The team
At B&A, we hire talented and dedicated individuals who care deeply about our clients' causes. Combined, our staff has many years of extensive knowledge and "hands on" experience in fundraising and direct response marketing. Our dedicated team will do everything possible to ensure the smooth delivery of your projects in a timely and professional manner; and, you can be assured that you will always have access to senior management.
Peter Blakely, President
As the company's founder, Peter's broad service focused career over the last 30 years has provided him with strategic management expertise in a wide range of Sales, Marketing and Direct Response businesses. As President and Senior Strategist, Peter's focus is on the development of Blakely & Associates' vision as a fully integrated Direct Response agency for the long-term benefit of client programs. Peter's expertise in Data Analysis and the application of research ensures clients are able to take advantage of every possible medium and market opportunity.
Kimberley Blease,
Senior Account & Marketing Director
Kimberley brings vision and leadership to the organization, based on her 17 year background in business and not-for-profit organizations. Corporate and brand marketing, direct response, and customer service management brought her into the not-for-profit world. Here, she has facilitated cause-related marketing efforts, sponsorships, annual programs and integrated marketing/communications that have resulted in highly successful fundraising for several organizations. Kimberley's area of expertise at Blakely & Associates is in the strategic management of Direct Marketing, Planning and Stewardship. She also manages the Visual Integration Group.
Kesheyl van Schilt, Account Director
With 8 years of experience as a fundraising executive at a major teaching hospital and national social service agency, Kesheyl possesses a thorough understanding of client needs. Kesheyl has accumulated several years of experience coordinating direct response programs and volunteering with not-for-profit agencies. At B&A she combines her strengths in strategic business planning, data analytics and customer service to deliver outstanding account management and client satisfaction.
Liz Dodge, Account Director
Liz brings a unique blend of development and marketing experience gained in the not-for-profit and financial sectors. Her fund raising career has spanned the last 13 years, including 6 years with Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, 6 years with an international fund raising consultancy and 1 year with Trent University. Liz also worked in the financial sector, marketing mortgage investments to European clients from her base in London, England.
Anne Young, Account Director
As a former client, Anne brings a unique client perspective to Blakely & Associates along with her passion for fundraising, exceptional customer service skills and her strong strategic planning background. Anne has 26 years of experience in the fundraising industry, including 18 years as the Director of Annual Development at Southlake Regional Health Centre. Anne's extensive fundraising experience also includes Director of Gift Planning and Director of Stewardship, which has given her an extremely in depth knowledge of the dynamics of a well-balanced fundraising program. A committed fundraiser, Anne has also held many volunteer positions in her community.
Carolyn Miller, Account Coordinator
Carolyn has an extensive background making sure the big picture becomes reality with her ability to pull together the necessary elements to see the job through. She co-ordinates projects through the various departments of Blakely & Associates to ensure no steps are missed in the process. Carolyn has worked for several large advertising agencies dealing with accounts of national and international scope. Carolyn has superb organization skills, and a strong sense of urgency.
Sue Kelley, Account Coordinator
Sue has over 20 years experience in the direct marketing industry. Her first job began at a record company offering those wonderful 50 & 60's compilation records through 1-800 #'s - back then most orders were for LP or 8-track! From there she moved on to managing the Columbia House Video Library program. At B&A she combines her knowledge of direct marketing with her attention to detail in coordinating client campaigns. Her love of project management and her excellent attitude ensures that clients receive exceptional customer service. As an avid cottager Sue volunteers on her cottage association, not once but twice, coordinating the annual photo contest and managing the merchandise sales.
Janet Tuenschel, Account Director
Gained through years of project management experience, one of Janet's strongest assets is her ability to plan for the bigger picture, while understanding the details. Trained in Raiser's Edge, she brings a unique knowledge of data and is passionate about fund raising, strategy, creative and production processes, and customer service. As a lifelong learner she holds two degrees, an arts degree from the University of Waterloo and a business degree from Pennsylvania State University, and is furthering her education at Ryerson University in the Fundraising Management program.
Kelly Davis, Account Coordinator
With a fifteen-year background in real estate law and bookkeeping, it's second nature for Kelly to focus on the fine details of a project. Her discipline and acute organizational skills are of great benefit to all her clients - Kelly has a keen sense of what is important. Her understanding of the differing and varied needs of local and national clientele provides her with a broad range of skills and insights. Kelly also provides core account responsibility for several clients. Her persistence means projects are handled with efficiency, and with the greatest attention to detail.
Daphne Gibson, Account Coordinator
Daphne brings with her 10 years of experience in operating an international logistics business, emphasizing her ability to focus on the big picture without losing sight of the details. She understands the importance of a deadline and her hands-on experience allows her to effectively manage time and resources. Daphne attended Seneca College Creative Advertising & Broadcasting and has served on several local, not-for-profit boards.
Jeff Eland, Director of Analytics
With an educational background in Mechanical Engineering and Business, Jeff brings to the Blakely team a unique perspective for Data Analytics. He has been involved in the not-for-profit field for several years in both paid and voluntary positions for a wide variety of charities. Jeff's primary responsibilities include managing the Wizard ™ process, analysis of clients' results including trends, and the introduction of new analytics tools to drive our clients' future strategic direction.
Suzanne Parr, Data Analyst & Web Designer
Suzanne's career in data analysis began over 10 years ago in the field of geophysics. In this sector, she gained expertise processing and filtering large bodies of data for map creation and analysis. Suzanne is also an experienced website designer and web programmer who has managed her own business. As an entrepreneur, she possesses the ability to meet client specifications and exceed their expectations. Suzanne is also a dedicated mother whose interests include coaching youth soccer and astronomy.
Michael Huang, Data Analyst
Michael's educational background is in Statistics and Computer Science. He has worked in the data analysis field since 1997. His work in data analysis has spanned the banking, medical research, and marketing industries. His responsibilities at Blakely & Associates include using existing data and clients' information to perform data analysis, data mining and modeling; as well as creating reports and delivering strategies to clients.
Heather Vanderlinde, Creative Director
Heather is responsible for the overall creative direction, development and writing. Heather's previous experience includes working at several major direct response agencies working on a variety of both for-profit and not-for profit clients, including CIBC, IBM, Canadian Tire, Child Find Ontario and Foster Parents Plan. Heather brings to Blakely & Associates a keen sense of creativity, enthusiasm and the strong desire to do good creative work that gets results.
Mary D'Souza, Intermediate Copywriter
Mary applies her diverse writing experience and education in social psychology when developing direct response communication for Blakely & Associates. Mary has coordinated fundraising and marketing for a local not-for-profit organization and written successful proposals for charitable grants, academic research and government agencies. At B&A, she brings her research skills and passion for creativity to every assignment and is committed to producing effective, results-driven communication.
Danja Jakovljevic, Junior Copywriter
Driven by a strong passion for making a difference in her community and beyond, Danja applies her academic knowledge and work experience in the not-for-profit sector to producing creative and effective communication in her role as a copywriter at B&A. As a graduate with a double major in Communication Studies and Professional Writing from York University and a post-graduate diploma in Corporate Communications from Seneca College, Danja possesses a diverse background in the marketing and communications field. Prior to joining the B&A team, Danja worked as a public affairs associate for a major Canadian fundraising organization.
Terry Sauchuk, Art Director
Terry studied graphic & advertising design at Ontario College of Art & Design and Marketing at Ryerson University. He adds over twenty years experience in communications to the Blakely team. His skills include design, art production and project management. For the past 15 years he has worked at a number of major ad/public relations agencies and design studios - ten of those years being freelance. His work experience spans the healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and financial industries. Terry has worked in a variety of media that includes, direct mail, magazine/newspaper, and the web. His quality standards are uncompromising.
Tricia Adler, Graphic Designer
As an artistically expressive and self-inspired person, Tricia applies these abilities to different mediums including: graphic design, painting, photography and ceramics.
Tricia is a graduate from Humber College in the Advertising & Graphic Design and Advanced Photography programs. This, combined with eight years of print industry experience from print houses, design studios and newspapers/magazines, makes her a great complement to our team.
At Blakely & Associates Tricia is determined to produce designs that express our clients' needs in new and imaginative ways. Her vibrant personality, creative nature and technical ability makes her participation in every project an exciting experience.
Tanya Aleinikov, Graphic Designer
As an artist since childhood, Tanya brings her lifelong passion for design to every project. She has more than 10 years experience in graphic design, beginning in Israel where she worked on several popular magazines. Tanya combines a strong academic background, holding a four-year design degree, along with extensive work experience, having worked at a print house and as a corporate in-house designer. She is also multi-lingual, speaking English, Russian, and Hebrew.
Rick Kenyan, Prime Data Manager
Rick holds an honours graduate certificate from The Institute of Computer Studies and an Aerospace Engineering graduate diploma with Computer Science from Ryerson. His business experience consists of a valuable combination of customer satisfaction, account systems and data management. Rick's focus on detail and a "can do" attitude means clients' data is always in good hands.
Dana Williams, Computer Programmer
Database Analyst Dana is a graduate of Seneca College's Computer Programming and Analysis program with several years of data processing experience within the Direct Marketing industry. His previous management and volunteer experience have provided him with considerable insight in which to understand the complex data needs of our clients.
Renuka Shah, Computer Programmer
- Laser Personalization
Renuka possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree from her home country of India, and also a Computer Operations and Programming diploma from Seneca College. Renuka is the Laser Set-up Technician with Prime Data. Her previous experience includes working as an IT Administrator and Computer Operator for 13 years. Renuka brings all of her education and experience to the fine detail required for laser personalization.
Sheila Gregory, Production Manager
Sheila has been providing service to clients in direct mail and mail processing since 1992. Sheila is well known in the direct mail industry, having managed customer service teams, various service operations and direct mail projects for many not-for-profit clients. Sheila's focus at Blakely & Associates is to support the team in the objectives of streamlining production processes, co-ordinating the volume of work, ensuring accuracy & quick turnaround time – all while keeping to budget and with a view to meeting client's needs.
Jennifer Beaton, Production Coordinator
Jennifer's direct marketing career began ten years ago while working in the insurance industry. She joined B&A in 1997 as a production co-ordinator. Jennifer welcomes the challenging task of ensuring campaigns stay on track while trying to streamline processes and improve delivery times.
Shirley Archibald,
Print Production Co-ordinator
Shirley is an integral part of the Blakely production team and is dedicated to providing our clients with excellent service. Shirley's sharp eyes and excellent attention to detail helps keep multiple projects on track and running smoothly. Shirley has many years of production experience and prior to joining the B&A team she worked for a large direct mail children's book distributor as the Print Coordinator/ Marketing Assistant for 10 years.
Karen Metcalf, Production Coordinator
Karen brings many years of direct mail production experience from a clients' perspective. Karen's attention to detail and sense of urgency is a strength that will assist her greatly in her role as Production Coordinator.
Susan Tombs, Production Coordinator
Susan joined the B&A Production Team, bringing with her over 15 years of managing 20-30 multifaceted direct mail campaigns and programs simultaneously. She has worked with a vast array of blue chip clients including major banks and financial institutions, pharmaceutical and health care, non-profit organizations, automotive and professional organizations, including publication mailings. Her proven track record in maintaining a multidimensional client base consistently satisfying client demands, challenges and time lines. Susan is highly acclaimed for having a keen eye for detail and an ability to accurately assess action plans for job execution initiating positive / profitable changes. Excellent internal and client communication skills, especially in unique and/or sensitive situations. She is highly attuned and mindful of client needs and confidently able to take action, consistently ensuring client satisfaction. Resourceful with solutions and the ability to problem solve on the spot and negotiate mutually agreeable stop-gap resolutions.
Anne Parkinson, Accountant
Anne's career as a CMA spans over 15 years, and includes experience in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Since joining the Blakely and Associates team in 2000, Anne's eye for accuracy and ability to meet deadlines has ensured the company's sound financial management. As a volunteer treasurer for the Newmarket Minor Softball Association, Anne also takes an active interest in the community.
Debbie Champ, Executive Assistant
Debbie runs the Blakely & Associates' office and provides administrative support to the company principals, and for that matter, the entire staff. A very competent multi-tasker, Debbie has many years of administrative experience which helps her keep things moving along at B&A. Well organized with a strong intuition, she is able to anticipate the many needs of our busy office. Energetic and always willing to go the extra mile for the staff and our clientele, whether planning a special company function or preparing for trade show events. Originally from La Belle Province, she moved her family to Ontario in 1996 where she worked for a leading vitamin supplement company prior to joining Blakely & Associates.
Heather Eland, CFRE Senior Account Director
Heather's career in the not-for-profit sector spans over 30 years. During that time she has honed her skills as a Board Volunteer, Executive Director, Director of Development and Capital Campaign Manager for several charities. In 1995, she achieved her CFRE designation. Heather brings to Blakely & Associates her skills in all aspects of fund development, strategic planning and marketing, for the benefit of her clients' programs.
Katie Gibbons, Account Coordinator
Katie comes to us from a large consumer electronics organization where she was a sales and marketing coordinator, managing and maintaining customer relationships, for five years. Her two prior positions were in the print advertising industry, where she sold advertisements and worked with graphic artists to produce several special publications. Katie brings to B&A a strong background in print production, excellent communication and problem solving skills and the exceptional customer service skills needed to meet client needs, accurately and effectively, within a fast-paced environment.
Julie Song, Junior Copywriter
Julie's bio will soon be available.