Nancy has more than 25 years of experience in industry, government and the association sector. Nancy is a Partner with AMCES and is responsible for leading the association management practice.  During the past 20 years, Nancy has provided consulting, Executive Director and association management services to the not-for-profit sector and has been directly involved in: 

• Designing and facilitating strategic planning processes 
• Developing processes and tools for strategy implementation
• Working with boards to support effective governance 
• Designing and facilitating processes for board orientation and assessment
• Developing and delivering board development programs 
• Developing and implementing organizational infrastructure including administrative, financial and membership systems 
• Creating and managing communication tools and working with volunteers to design and deliver educational programming
• Conducting surveys and developing membership recruitment and sponsorship programs 
• Leading advocacy initiatives and developing strategic relationships

Nancy is a graduate of the University of Waterloo, a trained facilitator, a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and an Accredited Director (Acc.Dir.)

Jim has more than 40 years of experience in industry, three levels of government, associations, consulting and teaching.

For sixteen years he served as a CEO with not-for-profits and for the last 22 years has consulted with over 180 not-for-profit and Aboriginal organizations. Jim is Managing Partner of Association Management, Consulting & Evaluation Services (AMCES). AMCES specializes in start-ups, turnarounds and helping good not-for-profits get better.

Jim has been a key leader in the not-for-profit community and has served as the chief volunteer for six professional organizations including a term as Chair of the Canadian Society of Association Executives.

 A collection of his many articles from the magazine "Association" are available in the publication “Learning Links”. His book, "Benchmarking and Best Practices for Associations" published by the Canadian Society of Association Executives is one of their bestsellers and is used by progressive managers and in the Certified Association Executive program. He is co-author of another publication "Best Practices and Tools for Not-for-Profit Boards". He is co-editor and a contributing author of Canada’s first association management textbook “Canadian Association Management”.

His publication “Successful Meetings for Not-Profit Volunteer Leaders and Staff” is becoming a must read for volunteer leaders. His publication "Association Management Evaluation Toolkit - Recognizing Success and Identifying Opportunities for Improvement" is used by leaders looking to improve their practices. These publications illustrate Jim’s insight into not-for-profit organizations, their issues and practices.

His publication "First Nations Accountability and Strategic Management" is used in the Aboriginal Finance Officers Association of Canada’s Strategy and Decisions course. He also co-authored "Best Practices and Tools in Finance and Management for First Nation and Aboriginal Organizations" with Romeo Crow Chief. He is also a significant contributor to AFOA Ontario’s Financial Administration Policies and Procedures – Reference Manual. He contributed to the development of two new publications for the First Nations Health Managers Association, “First Nations Health Managers – Governance, Strategy, Policy and Decision-Making Tools”and “First Nation Health Managers – Human Resources, Programs and Support Services Toolbox”. He is also an editor and author of "Management of First Nations Health Services: Developing, Delivering and Evaluating", this publication is required reading in a certification program . He recently co-authored "First Nations Health Managers - Health Services Integration Toolbox" and "First Nations Health Managers - Accreditation Toolbox".

Jim develops management and leadership courses and instructs/coaches online courses for not-for-profit organizations including the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada and the First Nation Health Managers Association. He was the lead instructor and content developer for the Canadian Society of Association Executives, Certified Association Executive program for 17 years.  Through his delivery of courses and research he has been exposed to hundreds of organizations and their challenges and solutions. He has seen the good, the bad and the ugly.

Jim's skills include developing visions, strategic  thinking and strategies, partnerships, innovations, facilitating, business analysis and getting the best out of people. His projects have involved:

• developing strategic and operational plans
• governance, evaluations, and board development 
• policy analysis and development
• interim leadership and coaching       
• mergers and shared services 
• communications and marketing initiatives
• education programs, online and regular courses, workshops and exam development 
• instruction and training services
• certification and accreditation programs
• feasibility and risk studies, benchmarking projects, and  surveys and evaluations
• and many other types of specialized projects

In addition he has over 20 years of experience working with Aboriginal organizations exploring challenges and opportunities and developing solutions in the areas of training, strategic planning facilitation, governance, performance management, financial management, accountability, evaluations, building educational content and institution building.

Jim is an MBA, Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) and a Certified Management Consultant (CMC). He was recently named a Fellow (FCMC) with the Institute of Certified Management Consultants of Ontario

Ali provides a variety of services to AMCES association management clients including Board and committee support, program and event coordination and membership administration.  Ali is an organized, responsive, solutions-oriented team member who is committed to excellent client service.

Ali has a deep knowledge of computer applications and technology and holds a diploma in Business from Algonquin College.

Georges has over 27 years of senior management experience in the non-for-profit sector including professional, and trade associations.

During this time he has developed significant expertise in such fields as organizational evaluation and development, strategic and operational planning, and professional certification and accreditation.

In his consulting practice Georges will be focusing on the following service areas:

• Evaluating organizational structures, plans, programs, and processes
• Reviewing and facilitating strategic planning exercises and plan development
• Developing and implementing surveys and research to inform management
• Assessing professional certification and accreditation programs and facilitating their development
• Evaluating and helping to develop communications and marketing strategies and initiatives
• Reviewing, revising, and assisting in the development of bylaws, regulations and policies
• Identifying best practices and establishing benchmarking methodologies
• Providing advice and assistance with the development of member products and services
• Reviewing public policy positions and advising on government relations initiatives
• Developing international program delivery strategies

Georges is fluent in both official languages and holds a Masters degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Carleton University.

David has over 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit and charities sector and has worked as Executive Director for three national organizations.

His areas of expertise include finance and administration, education and event management as well as governance, policy, marketing and program development. David has successfully developed, implemented and managed a number of major events and sponsorship programs for national associations.

Over the last 12 years, David has been involved in providing association management services for a number of AMCES’ clients and has sat on Boards and Committees of local associations.

David has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Carleton University with a concentration in marketing and human resources. He earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 2014.

CJ is a leading public affairs specialist with over 16 years of expertise in the areas of government relations, research and analysis, project management, executive training and message development.

CJ has been with AMCES since 2014. She has acquired specialized skills through experiences such as serving as a senior adviser to federal cabinet ministers and as a vice-president at a top public affairs and communications firm. She has further developed her expertise through executive education and professional development, as well as through numerous community activities.

EDUCATION
Cathy Jo has an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo.

She recently graduated from the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) at the Rural Ontario Institute, University of Guelph.

CJ has enhanced her professional development through training in leadership, change management, team synergy, conflict resolution, negotiations, media skills and board governance.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
CJ is committed to contributing her experience to the community through participation in a number of initiatives. Recent projects include co-chairing an auction fundraiser for the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program and leading a branding project for the Ottawa Farmer's Market. She also regularly volunteers with the Ottawa Food Bank and the Canadian Arthritis Association.

Lindsay has worked with AMCES since 2013 supporting a variety of clients throughout the years. 

Lindsay is energetic, enthusiastic and committed to providing excellent client service with her exceptional communication and organizational skills. 

Prior to working with AMCES, Lindsay worked with the Forum for International Trade and Training (FITT) where she provided membership, database and administrative support. 

Lindsay is a graduate from the Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Sciences, with a diploma in Business Marketing. 

Chris is a digital strategist and communications professional with more than 16 years of experience. He speaks and consults with companies and organizations that span the private and high tech sectors, federal, provincial, and municipal governments, non-for-profit associations, and the North American start up community.

His specialties include: communications and operations technology; digital strategy and marketing; community management; social media; intellectual property management; and web, print, and digital asset management and development.  He has extensive experience in custom developed software, applications, and UI/UX, and prides himself on a results oriented and analytical approach to meeting milestones and achieving goals.

Chris specializes in technology and tactical communications to support and advance not-for-profit associations’ strategic plans. In addition, he is available to serve as a part-time chief technology officer on an ongoing contractual basis.

When working with an organization he applies a three step approach that involves:

• Assessment. Listening to stakeholders and creating a defined and accurate reference to fully understand the needs. This step also includes determining what the long- term and short-term goals of an organization are, proactively anticipating changes or developments, and balancing that against budget, lead time and scalability.
• Identification. Determining the best solution for the need based on products or services that can either be custom developed or purchased.
• Implementation. Seamlessly integrating the identified solution into an organization’s infrastructure or work flow and ensuring that it is being used to the best of its ability.

Chris has been featured in Ottawa Business Journal, Beta Kit, Tech Vibes, CBC, and Buzz Feed.  

He has also been involved with organizations such as the Founder’s Institute as a mentor and advisor to young entrepreneurs and local startups where he shares his advice as a technology and communications professional.

Christine has over 10 years of experience in administration and program coordination in both not-for-profit and government sectors. Christine is a contractor with AMCES, involved in program and client support.

Over the past 4 years, she has provided consultant support services for a number of Indigenous organizations, projects and clients. She demonstrates resourcefulness, excellent client service along with organizational skills.

Christine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Carleton University and a certificate in Media and Communications from Algonquin College.

Christine is an Indigenous Artist, specializing in quillwork. She is committed to sharing Indigenous culture through art.