Simon Adams - Chief Executive Officer
Contact: ceo@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Simon is a mission driven nonprofit executive with more than 25 years of senior leadership experience, including serving as a Chief Executive Officer and leading large organizations through growth and transformation.
He brings a strong track record in strategic planning, governance, and financial stewardship and is passionate about working alongside donors, volunteers, and community organizations to support thriving communities.
Simon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the University of British Columbia and is completing a Master of Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University.
He is deeply committed to community and actively gives back through volunteer leadership on nonprofit boards and committees across British Columbia and Canada.
Lisa Watson - Office Administrator
Contact: lisa@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Paula Mendes - Manager, Community Investment & Donor Stewardship
Contact: paula@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Paula is community driven with a passion for connection, inclusion, and meaningful impact. Drawing from a diverse professional background and years of global experience, she brings a deep understanding of people, cultures, and collaboration.
In her role as Grants & Stewardship Coordinator, Paula applies empathy, strategic communication, and cross-sector insight to support engaged partnerships and strengthen community through thoughtful grantmaking and relationship building.
Her experience across sectors has shaped a strong belief in the power of community led change. She is committed to building authentic relationships, supporting inclusive initiatives, and ensuring that funding opportunities reflect the diverse needs and strengths of the region. Paula approaches her work with curiosity, care, and a deep respect for the lived experiences of those she serves.
Natasha Grandy - Finance Manager
Contact: natasha@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Natasha brings progressive experience in financial management, reporting, and internal controls across a range of industries, including public practice, energy, and investment management. Her background spans multi-entity financial operations, audit coordination, and process improvement, giving her a strong foundation in the financial stewardship and accountability that community foundation work demands.
Natasha holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Accounting from Saint Mary’s University and is completing a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Calgary.
Outside of work, Natasha enjoys music, reading, and spending time with family.
Finance
Contact: gayathri@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Gayathri brings extensive experience in finance, accounting, auditing, and taxation across Sri Lanka and Canada. Her background spans financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, payroll, audit coordination, and regulatory compliance, with diverse exposure to multiple industries through both operational and advisory roles. This has strengthened her expertise in financial stewardship, accuracy, and accountability, as well as her ability to adapt across different organizational environments.
Since relocating to Canada, she has continued to build on this experience through finance and accounting roles within healthcare and non-profit environments, further enhancing her knowledge of Canadian financial practices and operational finance.
Gayathri is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Canada West.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, continuous learning, and contributing to community focused initiatives.
Nicola Baker - Senior Manager, Government Programs at the Central Okanagan Foundation
Contact: nicola@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Nicola Baker is the Senior Manager, Government Programs at the Central Okanagan Foundation, where she leads key federally funded initiatives including Reaching Home, the Alignment Project, and the Veterans Homelessness Program in the Central Okanagan.
She brings a strong track record in strategic planning, program management, and partnership building, and is passionate about working in multidisciplinary teams alongside community partners, funders, and government to address complex challenges. Her experience is grounded in both her consulting career and ongoing volunteer leadership in local and provincial organizations.
Nicola holds a BSc from UBC Okanagan and an MSc in Chemistry from the University of Calgary. She lives in Kelowna with her family and is committed to the long-term well-being of our community.
Ricardo Villegas - Program Manager, Reaching Home
Contact: ricardo@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Ricardo Villegas S. (He/Him) has worked in multiple roles in academia and the non-profit sector as a researcher, teaching assistant, grants administrator, and project coordinator. Before joining the Central Okanagan Foundation, he worked in the Office of Research Services at UBC Okanagan. He also supported a project on precarity and migrant workers in the Okanagan Valley, in collaboration with university faculty and community advocacy groups.
Ricardo holds a Master’s degree in Global Studies from the University of British Columbia Okanagan, specializing in multidisciplinary research on refugees and migrants, public policy, and Canadian foreign policy in Latin America. He obtained an Honours Specialization in International Relations from the University of Western Ontario, which inspired his passion for challenging power imbalances through research initiatives and community engagement.
Outside of work, you will find Ricardo playing sports like soccer and volleyball, hiking, reading, travelling, and trying different food spots throughout the Okanagan.