Allison Alley became Compassion Canada’s fourth president on October 25, 2019. She brings to the role proven leadership, a strong track record of advocacy for children around the world and a firm foundation of faith.
“Allison is a passionate advocate for children who live in poverty,” says Ian Lawson, Chair of Compassion Canada’s Board of Directors. “We are excited about what she brings to the role of President and CEO. Allison has a strong vision for the future for this important organization. She is an innovative thinker who draws the best out of people as she leads.”
Alley spent the early part of her career in the financial sector and first connected with Compassion Canada when her family began sponsoring a child from Ecuador.
“As a family we took one small step of faith and sponsored a child with Compassion named Jimmy,” notes Alley. “The experience of sponsoring this young boy changed the lens through which we looked at the world.”
“I was drawn to Compassion’s commitment to helping children discover God’s love for them while developing healthy minds, bodies and relationships. I loved then what I love now, that Compassion recognizes the local church has the calling, the credibility and the capacity to meet the unique needs in their own communities to see the lives of children and their families transformed.”
Although she did not know it at the time, the choice to sponsor a child would lead Alley into a career change advocating for children around the world and, ultimately, to the role of President and CEO of one of the nation’s leading child development organizations.
Before being named President, Alley led Compassion Canada’s advocacy efforts. In the role she was known for raising awareness of God’s heart for children and the poor with a focus on investing in lives changed here at home.
Through her work with Compassion, Allison has been able to travel around the world, meeting the children we serve.
“I am honoured to be part of building upon Compassion’s legacy in my new role,” says Alley. “It’s a privilege to serve alongside Compassion’s faithful staff and supporters with the aim to see every child living a life free from poverty. As an organization, our unique focus now is to expand our reach, form new partnerships and offerings and enhance the Compassion experience to see even more lives changed—both around the world and here at home.”
Alley succeeds Barry Slauenwhite, who retired from the role in October and noted, “Allison is a passionate and gifted leader who will advance the legacy of the organization. She is the ideal choice to lead Compassion into the future.” Alley became the fourth President in Compassion Canada’s 56-year history.
Alley holds a Master of Arts in Global Leadership with an emphasis in International Development and Urban Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary’s School of Intercultural Studies and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario’s prestigious Ivey Business School. She lives with her husband and two daughters in London, Ontario where Compassion Canada is based.
