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.
Abbie Norrish - Manager, Grants & Community
Contact: abbie@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Abbie has worked with a wide range of non-profit organizations as an administrator, fundraiser, and executive director, and is excited to continue her career with the Central Okanagan Foundation providing support to the many non-profit organizations working to make our community great. Abbie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Okanagan College, as well as an MBA from the University of Northern BC.
Lisa Watson - Office Administrator
Contact: lisa@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Paula Mendes - Grants & Stewardship Coordinator
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.
Paulyn Chua, CPA - Finance Manager
Contact: paulyn@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Paulyn has called Kelowna home since 2003. She graduated from then the Okanagan University College with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree and was awarded both the Governor General’s Silver Medal as well as the Bachelor of Business Administration Medal for academic excellence. Paulyn received her Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 2005 and has worked in both public practice and industry for over 20 years. She has also owned and managed a licensed daycare for six years as she wanted to be able to be actively participating in her children’s early years, while at the same time feeding her entrepreneurial spirit.
Paulyn joined the Central Okanagan Foundation in November of 2023. Having had many years of experience in the private sector, she now wants to turn her focus on contributing to her community. She has a great passion for helping people and is looking forward to working together with the non-profit organizations of the Okanagan to help create a better community.
When not at work, Paulyn enjoys spending time with her children enjoying the beautiful Okanagan, listening to podcasts, taking dance lessons, crafting, and creating wonderful experiences and memories through travelling the world.
Julie Belgrove - Accounting Technician
Contact: julie@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Julie joined the Central Okanagan Foundation finance team with over 20 years of non-profit accounting experience. She has worked both directly for non-profits in the Okanagan and independently, running a successful bookkeeping business with a focus on the charitable sector. She feels passionate about people in general, and with an education in business accounting, she wishes to remain within the realm of the betterment of mankind.
Moving from the receiving end of the gifts provided, she feels privileged to be able to support those same charities with the funds to sustain their amazing work within our community. The need is growing every year and the generosity of our citizens has touched her immensely.
Niveria Oliveira - Community Entity Manager
Contact: niveria@centralokanaganfoundation.org
Niveria Oliveira (she/her) has worked in the social purpose and profit sector for over 20 years. Prior to joining Central Okanagan Foundation, she worked for Vancouver Foundation creating transformational change in numerous granting programs. She is a graduate of both University of Waterloo and UBC and volunteers her time with WORTH advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in the recreation, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
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.