CCAE Director Profile - Kathy Arney

Kathy Arney
Vice-President
Chief Development Officer
The Banff Centre

Profile

Kathy Arney is a development professional with a strong background in operations. She recently joined The Banff Centre, moving from Ottawa where she was Director, Faculty Development and Major Gifts at Carleton University. Previous to that she spent three years at UBC Okanagan and a lengthy tenure at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, most recently as Executive Director of Advancement Operations and CFO (Advancement). In addition she has consulted in the hospital sector, municipal fundraising, and several universities on advancement restructuring, strategic and operational planning and review, and campaigns.

Kathy’s combination of experience and skills is truly unique. Executive education, operations, management, strategic planning, budget, financial reporting, project management, and fundraising experience combine to bring a perspective to development that is built on a solid business and management foundation.

Following a major restructuring, a $262 Million capital campaign and 12 years at Queen’s University in Kingston, Kathy joined the development office at the new UBC Okanagan campus. In 2009 she was attracted to Carleton University where she was Director of Faculty Development and Major Gifts in a leadership role for their comprehensive campaign. She looks forward to planning The Banff Centre’s next campaign. At each institution she has played key roles in improved results, processes, and in successfully securing strong investment in advancement.

Kathy obtained her Commerce degree from Queen’s in 1989 and her C.A. designation in 1991. Kathy has spoken at regional, national and international conferences on a variety of topics, including operations and customer service, budgeting and funding models.

Kathy Arney says:

"Volunteering with CCAE and working with colleagues from across the country has been both a highlight and an asset to my career. Being able to connect and share issues and experiences with other professionals is an important way to stay abreast of industry best practices, trends, and common issues. It is also tremendously stimulating and a whole lot of fun!

CCAE is transforming at a rapid pace as it works to reach the next level of service. We stand on the shoulders of those who have worked so hard to bring CCAE to where it is today. I would like to see us build on the accomplishments to date by providing additional service in response to member needs. Expanded professional development, mentoring and networking, and information sharing will be key to improving our service levels.

CCAE is a critical element in the maturing educational advancement market in Canada. The organization provides a platform for Canadian context, for connecting Canadian institutions and enabling us to foster a network as a country.

I continue to gain far more from my involvement in CCAE than I give back. The more opportunity for involvement, the more I learn. But CCAE is only as good as its engaged members. I encourage everyone to take advantage of CCAE opportunities, to connect with colleagues not just at conferences, but throughout the year – whether through email, phone, meeting, Twitter, or Facebook. The more we put in, the more we will all benefit. If you have ideas, suggestions, or concerns, please to contact any member of the Board or the staff of CCAE."