Meet Our Board

Marie Miller – President & Secretary

Marie has been fundraising in Kingston for almost 19 years (over 12 at Queen’s University; the most recent six and a half at St. Lawrence College). Her fundraising career began as the Development Officer for Queen’s Principal and VP (Advancement).  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 at Queen’s as a Gift Planning Officer.

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, often 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, most recently as Secretary and now President.  She is also a member of the Rotary Club of Kingston, serving as a Team Lead as well as a member of the Community Grants Committee and Fellowship Committee.

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Adam Say - Past President & Every Member Campaign Chair

Adam is a Senior Development Officer in the Faculty of Health Sciences of Queen's University. 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 14 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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Zabrina Testa – Treasurer

Zabrina is a Senior Development Officer in the Faculty of Law at Queen’s University with 15 years of Advancement experience. She has experience in all facets of fundraising including Prospect Management, Gift Planning, and Event Management.

Zabrina completed the Fundraising Management Certificate with Distinction at St. Lawrence College in 2017 and obtained her CFRE designation in 2019. She recently completed the Undergraduate Certificate in Law at Queen’s University. Zabrina has previously served as Treasurer for the Napanee Crunch Female Hockey Association and was a self-employed bookkeeper before joining Queen’s in 2008.

Overall, Zabrina enjoys meeting alumni to learn what inspires their philanthropy and how she can help them achieve their philanthropic goals.

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Melanie Barrett - Marketing, Communications & Outreach Chair

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 15 years. She is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and runs a dynamic team. Melanie and her team manage fundraising, alumni relations, marketing and communications 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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Krista Ellis-Smith - Education Chair

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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Heather Hayhow - Membership Chair

Heather got her feet wet in the fundraising world as a volunteer, which sparked a passion for giving back to the community. Her volunteer experience led to an opportunity at United Way of Kingston, Frontenac Lennox & Addington. Through her role as Campaign Director at United Way, Heather was involved with all things campaign - organizing community events, engaging affinity groups, managing volunteers, delivering training, and with the help of a hard-working campaign team, providing support to over 350 workplace campaigns. Following her time at United Way, Heather worked at the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston and Area as the Supervisor of Fund Development, working with an incredible team to develop resources and funds in order to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life. Currently, Heather is an Associate Director with the Development and Alumni Engagement team at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, supporting volunteers and events in the alumni engagement portfolio. Heather is passionate about building a strong community and is incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many of the amazing volunteers, organizations and agencies that make KFL&A great!

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Sandi Ramsay - Government Relations Chair

Sandi is a non-profit senior manager with a passion for helping others and enhancing community. She began her career journey as a radio news broadcaster and has since enjoyed a variety of diverse professional roles that include managing a radio news department, communications and marketing management, media & public relations supervision, teaching in adult education, entrepreneurship, and leading fund development.

Currently, Sandi is employed as the Donor Relations & Communications Manager with Hospice Quinte.  Recently, Sandi worked with government agencies, volunteers, local businesses, community partners and staff to successfully achieve over $9.2 million dollars in fundraising, bringing the Quinte region’s vision of a world-class 6-bed hospice palliative care residence, known as the Stan Klemencic Care Centre, to fruition.

Sandi is a highly committed community volunteer and an invested member of the Rotary Club of Trenton. Her passion for community development and improvement in the areas of social health, environmental sustainability, child and student welfare, and economic growth have led her to volunteer with various local organizations including Trenton Memorial Hospital, Lower Trent Conservation and Loyalist College.

Sandi graduated from Brock University’s Bachelor of Adult Education program, with distinction and is also a two-time graduate of Loyalist College having graduated at the top of her class in both the Broadcast Journalism program and the Advertising, Media Marketing & Sales Post-Graduate program.

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