
Leslie McCarley
Vice President, Advancement
About
Leslie leads CIFAR’s Advancement team, which advances private support from individuals, corporations, and foundations. She is a highly respected and entrepreneurial leader with a background in journalism, advertising, and philanthropy, and is known for her integrated and collaborative leadership style.
Leslie has held senior and executive roles in Canada and the United States, including at Heart & Stroke and the University of Toronto, where she worked closely with Boards, and other stakeholders to build philanthropy and partnerships. Prior to joining CIFAR, Leslie was with the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, where she led the development team’s work to advance fundamental research. Throughout her career, she has had an emphasis on research and advancing society.
A native of Toronto, Leslie earned her certification in fundraising management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Mass Communication from Albion College in Michigan. She has also served on several boards, including her current role as a Trustee of the Art Gallery of Ontario.
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CIFAR is a registered charitable organization supported by the governments of Canada, Alberta and Quebec, as well as foundations, individuals, corporations and Canadian and international partner organizations.