Meet Our Team
Barney Ellis-Perry has over thirty years of fundraising and constituent engagement experience, spending 14 years with his alma matter UBC where he held several key fundraising and alumni relations positions including Director of Alumni Engagement Campaign and Director of Alumni Relations. In 2022, Barney returned to his home province of BC after working in the US for eight years to lead the Hospital Foundation in the role of CEO. Barney’s most recent position was as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at Vanderbilt University in Nashville Tennessee. Prior to Vanderbilt, Barney was the Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations at the international fundraising consultancy GG+A. In 2014, Barney was recruited from UBC to be the CEO of the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Alumni Association.
Barney’s proudest accomplishment at UBC was successfully designing, launching, and co-leading UBC’s Start an Evolution Campaign, the world’s first dual-goal campaign for a major university with goals of raising $1.5 billion and of doubling active alumni engagement by 2015.
Barney is excited to be working in support of healthcare as his time in the USA reinforced his belief in the power of the Canadian Healthcare system. The healthcare needs of the Central and north Island community present an intriguing challenge that Barney believes can benefit from a more engaged community of donors and advocates.
Excited to back on the best coast, Barney is enjoying all that the Island has to offer spending as much time near, on, or in the water as possible!
Contact Barney at 250-713-1703 or email
As the CFO for the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, Sue is responsible for all administrative aspects of the Foundation, providing support to the Board and CEO by overseeing financial, HR, and policy activities. She also manages Estate administration on behalf of the Foundation and provides financial and management oversight for two for-profit businesses. Sue believes in people-first leadership and holds both the CPA and FCPHR designations and has long allied her expertise in both professions to the betterment of bigger pictures.
Previously serving as VP & CFO with the Yukon Workers Compensation Health & Safety Board, Sue holds the two professions to be intrinsically linked— both key to creating safe workplaces and sustainable success.
In 2022, Sue was appointed Chair of CPHR Canada and continues to serve as Past Chair of CPHR BC & Yukon. She joined the Board in 2013 and served as Chair from 2017. Recognized as a Fellow CPHR in 2018 for her contributions to the HR profession, Sue remains a strong national and global proponent of Canada’s premier HR designation—and lifelong learning.
Sue completed the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and is set to become President of the North American Human Resource Management Association in Summer 2023.
In her parallel professional life, Sue was appointed Chair of the Board of the Credit Counselling Society in March 2022 and has previously served as President of Certified Management Accountants (CMA) of Yukon and as a Director of the CMA Society of Canada.
A constant community philanthropist, Sue has volunteered her unique skills throughout her professional life. She has served as a Governor for Queen Margaret’s School on Vancouver Island, Treasurer for Encore! Women’s Choir and as a Director of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada.
Contact Susan at 250-755-7936 or email
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Janice is a people-first senior leader known for building relationships. Born and raised on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC she has deep roots within her community. Janice holds a certificate in Community Leadership from Vancouver Island University and has received her Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. With over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in corporate, a national non-profit, higher education, and community volunteering. Serving as the Chief Development Officer at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation she oversees Development and Communications.
Her work with teams, volunteers and donors has earned local, provincial, and national recognition. Her national contributions include representing BC in the development of a National Volunteer Engagement Strategy for over 120,000 volunteers and representing the province of BC in a National Strategy Renewal initiative for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada. Locally Janice was instrumental in launching central Vancouver Island’s first volunteer support group for women supporting women that have survived heart disease and stroke.
Janice has served on several diverse boards and community round tables offering her natural collaborative style and ability to strategically work toward solutions with proven results. She is passionate about her community and is very proud to be a Past President of the Zonta Club of Nanaimo, Past Policy and Advocacy Chair and Board Secretary with the Haven Society and Past President of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo Daybreak. Also, a huge animal lover, she is a supporter of the SPCA, and currently serves as, Vice Chair with the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Non-Profit Organization task force and Director with Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation.
Contact Janice at 250-739-5765 or email
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Tina Lutz is a skilled relationship builder and community connector with a passion for creating positive change. Born and raised in the community of Spences Bridge, BC, Tina obtained her business degree from Thompson Rivers University and began building connections across various roles and industries before settling in Nanaimo where she is grateful to call home.
With a talent for connecting people and building strong relationships, Tina has held previous positions with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Numinus Bioscience as well as through her volunteer work including a key committee member of the quickly growing Nanaimo IWD gala.
Tina firmly believes in the importance of philanthropy through community engagement. She is committed to creating positive change through her work and supporting the health and well-being of the Nanaimo community.
Outside of work, Tina enjoys spending time with her two children and her dog, skiing, golfing, and volunteering in her community. Supporting her network of friends and making a positive impact in the lives of those around her is of utmost important to her, and she cherishes moments spent with loved ones.
Tina’s passion for community engagement and philanthropy, along with her talent for relationship building and community connection, will be instrumental in meeting the Foundation’s needed critical care fundraising goals. She is excited to continue making a difference through her work with the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation.
Contact Tina at 250-667-8462 or email
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Karen has a passion for working with people who want to make a meaningful impact in our Mid-Island Community, which led her to joining the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation as Development Administrator in September 2020. With almost two decades of experience in both long-term care and children’s organizations, Karen has a deep understanding of the not-for-profit sector and the power of collective action to create a better world for all.
In January 2023, Karen began her new role as Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Grants. Karen works with our Foundation Team to develop strategies to increase operational efficiency and expand funding opportunities. She also fosters relationships with our grantors and seeks out new funders to help with our mission of supporting health-care excellence in the Mid-Island area.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Karen enjoys spending time with her family, and being out in nature on this stunning Island she chose as her home almost 30 years ago. Hiking the trails, swimming in the rivers and ocean, or nurturing her garden, Karen loves to immerse herself into all the beauty Vancouver Island has to offer.
Contact Karen at 250-755-7950 or email
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As the Manager of Accounting Services Brittany Roelen is responsible for providing a full range of accounting functions for the Foundation and its two subsidiary businesses: Code Brew and the Nanaimo Lifeline Program.
In 2017, Brittany graduated from Conestoga College with an advanced diploma in Business Accounting. After graduation, she pursued a career in finance in a large consulting firm in London, Ontario where she gained valuable experience working with diverse clients and systems. Eventually, Brittany and her husband decided to make Nanaimo their home, bringing her considerable experience to the Foundation, where she is already making a positive impact.
Brittany is passionate about providing the community and dedicated hospital staff with the best resources and medical equipment possible. Brittany feels particularly motivated when working for organizations dedicated to a making a positive impact on the world.
In her spare time, Brittany lives an active life, enjoying all that the Island has to offer. In particular, she and her husband love to hike, kayak, and mountain bike.
Contact Brittany at 250-740-2651 or email
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Tamara Paton came to us from San Diego California, where she worked in Health Care Leadership and Training for 15 years. In 2003, during a visit to Vancouver Island, Tamara was struck by the island’s beauty and everything it had to offer. Tamara and her husband purchased a home in Lantzville, excited to make this their forever home and raise their teenage daughter. Shortly after the move, Tamara began working for Aids Vancouver Island. Providing an instant immersion into the Vancouver Island community and allowed Tamara to offer needed compassionate assistance for those in need.
In 2007, Tamara joined Nanaimo Lifeline in the role of Executive Director, allowing her to work with local seniors and their families. Having spent countless hours with her grandmothers as a child, Tamara knew seniors had a world of knowledge and so much to offer. She wanted to help them live their best lives.
Tamara is passionate about helping seniors and the medically at risk to live safely and independently in their own homes. Tamara is proud to be a part of the Foundation by providing top-of-the line medical equipment that helps ensure the best health care outcomes for our community, making a difference in the lives of many.
Contact Tamara at 250-739-5768 or email
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Chelsea was born and raised in Nanaimo and has a long and proud family history on Vancouver Island. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree from Vancouver Island University (VIU) in 2015, she remained at VIU as an employee and joined the Advancement & Alumni Relations department, where she built strong relationships with donors to VIU for the better part of a decade. During this time, she received the Community Impact Award from CUPE Local 1858 for her years spent on the CUPE Executive as First and Second Vice-President, and her volunteer work as President of the Nanaimo Women’s Resources Society.
Chelsea thrives when she can advocate for others and believes in giving back. She has served as a Board Member for the Lion’s Club – Saturna Island Chapter, was a fundraising team lead for the MS Society of Canada and lead two head shaving fundraisers in support of the BC Cancer Foundation and Locks for Love.
In addition to her degree, Chelsea holds a certification in Applied Business Technology and has an extensive background in writing for business and impact. She has held high-level customer service and hospitality roles for over 20 years; work she has always gravitated to as a details-oriented person who loves to be of service to others.
Like so many people in our community, Chelsea has a very personal connection to Island Health. Her mother benefitted from the support of Island Health’s Home Support Workers whose care allowed her to remain at home during her long battle with MS. Chelsea is grateful for the opportunity to champion Island Health’s many wonderful initiatives by joining the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation team.
Contact Chelsea at 250-740-2622 or email
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Clinton King joined the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation in March of 2020 as Manager of Code Brew, bringing with him a diverse and extensive career in both management and the hospitality industry. As the Manager of Code Brew, Clinton sees the close connection between the Café and the hospital through the staff that come to buy coffee and treats, and to unwind during their busy days. Promoted to the role of Manager of Business Enterprises & Foundation Liaison, Clinton now spends much of his time working closely with the Hospital and the Foundation on events and projects, while continuing to oversee the operations of Code Brew.
Before joining the Foundation Clinton spent five years with Home Depot, where he held every position from Department Supervisor, Manager on Duty, Night Operations Supervisor, to Co-chair of the Health and Safety Committee. Prior to that, Clinton was with Earls Restaurant in Nanaimo where he worked his way up from server to manager on duty, to shift manager to general manager and part owner.
Clinton has a Degree in Business Management from the University of Alberta and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Victoria.
Clinton has lived on Vancouver Island since 1997 but grew up on a cattle ranch near 100 Mile House BC. Clinton’s passion for working with animals and the outdoors came from growing up on a ranch. For many years, Clinton has translated that passion into rescuing, fostering and rehabilitating dogs to get them ready for their forever homes.
While not working Clinton enjoys gardening, camping, hiking, singing, and volunteering. He believes strongly in giving back to the community he lives in and helping the people around him.
Contact Clinton at 250-755-7691, ext 52244 or email
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Christian brings extensive leadership and management experience to the Code Brew team.
Born and raised in Nanaimo, Christian is a Francophone with a passion for sports, helping others, and of course, coffee.
Christian began his career as the Assistant Equipment Manager for the Nanaimo Clippers Jr A Hockey Club. After a brief hiatus in Germany, he eventually returned to Nanaimo for a final season with the Nanaimo Clippers as the Equipment Manager. After that season, he transitioned to the hospitality industry, working at Earls in Nanaimo before relocating to Montreal. There, he worked at Moxies as a supervisor before working at the luxurious W hotel, perfecting his espresso artistry. Christian’s eye for detail, and meticulous work became noticed by several in the industry, making him an asset to any hospitality management team.
After many years away, Christian moved home primarily to be closer to his family. Excited to be home and working at Code Brew, Christian hopes to motivate and inspire his team mates to reach their full potential as ambassadors of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation.
When not at Code Brew, you can find Christian playing soccer, watching every Montreal Canadiens game, helping others (especially dogs) and cherishing time spent with his family.
Contact Christian at 250-755-7691, ext 52244 or email
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Emily Tait keeps all our many and multifaceted activities moving forward in her role as Administration and Development Coordinator with the Foundation. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge in event planning and administration. Emily’s strength lies in her exceptional organizational skills, ability to multi-task, and boundless enthusiasm, which she brings to every task she undertakes.
Emily graduated from VIU in 2016, where she earned her certification in Applied Business Technology. Her education and experience have given her the skills necessary to excel in her current role, where she manages a wide range of tasks and initiatives to support the Foundation’s fundraising efforts.
Emily has a strong connection to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation as her mother worked here for almost 20-years, who really engrained in her friends & family the importance of supporting your local hospital. Emily is excited to carry on her mother’s legacy and continue to champion the Foundation’s incredible initiatives.
When Emily isn’t hard at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the great outdoors, and traveling to new and exciting destinations. She is passionate about giving back to her community and volunteers her time with a variety of local organizations.
As the Manager of Annual & Planned Giving, Cheryl leads the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation’s annual giving program, the bedrock of our fundraising strategy. She also manages our planned giving program, which provides sustainable funding for the long-term and future needs of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) and the other Island Health facilities supported by the Foundation.
A west coast girl at heart, Cheryl moved to Vancouver immediately after earning her BA in English at the University of Alberta. There she began her career in publishing and communications, before being recruited by Compton International Fundraising to manage capital campaigns for clients in Vancouver, Ottawa and Victoria.
Helping people and organizations achieve their philanthropic goals, and finding the resources charities need to make the world a kinder, healthier, more just place inspired Cheryl to focus her career on uniting charities with donors to make positive change in the world.
Over the course of her 20-year fundraising career, Cheryl has raised funds to fuel the missions of local, national and international charities in healthcare, social services, human rights and the environment. Most recently, she spent 12 years with Nanaimo-based Georgia Strait Alliance, where she grew in her progressive leadership role, becoming the Director of Development and helping the regional marine conservation organization diversify and more than double its revenue under her leadership.
Cheryl is involved in professional and community organizations, including sitting on the Executive Committee of the Vancouver Island Chapter of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners. She has also served in various roles on the boards of amateur sports, dance and school-based committees in the Central Island region for the past 15 years.
In 2000, Cheryl and her husband chose to make the Central Island their home, buying their first home in Nanaimo, and eventually settling south of Ladysmith where they are raising their two children, both of whom were born at NRGH. Cheryl is very excited to offer her broad expertise in fundraising in support of the Hospital and other healthcare facilities which have been so important to the health and wellness of her family and friends.