Richard J. Renaud, President, Roasters Foundation

Richard J. Renaud, FCA, has worked actively in private equity with a discipline for workout situations in Canada and the United States for over 30 years. The sectors include manufacturing, financial services and information technologies.

He is currently chairman of the board of Wynnchurch Capital (private equity), TNG Corporation (Renaud Family office), and a member of 12 corporate board of directors. He is also the Chair of e-Concordia, the Concordia University Foundation, as well as the Chairman of the Board of St. Mary’s Hospital Centre.

Richard Renaud was honoured by Pope John Paul II with the Cross Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice for distinguished service to the Church of Montreal; the Unsung Heroes of Compassion Award from the Dalai Lama; and by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for the National Philanthropy Day Award in Quebec.

Rachel Renaud, Executive Director, Roasters Foundation

Montreal born and raised, Rachel Renaud is currently putting the final touches on her Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Human Sciences at Concordia University. As the Executive Director of the Roasters Foundation, the name of Rachel Renaud has become synonymous with altruistic commitment to this city and its people. As a devoted philanthropist, she is dedicated to educating and enlightening individuals, businesses, foundations, and even government bodies on the importance and implications of charitable giving in our community. Creating a culture for philanthropy is often the most daunting task facing charities, and Rachel Renaud is one of our strongest allies in that regard.

In addition to funding numerous children-related not-for-profit organizations, the Roasters Foundation strives to develop and implement programs for youth in health and education. The Foundation has established non-academic bursaries within numerous Canadian universities as well as educational bursaries for nurses practicing in Pediatric hospitals across the country.

Much of Rachel’s time and energy is allocated to assisting not-for-profit organizations with the nuts and bolts of their organization – structuring them for maximum performance in a contemporary philanthropic environment and empowering them to raise their fundraising bar through benchmarking. Numbered among the impressive list of charities who have profited through Rachel’s expertise are the Montreal Association for the Blind Foundation, where she served as Chair of the Board, St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, Toujours Ensemble, Sainte-Justine’s Hospital Foundation, Place des Arts– all for whom she has served or is a vital and active member of the Board. The numerous committees upon which she has served in the not-for-profit sector have made her an easy choice for fellow Board members and Professional Fundraisers alike who seek her professional counsel and respected advice. She is a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, the Association for Fundraising Professionals and Philanthropic Foundations of Canada. Her personal mission, to which she brings to every project that involves her, is UNITING people to share, exchange and grow. And anyone who has ever had the privilege to work with her can attest to her unfailing energy and irreproachable sincerity, not only as a business woman and a renowned philanthropist, but as a devoted mother to her son - Benjamin, a cherished mentor, and dear friend.

Robyn Dalton, Program and Research Analyst, Roasters Foundation

Robyn Dalton began her career at the Roasters Foundation in February 2008. In the midst of completing her Masters thesis in Public Policy and Public Administration at Concordia University, Robyn has welcomed the opportunity to use the analytical and research skills she developed throughout her degree for her work at the Foundation. As Program and Research Analyst, Robyn’s mission is to optimize the impact of the programs Roasters supports. By evaluating their performance, she seeks to identify their strengths and weaknesses and assess their potential for growth. Through her work, she strives to make the most of the philanthropic endeavors the Roasters Foundation have pursued over the years.

Though new to the world of philanthropy, Robyn has always been driven by her passion for helping others. From volunteering at food banks and fundraisers to working with intellectually disabled individuals, she has always found the reward of such experiences worth so much more than the time given. Now in her current position at the Foundation, she considers it a privilege to be able to make her living by making a difference in the lives of others.