Lee Cookson

Background

About Lee Cookson

I am a strategic leader and design thinker specializing in service design, engagement, and strategy development for organizations driving social impact. With a background in nonprofit leadership, arts and culture, philanthropy, and government consulting, I help organizations navigate complexity, align stakeholders, and implement solutions that create lasting change. As a Strategy Manager at Overlap Associates, I have led high-level strategy and engagement projects for foundations, post-secondary institutions, charities, and government entities across Canada. I bring a collaborative and user-centered approach to problem-solving—facilitating processes that uncover insights, build alignment, and drive action. Previously, I held leadership roles at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Ghost River Theatre, and Exposure Photography Festival, where I managed strategic initiatives, multi-stakeholder collaborations, and large-scale program development. My experience includes capital campaigns, community engagement, stakeholder facilitation, and policy design, equipping me to support organizations through transformation and growth. I thrive at the intersection of strategy, design, and impact—helping organizations clarify their vision, build meaningful relationships, and turn ambitious ideas into reality. Let’s connect if you're working on strategic initiatives, community engagement, or organizational transformation in the nonprofit, public, or creative sectors.