About Us

We are the only charitable foundation in BC actively fundraising for public health initiatives, with and in support of our partners throughout the province. We are an independent, non-governmental organization.

A father embraces his son who has down syndrome

What We Do

We are a leader in public health philanthropy, engaging and investing in innovative, collaborative, and evidence-based initiatives that improve population health.

Since we formed, our Foundation has closely aligned with the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC). But as the health landscape in BC changes, so too does our work. As such, over the past ten years we’ve also built partnerships across all areas of public health, ensuring that we continue to make a difference in communities where, how, and when they need it the most.

As BC’s provincial public health service, BCCDC remains as strong a partner as ever and critical to our work, as are our relationships with other partners throughout the province.

Active Engagement

We fund and facilitate public health research, implement programs, and support evidence to drive policies which inform immediate and measurable health impacts in communities across BC.

Health Equity

Advancing equity and social justice for all.

Community Resiliency

Providing solutions to help communities thrive.

Population Health

Achieving measurable population health improvements.

Our Guiding Principles

We ground our work in advancing equity.

We promote social justice, anti-racism, and Truth and Reconciliation.

We are solutions-focused and forward-thinking.

We are a purpose-driven organization championing public health as a cause. 

We foster meaningful relationships and partnerships.

Our Vision

Our vision is our passion.

A healthier, safer, and more equitable future for all.

An optimistic teenager in a grey hoody looks at the camera with arms rested on knees

Meaningful Collaboration

We foster and convene meaningful relationships with partners in every corner of BC. We know that strong partnerships create more reach and greater change.

Our Partners

Meet Our Team

Our team puts healthy people at the centre of all we do. We believe in a future where everyone has access to fair opportunities to achieve positive health outcomes.

Kristy Kerr, BSc, MPH-HP 

Chief Executive Officer
She/Her

Kristy Kerr is the Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Public Health Foundation where she is responsible for leading strategic and organizational direction, advancing partnership development, overseeing operational activities, and bringing an evidence- and impact-informed public health focus to the organization’s purpose, principles, and vision. Having started with the inception of the Foundation over 10 years ago, Kristy has used her expertise and steadfast vision to create the provincial organization that today is key to supporting and advancing the public health sector for BC through transformative fundraising, partnership development, advocacy, and leadership. Kristy has also worked in different academic roles as well as in global health, spending time in Zambia and Kenya working on various community-based initiatives. Kristy has extensive board experience, having served other community non-profits for over two decades. Kristy has a Master’s degree in Public Health with a specialization in Health Promotion, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Biology, and an Associate’s degree in Creative Writing.

Kristy believes that the way to transform the health of our communities and society is to focus on public health activities that advance population health outcomes, taking a holistic approach that encompasses health promotion strategies and principles to advocate for human rights, social justice, and health equity. Understanding the lack of investment in, and awareness of, public health, Kristy saw an incredible opportunity with a unique, burgeoning charity that would be able to take a leadership role in creating change in the health landscape of BC. Having been involved in volunteering and the non-profit sector most of her life, combining her public health expertise with philanthropy was a natural fit. This purpose has maintained her drive to grow the Foundation and transform the philanthropic and advocacy space to make room for public health.

Passionate about health promotion, prevention, health equity, and the social determinants of health, Kristy believes we need to shift our focus to upstream actions by addressing the root causes of issues and emphasizing positive and holistic well-being. As a health promotion advocate, Kristy understands that we must invest in public health to see real change, and this is a collective responsibility. One who likes to challenge the status quo, it is important to Kristy that we tackle the big public health issues and we don’t shy away from the hard work of transforming the health landscape through innovation, collaboration, leadership, investment, advocacy, truth and reconciliation, social justice, and community activities that align with her vision of what enables a truly healthy society.

Matthew Wright

Director of Operations
He/Him

Matthew Wright is the Director of Operations of the Pacific Public Health Foundation, where he is responsible for the operational leadership of programs and projects that meet the overall strategic goals of the organization. He oversees areas of finance, legal, human resources, and general administration while working closely with the Fund Development and Marketing and Communications teams to ensure the Foundation continues to successfully grow its reputation, influence, and impact as a public health charity. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Integrated Management Studies, as well as a Private Pilot’s License. He brings over 14 years of experience in operational planning and project management within the non-profit sector, which includes leading initiatives benefitting BC Cancer Foundation and contributing as a member of the Leadership team at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Matthew has a passion for healthcare and community engagement, which he has fostered throughout his career in the non-profit sector. He believes in organizations that value equity and compassion, not only for their people but also in the work they undertake. Matthew joined the Foundation because he recognizes the importance of public health in creating a positive impact on our way of life, work, and interactions with one another both as individuals and as a community. He takes pride in being part of a movement dedicated to enhancing the lives of all British Columbians.

Kristi Ferguson

Associate Director of Marketing & Communications
She/Her

Kristi Ferguson is our Associate Director of Marketing and Communications. She is passionate about educating and engaging BC residents with campaigns, programs, and resources that will enhance public and population health throughout our province. Kristi believes in the importance of building community engagement through storytelling, and connecting people with the organizations and causes they care about. She joined our Foundation with a strong background in healthcare fundraising communications and was keen to bring her talents to a Foundation with a provincial reach and a vision of a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for BC residents.

A bold and creative marketing professional, Kristi has spent the last 15 years of her career generating vital community support for community-based charities, and complex healthcare organizations by leading creative campaigns, elevating their brands, and building strong teams. Kristi studied Public Relations at the University of Victoria, and Non-Profit Management at BCIT. Currently, she sits on the volunteer executive board of North Langley Baseball, and the AFP Greater Vancouver Communications Committee.

Nadine Nickull

Associate Director of Development
She/Her

Nadine Nickull is the Associate Director of Development for the Pacific Public Health Foundation, and is responsible for diversifying and growing the fundraising portfolio to meet program needs while ensuring the Foundation continues to grow its reputation, influence, and impact as a public health charity. She provides oversight and direction for the Fund Development team, including strategic and operational leadership, working collaboratively with the Chief Executive Officer and all team members to build programs and resources that will enhance BC’s public health capacity, and create strong, meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and community.

Nadine has cultivated a passion for working with organizations that focus on the care and health of people and communities. Throughout her life and career, she has embraced ideas and initiatives that drive positive and compassionate change, improve lives, and honour lived experiences. She is proud to work in an organization that strives to create a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for people across British Columbia.

Lisa Young

Operations Manager
She/Her

Lisa Young is the Operations Manager for the Pacific Public Health Foundation. She is responsible for daily operations and business functions, finance, employee engagement and professional development, as well as project management and support for the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors. Lisa brings a wealth of experience from the research, academic, and non-profit sectors, having supported researchers at Dalhousie University and working with various non-profit organizations across Canada. She has earned the Non-Profit Management Certificate from Simon Fraser University, holds a CAP-OM designation from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), and has held leadership positions within that organization.

Lisa chose to join the Pacific Public Health Foundation because she believes in the work the Foundation is doing to build a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for the residents of BC. She is proud to work for an organization with values that align with her personal values, as well as knowing that her work is making a difference. 

Tracy Penner

Senior Development Officer
She/Her

Tracy Penner is the Senior Development Officer at the Pacific Public Health Foundation, where she supports and executes fundraising activities to raise the profile, reputation, and reach of the Foundation. As a result of 9/11, Tracy was driven by a profound desire to make a positive impact and a tangible difference, ultimately leading her to make a career change to the non-profit sector. Her extensive fundraising experience includes meaningful roles and volunteer engagements within healthcare, humanitarian, animal welfare, and the arts and culture sectors, in Vancouver, Dubai, Amman, and Johannesburg.

Having lived in and traveled to a number of countries that experience social inequities and human rights challenges, Tracy has a genuine passion for the important work that the Foundation does and is proud to work for an organization that grounds its work in advancing equity, preventing disease, prolonging and improving lives, and promoting health through proactive, upstream interventions. She loves connecting with individuals and organizations who share the Foundation’s vision of a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for all.

Maddie Mackenzie

Development Coordinator
She/Her

Maddie Mackenzie is the Development Coordinator at the Pacific Public Health Foundation, where she collaborates with the Marketing & Communications and Development teams to advance the health and well-being of our communities across BC. With a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Environmental Studies and Anthropology, along with a Master’s degree in Intercultural and International Communication, Maddie’s professional background spans diverse sectors, including government and social enterprise. However, her passion lies in within the non-profit sector, drawing on her experience in international development.

Maddie joined the Pacific Public Health Foundation because she is passionate about communicating and advocating for meaningful causes that create a positive impact on both people and the planet. She is excited to be a part of a like-minded team dedicated to health promotion, equity, and shared values, and remains inspired by their determination to make a difference in the field of public health.
 

Governance

We are responsibly and ethically governed by our volunteer Board of Directors.

Meet the Board & View Our Strategic Plan

Careers

Join us in supporting healthier, safer communities for all.

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