Our Team

Christoph Clodius brings a unique perspective to his role of Vice President at The Discovery Group. A leader in the executive talent management sector for over a decade, he is an exceptional relationship builder and analytical thinker that has resulted in a wealth of successful hires with a significant retention rate. His prior development work in the education, community organization, and social profit sectors has established his considerable knowledge base of philanthropy, advancement, strategic planning, and leadership development. Christoph is driven by those in the social profit sector who are passionate about changing the world and finds great inspiration in finding that successful candidate whose life will also change for the better. His critical thinking and ability to access people for cultural alignment, succession planning, and ultimate team building is exemplary, as his championing equity and inclusion in the sector. As well as being inspired by dedicated people with passion, he’s an advocate of all things cultural, with a penchant for music, concerts, footie, and a weakness for bad puns.

Gina Cuthbert is Vice President at The Discovery Group. A fundraising professional since 2001, Gina has excelled at both ‘in-house’ and consulting roles, providing strategic counsel for capital, comprehensive, and endowment campaigns in the health, education, social services, and cultural sectors. Over the course of more than two decades of consulting in major gifts, planned giving, and campaign management, Gina has led the development and execution of fundraising strategies for close to 100 organizations and has honed her skills as an effective architect of fundraising program assessments, market surveys, and campaign strategies. She has a knack for distilling complex findings into actionable recommendations that accelerate campaign and organizational performance, and a love of shaping powerful stories that inspire transformational giving. Gina has a profound respect for everyone who is drawn to work in the social profit sector and relishes the opportunity to learn from every client and her TDG colleagues. She is deeply inspired by the power of philanthropy and by passionate leaders that make big things happen. Her greatest joy comes from sharing in the celebration of a goal surpassed, a gift secured, or a milestone achieved with her clients. When she is not at her desk, you can likely find Gina with her husband next to a soccer field in all kinds of weather, cheering on her two talented goalkeeper sons.

Ainsley Dowle joins TDG with 15+ years of experience in the social profit sector, working in both Vancouver and Toronto to lead fundraising campaigns that demonstrate how thoughtful strategy and disciplined execution can deliver transformative impact. Her diverse career has spanned organizations of all ages, stages, sizes, and complexities, with expertise in major gifts, mid-level giving, legacy giving, event strategy, and campaign development at organizations including BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, United Way BC, Plan International Canada, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, and the Sarah McLachlan Foundation. With a deep-seated passion for healthcare and social services, Ainsley has consistently delivered plans that drive revenue growth while building meaningful, long-term relationships with supporters. She relishes the opportunity to rally people around a shared vision and brings entrepreneurial thinking and creative energy to solve complex problems.

Ainsley is a strong champion for the philanthropic sector, volunteering as a mentor with AFP and serving on fundraising committees for organizations such as Heritage Toronto and One Girl Can. She earned her CFRE designation in 2017 and stays current by regularly attending sector conferences and workshops. Inspired by big thinkers and bold ideas, Ainsley is driven by the opportunity to propel organizations to new heights.

Samantha Gayfer is Director of Strategic Development at The Discovery Group. Samantha has spent more than 25 years serving organizations in Canada, the Middle East and Asia Pacific across sectors as diverse as education, sustainability, economic development and hospitality to real estate, aviation, Fintech and FMCG. A catalyst for converting strategy into action, Samantha’s business acumen, creativity and dedication to mission integrity helps social profit organizations build and protect their legacies, whether developing endowments and major gifts, creating public-private partnerships, supporting board growth or navigating crises. In the UAE, Samantha was the Director of PR & Corporate Communications for the largest foreign investor in Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah before finding her niche in international education. She spent almost a decade shaping communications, philanthropy and crisis management within the United World College movement, including a $10 million campaign to save UWC Thailand. Before joining The Discovery Group, Samantha was based in Kuala Lumpur as Senior Consultant, Asia Pacific for The Jane Group, a Chicago-based crisis management consultancy. With The Jane Group, Samantha trained and coached international school boards and leaders in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, China, South Korea, Singapore and the USA. Samantha loves an audacious challenge and is inspired by diversity in all its forms. She has a keen interest in exploring how strategies and tactics can be re-tooled and applied to the social profit sector in innovative ways.

Elanna Giang is the Director of Research and Analytics at The Discovery Group. With 11 years of experience working and volunteering in the social profit sector, Elanna has become an expert in donor research through various roles where she led donor research and fundraising strategy for annual and major fundraising campaigns. In her previous role as Manager, Prospect Development at Covenant House Vancouver, Elanna was responsible for growing and leading the prospect development program, which consisted of donor research, fundraising strategy, new lead identification, and analyzing giving data to identify donor segments of interest for specific projects and campaigns. Prior to specializing in research, Elanna worked as a development officer on Covenant House Vancouver’s capital campaign which successfully raised $52M and saw two new state-of-the art buildings constructed to provide a holistic, trauma-informed care approach for youth experiencing homelessness in Vancouver. As a long-time volunteer and past Board Member of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (Apra), Elanna is a strong supporter and advocate for prospect researchers in the philanthropic sector. With a keen sense of curiosity for uncovering strong values alignment between people and philanthropic causes, Elanna is passionate about facilitating positive social change within the communities we live, work, and play in.

Karen Gilmore, LLB, ICD.D, is a Senior Associate at The Discovery Group, working with boards and senior leadership of social profit organizations to elevate community impact. A strategic leader, Karen has a wealth of experience in corporate and non-profit organizations at local, provincial, and national management and at board levels. A corporate lawyer for 40 years, both in private practice and as in-house counsel, she brings legal expertise and operational insight to complex strategic and governance issues. In her previous position as VP and General Counsel at Fulmer & Company Investments Inc., Karen established the legal role, served as a key strategy resource, and led the corporate philanthropic work that was instrumental to the development of a social enterprise business. Karen served on the boards of YWCA Metro Vancouver and YWCA Canada, chairing each of those boards as well as several committees. She has also served on the Grants Committee for the CKNW Orphan's Fund, the Grants Advisory Committee for the Investment Readiness Program at Canadian Women's Foundation and many other boards and committees in the legal profession. In recognition of her years of service, she has received the BC Community Achievement Award and the CCCA National Community Builder Award, as well as the Agnes Amelia Blizzard Award for her personal commitment to the mission of YWCA Canada. Although Karen developed a remarkable talent for spoon playing, she thoughtfully decided to take her career in a different direction and become a lawyer and an empathetic champion of the social profit sector, believing that these are the organizations that will truly change the world. With a lifelong pull to the outdoors, Karen relishes opportunities to immerse herself in nature.

Allyson Haug, Certified Executive Coach (CEC), is the Director of Philanthropy at The Discovery Group, bringing a breadth of experience and dynamic leadership in strategic planning. She has led successful fundraising programs for multiple non-profit and public education organizations throughout Canada and the United States. As an authority in major gifts, Allyson specializes in corporate donors and private foundations. Her critical thinking is shaped by a deep understanding of organizational culture and genuine people engagement. These insights have been actively proven, within over twelve years devoted to Asante Africa Foundation, advancing children’s education in East Africa. After five years in development at the Universities of B.C. and Alberta, she became the Director of Individual and Corporate Giving at Alberta Cancer Foundation. She believes the social profit sector is the way to build a better community, and an opportunity to personally contribute to many socio-economic intersections, from healthcare, arts and culture, to literacy and education. She places great importance on educating our children and predecessors about the magnitude of the social and non-profit sectors. Leading a major gift team at Sauder School of Business, Allyson launched the Sauder Philanthropy undergraduate program to educate future business leaders on the importance of philanthropy. With fascination for languages, Allyson can be found contemplating speech and syntax whilst hiking on the world’s most beautiful mountains.

Ashala Jacobson is Director of Performance and Campaigns at The Discovery Group. Bringing more than 17 years of experience in fund development and as a leader in the social profit sector, Ashala has a deep appreciation for the people and organizations working hard to make a difference in our communities. With a wide range of expertise in fundraising strategy, campaign management, donor, and stakeholder relations, leading high-performing teams and providing executive-level strategic counsel, she puts those skills to use helping organizations reach their goals with a strong focus on maintaining loyal and aligned donors. In her prior role at the University of Saskatchewan, Ashala led a team of major gift professionals and fund development specialists raising an average of $20 million annually. She currently sits on the board of the Saskatoon Friendship Inn and is past president of her local AFP chapter. Ashala is based out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and loves engaging in the wide variety of outdoor activities and the full four-season experience of living in Saskatchewan.

David Jeu brings 37 years of advancement and management experience to The Discovery Group across the higher education, healthcare, and social services sectors. He has comprehensive expertise in all aspects of development and campaign management - executive level planning; facilitating, guiding and coordinating leadership engagement; feasibility study execution and assessment; case development and proposal writing; major and principal gifts strategy; messaging and related marketing, risk and issues management; donor recognition and naming opportunities; prospect research, evaluation, clearance policies and procedures, briefings; and volunteer recruitment and training, staffing, monitoring and assessing progress. David’s 22 years of higher education experience includes management and leadership roles in campaigns with goals and totals raised ranging up to 10 figures. Highlights include – University of Toronto, $100M (1987-90, highest in Canadian history at the time); University of Alberta, $581M (2005-10, highest in UofA’s history); $3.13B, UC Berkeley (2010-14, public phase); and $6B, UC Berkeley (2015-20, quiet phase). As Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Relations at UC Berkeley (2010-20), David directed an advancement team that raised an average of $59M annually, largely in major and principal gifts, and managed a global alumni network and volunteer leadership in 41 countries. Based in Edmonton, David enjoys planning winters in warmer climes and listening to Steely Dan.

Karen Jeu is a Senior Associate at The Discovery Group, where she builds on her extensive experience in board development and governance, as well as strategic planning, cultivation, and stewardship in fundraising. In her former role as President of Sutter Health’s California Pacific Medical Center Foundation, Karen was responsible for leading an integrated development operation to support long range fundraising objectives in a fast-paced, ever changing health care environment. With 30 years' experience working with colleges and universities, including the University of Alberta, Dalhousie University, Grant MacEwan University and Nova Scotia Community College, Karen has led strategic and operational delivery of high-profile cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship programs and support functions. She has raised funds for campaigns from $5M to $500M and led teams in every aspect of development. She has been an ongoing mentor and motivator for team members in the country's top academic institutions. With four sons, Karen has cultivated boundless energy, patience, and an acute appreciation for the small moments in life that influence others. She believes the social profit sector is the future for young people, not only for its end results, but because it has the potential to build passion and compassion for the world around us.

Mercia Louw is Director of Operations at The Discovery Group, a deeply motivated professional with many years of experience in company secretarial, governance and administration support roles. Highly results-orientated, and a staunch gatekeeper of confidential information and decisions, Mercia is accountable for managing internal and external company expectations and for promoting exemplary governance principles and practices. She has previously worked as a Company Secretary for Hero Telecoms and BBR Van Der Grijp in Cape Town and has provided vital assistance for many multi-functional teams, clients, subsidiary companies, and delegates of authority at board and director level. Born in the Free State, South Africa, Mercia is happiest in nature, walking the trails of BC with her family. With a strong belief that if you’re kind you can achieve many things, she is a dedicated and supportive member of the team.

Kirsten McInnis is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at The Discovery Group, where she leads all marketing efforts, including producing The Discovery Pod, Canada’s leading social profit podcast. A recent graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Management, Kirsten’s passion for digital marketing ignited her career in marketing and communications, and her dedication to meaningful, impactful work drew her to the social profit sector. Throughout her studies, Kirsten grew her skillset that spans media analysis, business development, social media strategy, and both digital and traditional marketing. She also brings valuable experience from the hospitality industry, where she worked for four years, and the performing arts field, where she spent the past seven years as a dance instructor and choreographer. Beyond her professional roles, Kirsten has volunteered her time as a mentor for dance students and as a committee member for the AFP Greater Vancouver Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day in both 2023 and 2024. Kirsten is delighted to be applying her education to support the incredible work being done in the social profit sector.

Margaret McNeil is an accomplished leader in both the social profit and government sectors, and most recently, was the CEO of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice for 9 years. In that role, she doubled the size of the organization, added a second hospice, expanded programs, doubled the number of staff and revenue. In 2020, she won the prestigious Waterstone award for Most Admired CEO in the broader public sector category. Margaret is deeply committed to strengthening the sector’s impact on the lives of our citizens, focused on those most vulnerable. Margaret’s experience enables her to understand and translate the context the social profit leaders work within, to assist in finding solutions that work. The Beedie School of Business recognized Margaret’s leadership as ‘Mentor of the year’, as has Business in Vancouver with its CEO of the Year award in 2017. Margaret has sat on several of social profit and Crown boards, including the Minerva Foundation of BC, Canadian Cancer Society BC/Yukon Division, and WorkSafe BC, and she is an active volunteer with a number of community organizations in Vancouver. She holds the Chartered Director designation from the Degroote School of Business, one of Canada’s leading governance education programs. When not working, Margaret can be found in winter on the ski hills, and in summer, swimming in the ocean, loving the connection to nature we have in BC.

Based in Victoria, BC, Carly Milloy is Campaign Director at The Discovery Group, bringing nearly two decades of experience in the social profit sector, including a decade of independent school experience. Before joining TDG in 2025, Carly led the Advancement Program at Pearson College UWC. As Director of Advancement and External Relations she was responsible for the fundraising, communications and alumni engagement functions. Carly’s leadership was instrumental in the School’s successful Renew and Re-found comprehensive campaign which raised in excess of its $40 million goal. Prior to joining Pearson College, Carly held a range of progressive fundraising roles with the Canadian Red Cross and the Royal BC Museum. She brings experience engaging international networks of alumni, donors, and volunteers, leading campaigns and events that build strong relationships and drive results. Since joining the TDG team, Carly has delivered strategic fundraising counsel to a diverse portfolio of social profits in BC and AB, spanning the arts, education, healthcare, environmental and social services. Born and raised in Victoria, giving back to her community has always been important to her. She has supported the social profit sector as a volunteer, including serving as President for the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Vancouver Island Chapter, and other roles with the United Way of Greater Victoria and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Currently, Carly serves on the Board of Discovery School and as a mentor through the local AFP Mentorship Program. Throughout her career, Carly has especially enjoyed coaching fundraisers and leaders, helping to meet the needs and growing demands of the social profit sector.

Doug Nelson founded The Discovery Group with a vision to bring together a group of talented and compassionate leaders. Together they are aligned with his belief that the social profit sector represents individuals and communities coming together to change the world for the better. Collectively, they spearhead inspired strategies to help nurture that change. Described by the media as a 'fundraising phenom' and a 'true innovator,' Doug unravels complex challenges in aligning governance and philanthropic performance. His early development work in education propelled him to become the Chief Development Officer at the University of Alberta, and responsible for the second largest fundraising campaign in Canadian history. As President and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation for six years, he led the organization to revenue of $300 million, including a campaign that would launch the Personalized Onco-Genomic (POG) program. His work is award-winning in the areas of governance, culture, advocacy, and innovative granting, and he has raised nearly $1 billion for organizations in Canada and the United States. As President of the California Pacific Medical Centre Foundation, he led the development and execution of a campaign that would support the opening of two hospitals valued at $3 billion, shaping the future of care in San Francisco. Doug is also host of the leading social profit sector podcast, The Discovery Pod. With a photographic memory for baseball statistics, Doug had a childhood dream to be the first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays. These days, he can be found remarkably often at a Bob Dylan concert.

As Vice President, Client Strategy & Governance, Jen brings extensive experience in organizational leadership, governance, and strategic planning. At The Discovery Group, she partners with boards and senior teams to clarify direction, strengthen structures, and support effective decision making in complex multi-partner environments. Her approach is rooted in appreciative inquiry and guided by the belief that organizations thrive when strengths are recognized, voices are heard, and the perspectives of those most impacted help shape the path forward. Jen listens closely, synthesizes quickly, and helps leaders turn insight into practical action that moves results forward. She has worked with more than 30 social profit organizations across Canada on strategic planning, governance development, organizational readiness, and leadership alignment. She brings a clear understanding of how people, purpose, and planning come together to create tangible impact, and she continues to learn every day from the extraordinary organizations and leaders she has the opportunity to work alongside.

Laura Stewart is the Client Services Coordinator at The Discovery Group. She brings over 20 years of international experience providing exceptional customer service in both the social profit and higher education sectors. Through her career she has worked hard to improve operational performance so great people can make lasting impacts. In her previous role at the London School of Economics and Political Science, she opened the first Alumni Centre in the school’s 129 year history and was responsible for delivering a truly meaningful experience for LSE’s 200,000+ global alumni community. As a strong advocate of community health, Laura is also a qualified run coach and community swim leader who delivers sessions that boost women’s physical and mental health. After living in London for 13 years, Laura is very happy to be settled back home in North Vancouver with her husband and two daughters.

Kerry Shillito is a senior philanthropy leader with more than 25 years of experience working across the United Kingdom and Canada in local, national, and global contexts. She specializes in strategic philanthropy, major gifts, legacy giving, and innovative fundraising strategies that strengthen donor pipelines, cultivate transformational philanthropic partnerships, and support the long-term sustainability of mission-driven organizations. Throughout her career, Kerry has worked across health care and hospitals, gender justice, disability justice, education, heritage, arts and culture, housing justice, and racial justice. Her experience spans philanthropy and impact investing, with a particular interest in how different forms of capital can work together to advance equity and long-term social change. Equally, she believes in the power of storytelling to build connection, inspire generosity, and help communities reimagine what is possible. Kerry brings more than 15 years of governance experience through board roles, strengthening her understanding of organizational leadership, strategy, and community impact. She currently serves as an Executive Board Member of the Hogan’s Alley Society and Co-Chair of the Greater Vancouver Chapter of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners. She is also a member of the Banff Forum, a national network of leaders engaged in shaping Canada's social, economic, and public policy future, and advises the Vancouver Equity Alliance, a network of philanthropists and community leaders working to advance equity and community impact. Outside of her professional work, Kerry is an avid reader, traveller, and lifelong learner. She is particularly interested in the intersections of history, culture, and place, and in exploring how stories shape identity, belonging, and community.

Josée is the Practice Lead, Philanthropy and Social Innovation at The Discovery Group. Previously, she served as Director of Philanthropy at MaRS Discovery District, where she launched the MaRS Philanthropy Office, working with donors and grantors on innovation projects with significant impact in climate, health, and responsible tech and advanced topics in blended finance and venture philanthropy. Former roles include serving as an early builder of Opportunity for All Youth (Now MyStartr), Executive Director for ONE TO ONE Literacy Society; and fundraiser for the UBC Faculty of Medicine and community outreach initiatives. Josée also has a background in the corporate sector, supporting Fortune 500 companies to develop and manage customer experience metrics. Josée sat on several non-profit boards including the Calgary Birth Control Association, the Chicago Neighbourhood Parent Network, and Vancouver’s CircusWest and is a peer reviewer for Imagine Canada's charity accreditation program. She holds a Master of Communication Management, with capstone research focused on purpose-driven leadership and communications, a topic she has written about and presented at conferences and for various executive certificate programs. Josée is based in Toronto, Ontario.