PolicyWise for Children & Families is excited to announce that Leslie Bergin has joined our team as the new Director of Business & Fund Development.
This move supports our ongoing strategic journey to turn evidence into real impact. Under Leslie’s guidance, we will build stronger relationships across Canada and increase support for our three core areas of work.
Why this matters for communities and partners
Our mission is to support better social policy and practice that improves the well-being of children, youth, families, and communities. We meet people where they are, working together to provide high‑quality evidence for making wise decisions. With Leslie’s expertise, PolicyWise will be able to expand our services to further our mission.
Meet Leslie Bergin, our new Director of Business & Fund Development
Leslie Bergin is a strategic leader with nearly 20 years of experience across post-secondary, health care, and non-profit sectors. She is known for securing transformational donations, building effective teams, and designing evidence‑informed engagement strategies that drive results and sustainable growth.
In senior roles at West Island College, Athabasca University, and the University of Calgary, Leslie led major fundraising campaigns and advancement operations and built networks that expanded reach and impact.
Leslie also brings over ten years of business development experience in the pharmaceutical industry. There, she led sales teams and managed complex client portfolios.
“I’m excited to join the PolicyWise team and help build partnerships and philanthropic support that will strengthen our impact. The opportunity to work collaboratively to improve policy and practice for children, youth, and families is especially meaningful to me.”
– Leslie Bergin, new Director of Business & Fund Development
How this role strengthens our strategic direction
Her work will support our three main areas of practice: Action-Ready Research, Strategic Initiatives, and Accelerated Advocacy. These areas help us turn evidence into practical solutions, build capacity with partners, and drive changes in policy and systems.
For service providers, governments, and social-serving organizations, this means more support to turn ideas into action. Leslie’s work will help us build strong, trusted relationships, mobilize evidence more quickly, and coordinate resources to sustain and expand our research and services.
“I’m excited to welcome Leslie as Director of Business & Fund Development. Her extensive experience will help us raise our national profile, contributing to the next chapter of our growth and impact.”
– Kristine Williamson, President & CEO
Connect with us
As PolicyWise continues to grow and respond to the needs of children and families, we invite service providers, researchers, advocates, and organizations across the social-serving sector to connect with us. Whether you are looking for collaborative research support, tools to strengthen your programs, or ways to expand your impact, we are ready to collaborate with you.
Visit our site to discover resources, learn about our initiatives, sign up for our newsletter, or contact us to start a conversation.
