Education Session: Things We Wish We Knew At The Beginning Of Our Careers
Location:
The Bison Lodge (formerly Pioneers Cabin)
9430 Scona Road - Stephenson Room
Join us for a fun and interactive session designed especially for new fundraisers! We’ll share real stories, lessons learned, and the kind of advice we wish someone had given us when we were starting out. Come ready to laugh, learn, and leave with practical tips and inspiration for your fundraising journey.
Speakers:
Christy Holtby
Christy leads a team dedicated to advancing cancer care and research across Alberta, including the transformational $250 million OWN.Cancer campaign in Calgary and the $30 million We Cross Cancer campaign in Edmonton, which doubled clinical trial capacity at the Cross Cancer Institute.
She previously held senior leadership roles with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute and the University Hospital Foundation, where she served as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Interim CEO. Passionate about collaboration, Christy has pioneered innovative philanthropic models—such as public-private-philanthropic partnerships and venture philanthropy—that accelerate Alberta’s health innovations and strengthen its health economy.
A recognized leader in healthcare philanthropy, Christy has been named to the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy’s 40 Under 40, completed the Johns Hopkins Medicine Philanthropy Institute, and is an alumna of Ivey Business School’s Community Shift Fellowship.
Outside of work, she loves gathering with interesting people for big conversations—ideally over great food and wine.
Mike House
Mike joined Global in 2024, bringing more than 20 years of experience as a professional fundraiser and senior executive. Known for his creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and authentic approach to building trust, he has led teams and campaigns that have transformed communities.
As former President & CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, Mike oversaw record-breaking growth—over 100,000 annual donations, $45 million raised each year, and more than $300 million during his tenure. His career also includes senior leadership roles at the University of Alberta’s School of Business and with a national fundraising consulting firm.
His leadership has been recognized internationally: Network Person of the Year by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (2019), Global Impact Award Honoree with YPO (2022), and recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022).
Fun fact: In 2019, Mike and 11 donors scaled Mount Kilimanjaro, raising over $1 million for children’s health at the Stollery.
CFRE Credits: 1.5