Foundation Staff

Meet Our Staff

Amy McKinnon, CEO

Amy joined the Foundation in June, 2017. She comes from the Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation where she has worked as Director, Development Research & Strategic Analysis and Privacy Officer. During her tenure with TG&WHF Amy held the position of interim Director of Major Gifts.

Amy started her fundraising career with the Vancouver General & UBC Hospital Foundation before returning to Ontario and joining the Royal Ontario Museum’s team during their $270 million capital campaign.

Amy grew up in Amberley and is excited to return to her roots and family and support the community she calls home. She recently relocated to Georgian Bluffs with her husband James.

Contact Amy

Chris Doyle, Foundation Associate, Community Giving

Chris oversees the Foundation’s donor stewardship program and newsletters. He also provides event support. Prior to joining the Brightshores Health System Owen Sound Foundation team, Chris raised funds for another prominent local charity.

Contact Chris

Taralyn Golbeck, Foundation Associate

Taralyn oversees the Foundation’s community giving initiatives including our direct mail program, monthly giving, community fundraisers, lotteries, and special events. Prior to joining the Brightshores Health System Owen Sound Foundation team, Taralyn oversaw business development and communications for a local non-profit business association.

Contact Taralyn

Shelby Jacques, Foundation Associate

Shelby navigates the Foundation office from the front desk, where she provides assistance to donors, volunteers, community members and Board members.  Shelby also oversees our administrative and receipting needs, and manages our external vendor program.  Prior to joining the Foundation, Shelby worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Executive Team at the hospital.

Whether you need assistance with making a donation or have another inquiry, feel free to contact her.

Contact Shelby

Willard VanderPloeg, Charitable Giving Advisor

Willard is now working as Charitable Giving Advisor to promote legacy giving and assist donors in planning Will bequests and other special gifts in support of Brightshores Health System Foundations in Markdale, Meaford, Owen Sound, Southampton, Wiarton and Lion’s Head.  Willard worked as Development Officer for the Owen Sound Foundation from 2002 through 2017, raising funds through the Foundation’s planned and major gifts programs and maintains its Caring for Tomorrow Endowment Fund. Willard has more than 25 years experience in the charitable sector and in estate & gift planning. He is a long time member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners.

Contact Willard