Nanaimo Foundation Staff
Laurie Bienert – Executive Director
Laurie Bienert joined Nanaimo Foundation in 2015 as the first staff person in the Foundation’s then 33 year history. As Nanaimo Foundation Executive Director, Laurie’s focus is on building relationships within the community and increasing the Foundation’s granting capacity.
Laurie is enthusiastic about helping others and participating in her community. She is the President of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo, a former President of the Young Professionals of Nanaimo, a Director of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, and has volunteered on several boards of local non-profit organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Vancouver Island and Vancouver Island Mental Health Society. In 2016, she established Mid Island Gives—a civic movement dedicated to giving back, involving 35 organizations in Central Vancouver Island. In 2017, Laurie received a Vancouver Island Top 20 Under 40 Business and Community Achievement Award.
Laurie loves Nanaimo and can often be found picnicking in the evenings and exploring Vancouver Island on the weekends with her partner Ryan. In 2019, Laurie created her own fund at Nanaimo Foundation—a legacy she is building for now and forever for Nanaimo. Prior to moving to Nanaimo in 2015, Laurie was the Alberta Manager of Development for the Canadian Women’s Foundation.
Contact Laurie at 250.667.4292 or [email protected]