Hosted by Vantage Point’s CEO, Zahra Esmail, this episode takes a close look at the challenges of the non-profit sector in our current climate. Zahra meets with President Bacon from UBC, Kevin McCort, CEO of Vancouver Foundation, and Walter Pela, Board Chair of Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, who provide perspectives from the academic, philanthropic, and business sectors. Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon is the 17th President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of British Columbia. With a PhD in neuropsychology from the University of Montreal and a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Glasgow, Dr. Bacon has held several academic leadership roles, including President and Vice-Chancellor of Carleton University. His research focuses on the neurophysiological and cognitive bases of visual and multisensory perception. He is also a national advocate for open conversations about mental health and substance use. Kevin McCort has been the CEO of Vancouver Foundation since 2013, following 25 years of international development work with Canada’s leading global charities. Under his leadership, the Foundation has significantly increased its granting and charitable programs, reaching $2 billion in cumulative grants. McCort also serves on the federal advisory committee on the charitable sector and the Conference Board of Canada. Walter Pela is KPMG's Regional Managing Partner and the Board Chair of Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. With a 30-year career at KPMG, Walter leads conversations on digital transformation, business model disruption, and sustainability. He is recognized as a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants and has been honored as one of BC's Most Influential Leaders. Walter also serves on several boards, including the BC Achievement Foundation and the Pacific Autism Family Network. Together, they discuss the struggles of the non-profit sector, how their respective sectors are being impacted, and what they are doing to support community organizations. *Note that this podcast was recorded before the federal election in Canada that was held on April 25, 2025 Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Humanity Financial, for their support of these important conversations!
Guests:
Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon | University of British Columbia
Kevin McCort | Vancouver Foundation
Walter Pela | Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
Host:
Zahra Esmail | Vantage Point’s Chief Executive Director
Resources:
Vantage Point State of the Sector Reports
BC Non-Profit Network
Vancouver Foundation
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade AI Adoption Program
University of British Columbia
UBC Community Engagement
BC Non-Profit Leadership Conference
Humanity Financial