Meet the small but mighty team who are committed to building strong, vibrant and diverse communities throughout Nova Scotia by enabling and inspiring effective philanthropy. We are a group of talented professionals with a wide range of skills and experience. We love what we do and we do it with passion. We look forward to working with you.
Daniel Holland
CEO
About Daniel
Daniel joined CFNS as CEO in June 2020. A tri-sector leader with experience in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, this role allows Daniel to combine his passion for community with his business sensibilities so we can do even more good. Recognized as a natural collaborator, convening conversations about how to effectively support others, his profile is one that leverages a mix of consulting, business development, financial markets advisory, and operational roles that support growth for businesses and charitable organizations. Through his facilitation experience and empathetic relationship building, Daniel is trusted to help the organizations he leads to develop, grow and realize important operational and business goals. A lifelong volunteer, Daniel is certified by the Institute of Corporate Directors with the ICD.D designation.
Brenda Smith MacLeod
CFO
About Brenda
Brenda joined CFNS in 2023, bringing more than 15 years’ experience in a variety of areas, including internal reporting, bookkeeping, controllership, and auditing, having worked in both the private and charitable sectors. A CPA, Brenda is a big picture thinker, whether it be providing technical assistance, project management or brainstorming for future growth. She thrives on seeing projects through to successful completion, figuring out challenges and seeing a client’s business flourish. Her oversight helps ensure our fiduciary duties and responsibilities are not just met but upheld with trust and confidence.
Julia Pollock
Accounting Manager
About Julia
Julia Pollack joined CFNS in June 2024, bringing over a decade of accounting experience in the charitable sector. Known for her versatility and problem-solving skills, Julia has been aptly described as a “Swiss army knife with a finance module upgrade.” Her extensive expertise and innovative approach enhance the organization’s financial operations and contribute to its mission. Her commitment to excellence and her proactive approach make her a cornerstone of the financial stability and growth of CFNS.
Kathleen Murphy
Director of Communications
About Kathleen
Kathleen joined CFNS in August 2024, bringing extensive experience in communications within the charitable sector and a fervent commitment to highlighting the transformative power of philanthropy. Guided by her belief that “Kind people are my kind of people,” she feels fortunate to spend her days connecting with generous Nova Scotians and sharing the inspiring stories of their kindness and its far-reaching impacts.
With a history of leading impactful campaigns, Kathleen is dedicated to making the act of giving both rewarding and enjoyable. Her passion for the charitable sector is supported by a Master’s degree in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University, extensive professional and volunteer experience across various nonprofits, and specialized knowledge in Philanthropic Psychology.
Carly Levy
Stewardship & Donor Relations Manager
About Carly
Carly joined CFNS in January 2024, adding a decade of dynamic experience in development, donor relations and communications to our team. With a talent for turning numbers into narratives, she’s not just about hitting targets, but creating meaningful connections.
Whether she is telling stories of impact, streamlining donor experiences, or raising funds for community good, Carly is on a mission to make philanthropy personal. Rooted in a small rural community, she values tight-knit and genuine relationships and sees every donor as a partner in building up Nova Scotia communities. Carly is dedicated to ensuring a meaningful and collaborative philanthropic journey, where every interaction is more than a transaction—it’s a catalyst for positive change.
Katie MacDonald
Volunteer & Capacity Development Lead
About Katie
Katie joined CFNS in October 2023, bringing over a decade of experience in the charitable sector. Since 2018, she has played an active role in the community foundation movement, where she focuses on capacity building and strategic partnerships. Prior to moving back to Nova Scotia, Katie worked with the Calgary Foundation. There, she contributed to strengthening stakeholder relations, advancing reconciliation efforts, and aligning endowment building with revenue diversification strategies for charitable organizations.
Her passion is in developing pathways for charities and non-profits to build strong relationships with the philanthropic community, enabling them to achieve long-term financial resilience and sustainability. By leveraging innovative strategies in resource development, fundraising, and volunteer engagement, she aims to help organizations provide consistent and impactful support to their communities.
In her current role as Volunteer and Capacity Development Lead at CFNS, she is dedicated to supporting the foundation’s volunteers and charitable partners by enhancing volunteer engagement and building capacity through the foundation’s programs.