Ellen Henry

Background

About Ellen Henry

Director of Operations is one of those multi-faceted roles that requires the personality of a Leatherman. Luckily, my background has been so varied that I have honed the multiple tools needed to excel. I get things done, on time and on budget, and shift gears on a dime to tackle the next demand. Flexibility is my middle name. Well, actually it’s Rachel but we won’t let that stand in the way of a good metaphor. My early career included financial advising and insurance sales, then five years as the owner of a fine craft gallery. I could call that my MBA. What an opportunity to absorb all aspects of business management, learn what worked, and learn more from what didn’t. I loved working with other business owners to grow a burgeoning shopping district. I moved into the social impact sector by way of membership-based organizations, discovering a real passion for working to make others’ lives better. I found great joy in serving our members, while running smooth operations and supporting the executive and board teams. I built partnerships and connections amongst the membership. For several years, I supported my husband’s tech company start up providing some consulting to his organization while I took on short term contracts with a variety of other organizations. More tools in the toolkit! Eventually, it was time for me to sink my teeth into a permanent role and I dove back into the social impact sector, taking on a dual role with two incredible organizations: an adventure therapy charity and a boutique social impact foundation. As the foundation’s work expanded along with my delight in seeing the impact of our work on communities, I eventually moved full time to the Power To Give Foundation. I now manage all aspects of operations and work closely with the board and CEO on executing our strategic plan. The best part of the work is the opportunity to build relationships with the incredible leaders the foundation funds. To see such ingenuity, commitment, and passion in action is an absolute thrill. A favourite moment was being welcomed with drumming and singing to a remote learning centre we funded where Indigenous youth and elders gather to transfer cultural and language knowledge. I have seen this project grow from a germ of an idea to a wild success. An unforgettable experience.