever in the history of the College in support of students. She continues to have great success in securing significant gifts, even from first-time donors.

Marie is known for her ability to build mutually rewarding relationships and her natural stewardship skills. She is a Charter member of the AFP of South Eastern Ontario Chapter, served as the Program Chair and Co-Chair of one of the first National Philanthropy Day events. Her most recent roles with AFPSEO are Secretary and President.  She is also a member of the Rotary Club of Kingston, serving as a member of the Community Grants Committee and Fellowship Committee.

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Bimbo Komolafe - Treasurer

Abimbola Joy Komolafe is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Banker with extensive experience in finance, leadership, and fundraising, particularly in the not-for-profit sector. A dedicated advocate for social causes, she has a proven track record of cultivating donor relationships and raising funds to transform lives.

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Adam Say - Membership

Adam is the Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations for Queen's University Office of Advancement. His fundraising career began in 2008, when he got the opportunity to move back to Kingston and work for Queen’s, his alma mater. Adam has worked at Queen’s for 17 years and has worked on a variety of projects for the university, including being part of the campaign team that planned and successfully completed the university’s 10-year, $640 million Initiative Campaign.

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Krista Ellis-Smith - Education & Programming

I’m a storyteller at heart, and a dream weaver in my soul. I have to be – because I believe that every gift, no matter how big or small, has the power to change lives and create a better world for us all.

I have a deep understanding of the principles of direct response fundraising, including segmentation, testing, and optimization, and have helped various non-profits leverage these strategies to achieve their fundraising goals. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to develop compelling fundraising appeals that resonate with donors, and inspire them to take action.

In my current role as a direct response fundraising manager, I am honored to work with a team of dedicated professionals who share my passion for making a difference. Together, we have created campaigns that have exceeded expectations and raised millions of dollars for KHSC and Providence Care.

I am grateful every day for the opportunity to do this work, and look forward to continuing to use my skills and experience to make a positive impact.

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Hannah Hoskins - Marketing, Communications & Outreach

Hannah is the Executive Assistant to the Director of a Long-Term Care Home in Picton, Ontario. She has an extensive background in healthcare and worked as a Developmental Services Worker for 8 years. While doing this, she obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Yorkville University. She is currently applying for her Master's in Public Administration through the University of Victoria. Hannah has high aspirations for her career and becoming an individual that can implement positive change today for a better tomorrow. 

Hannah is working on a Redevelopment Project, building a new 160-bed Long-Term Care Home. Through networking and external stakeholders, Hannah was introduced to fellow fundraising enthusiasts that directed her into a passion for fundraising. Hannah is taking on more fundraising responsibilities through her current role and has great intentions on creating a fundraising program for the Redevelopment Project.

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Sandi Ramsay - Government Relations

Sandi is a seasoned executive within the non-profit sector, driven by a profound dedication to community service and advancement. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Centre for Workforce Development in Hastings, Prince Edward, and Lennox & Addington, Sandi previously excelled as the Donor Relations and Communications Manager at Hospice Quinte. In this capacity, she spearheaded the Heart & Home Building capital campaign, orchestrating a collaborative effort with government bodies, volunteers, local businesses, community partners, and staff to raise over $9.2 million.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Sandi is deeply engaged in community service, actively participating in the Rotary Club of Trenton and Rotary District 7070. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Belleville and District Chamber of Commerce and Victim Services - Hastings, Prince Edward, Lennox & Addington. 

Sandi's academic accomplishments include graduating with distinction from Brock University's Bachelor of Adult Education program and Loyalist College in both the Broadcast Journalism and the Advertising, Media Marketing and Sales Post-Graduate programs.

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