Nancy Simmonds

Background

About Nancy Simmonds

I am above all else, passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals we serve as a social support community. Helping individuals, families and older adults succeed in their own personal journey is achieved through collaboration and removal of unnecessary barriers. Together, and starting in small, simple ways, we can all make a difference. I have been the CEO of Heartland Housing Foundation since January 2019 and serve as the primary affordable housing driver for our region East of Edmonton. I entered the non-profit housing section 10 years prior to my time at Heartland Housing with a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable Albertans. I bring over 20 years experience in management and professional accounting, and have been in leadership roles in the social housing sector since 2009 as Controller and Director of Operations. Prior to my career in the housing sector, I was working in my professional accredited field of public accounting at MNP LLP. My Chartered Accountant designation (CPA) has allowed me the opportunity to lead teams from a unique financial perspective while supporting the invaluable from-the-heart work required of community-based organizations like affordable housing providers. With my recent designation as a Chartered Housing Professional (CIHCM), I am blending my professional designations to support our advocacy work in the housing industry. My expertise includes managing large scale financial portfolios, planning and implementing strategic developments for housing organizations and providing financial managerial support for large conversion projects. Now, as the CEO of Heartland Housing Foundation, I am leading the organization through strategically-driven and values-aligned growth while advocating municipally, provincially and federally for action on housing needs. I was recently presented with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal which fills me with gratitude and great appreciation for the Team I walk beside every day, digging deep to make an impact on improved housing capacity in our community and for our province. Currently, I sit on the Executive Committee of Alberta Public Housing Administrators’ Association (APHAA) as the Treasurer and was grateful to be elected as an ASCHA Regional Board Member in December 2021. Both of these Organizations are working with government to improve housing strategies in Alberta and I am eager to partake in meaningful and influential change for our sector.