As CCAE prepares to say farewell to its first full-time President/ Executive Director, the Board expresses its deep gratitude for Mark Hazlett’s leadership and collegiality over the past 15 years.
Change has been a continuous feature of the landscape for Mark, who spent half his 30-year career in alumni relations and development at Queen’s (1993 – 98), Laurentian (1998 – 2001) and University of New Brunswick (2001 – 08) — volunteering with CCAE at every step — and the latter half leading the association.
While Mark Hazlett is reluctant to reflect on his own contributions to Canadian advancement, he readily shares observations from his career in the advancement trenches and as the founding Executive Director, and now President and CEO, of CCAE.
Centralizing CCAE’s structure was a major shift early in Mark’s tenure at the helm of the association. Regional Boards had previously organized events, offered scholarships, and maintained their own funds. Mark steered the change to centrally organized programming and budgeting, rotating National Conferences and workshops to each region. Members’ affiliation with CCAE did not waver during the adjustment.
Initially, Mark planned and organized all of CCAE’s educational programs, working with the association’s robust and loyal cadre of volunteers. While each National Conference had an organizing committee comprising CCAE members from local institutions, Mark shepherded all other programming. Janet Gottlieb Sailian served as part-time Communications Consultant from 2009 to 2018.
Now, notes Mark: “CCAE is in great shape thanks to a strategically focused, dedicated Board and two very talented, hard-working staff members: Tara Sandler, Director, Strategic Education & Engagement (since 2015) and Kara Perz, Director, Strategic Communications & Marketing (since 2018). Tara and Kara have built a huge network across the advancement sector, up and down institutional hierarchies.”
Advancement itself has changed and grown tremendously in the past 15 years. “Investment and specialization in the advancement space has become enormous,” Mark says, pointing to the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia and University of Calgary that each boast over 300 advancement staff. “That growth and investment has led to great success; not just in securing mega-gifts, but layered down through all areas of advancement and at all types of institutions: universities, colleges and independent schools.”
The profession has become highly specialized, with staff in larger shops focused on niches such as communications or fundraising specifically for research projects, student support, individual academic faculties, and alumni generations. “It’s now a data-driven world,” Mark adds. “Statistics rule. This has brought a laser focus on metrics and deliverables. Advancement has to show its value in every area.”
Mark says all staff at educational institutions need to be engaged in advancement. “Job descriptions should specify the importance of development and engagement work in each role.”
Institutional and academic leaders have absorbed this message, with Presidents and Principals devoting major portions of their schedules to volunteer liaison, fundraising, engaging with alumni, and — at independent schools — with parents and grandparents.
Mark notes that, in larger institutions, University Deans now largely fund the development office in their own faculty. The ongoing popularity of CCAE’s annual Development for Deans workshops testifies to the value of this focus. In 2023, an independent school sent teaching and administrative staff to this workshop to learn from higher-education examples of synergy between academics and advancement.
“Knowledge transfer about advancement into the academic world has been revolutionary.”
Membership and program growth
With 145 member institutions serving more than 4,500 advancement professionals across Canada, CCAE has found innovative ways to serve members during and emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic. “I spent a great deal of time communicating with and listening to senior leaders,” says Mark Hazlett. Their needs drove one highly valued tool: a dashboard for each member institution that pinpoints membership step, awards applied for and earned, number of staff who participated in professional development (PD) programs as attendee or presenter, and CCAE-provided funds available for PD.
Past Board Chair Derek Cassoff (2020 -22), Managing Director, Communications at McGill University, says:
“Mark was already an iconic figure in advancement when I joined the CCAE Board in 2015. He’s a quiet, low-key person who lets volunteers and members drive the organization. Mark thinks a step ahead, always. He knew where he wanted CCAE to be and he can take immense pride and satisfaction in accomplishing that.
Mark Hazlett has elevated the profile of CCAE across Canada and in the U.S. One of the most important measures of success is leaving the place better than you found it. Mark has certainly done that in guiding CCAE to be a much more professional organization.
Mark’s incredible leadership during the pandemic helped CCAE flip its professional development model overnight. We all relied so much on in-person networking, and suddenly that had to reorient completely. Mark accomplished this for CCAE through staff commitment, vision, and innovation.”
CCAE has functioned on a remote-staffed model for 15 years, and used that experience to tweak its professional development repertoire. “We took lessons from CCAE in how to work, stay productive, and collaborate remotely,” says Derek. “CCAE has been a pioneer in online and hybrid platforms. The organization came out of the pandemic even stronger and more nimble.”
From in-person and hybrid Summits and workshops to webinars, and now the reinstated, highly popular National Conference, CCAE members have access to ample professional development and networking choices.
Since 2020, CCAE has offered a successful Colleges and Institutes Summit to serve this growing segment of CCAE membership. While advancement has many common themes and issues, college advancement professionals have unique needs for professional development based on their institutions’ structure and mandates.
Independent schools are another important sector of CCAE membership. The current Chair-elect, Brent Johnston of Country Day School, will be the first Chair of the Board of CCAE from an Independent school.
Volunteers are the driving force behind the relevance of CCAE and the delivery of its exceptional programs. Each year, nearly 300 advancement professionals at CCAE member institutions volunteer to plan and present programs, and judge awards competitions, that showcase best practices, insights, and lessons from the field.
Writes former Board Chair Jason Moreton (2014 – 16), Vice-President (External), University of Guelph:
“When I think of CCAE, I immediately associate it with Mark Hazlett. I entered the profession in 2005, and at that time, Mark was actively involved with CCAE as a volunteer. He wholeheartedly championed the importance of professional development and the creation of a network of peers. I never forgot his advice, and I took it to heart by getting involved, a decision that has greatly benefited my career.
I was consistently impressed by his passion for the work and his deep appreciation for the talented individuals in our profession. Mark has played a central role in driving the growth and elevation of CCAE over the years. His influence in pushing for the organization’s development is undeniable.
On a personal note, Mark has been a friend to many of us, including myself. He places great importance on building and maintaining relationships. Mark deserves the next phase in his journey. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors, just as he has always wished for the success of professionals in our field.”
Indispensable relationships with National Partners and Sponsors
In 2023 CCAE celebrated 25 years working with National Partner, TD Insurance, to offer the TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Fellowships in Advancement (TDIMM). “TD has been a deeply engaged partner, and supporting these Fellowships demonstrates their commitment to building the capacity of the Canadian advancement profession hand in hand with CCAE,” says Mark.
The 64 emerging advancement professionals who have received TDIMM Fellowships to date have helped build Canada’s advancement capacity, and gained successful careers in advancement and other fields.
Longtime TD Insurance liaison with CCAE, Scott Grant, Market Lead, Atlantic Affinity Market Group for TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, observes:
“Mark has been a tremendous support behind the TDIMM Fellowship program. His commitment to it shows his passion for continually improving the advancement field. He helped us open this great career path to up and coming young people and ensured Fellowship recipients were of top caliber, while following up, opening doors and using his contacts to support them. Also, Mark is always diligent at ensuring CCAE programs are timely, useful, actionable, and meaningful. Members take significant learning back to their advancement shop every time.”
Writes Carmelina Manno, National Director, Partnerships and Business Development at Manulife, a National Partner since 2020:
“Mark has been a great partner. Manulife was always happy with the collaborative relationship and our placement as National Partner at the National Conference. While it is cause for celebration as we send him off, Mark’s farewell leaves me saddened. He personally encouraged me when I stepped into my role in alumni in 2014, and our relationship has grown. He has been a mentor who was willing to give so much of his time and energy to inclusivity and teaching. Mark Hazlett is a gem. We wish him and his family nothing but the very best in his new chapter.”
Expanded and strengthened sector partnerships
“CCAE’s relationship with CASE has been in the forefront of our productive, strategic alliances with other organizations,” says Mark Hazlett. “CASE President and CEO Sue Cunningham has opened the door to great partnerships and projects. We are in the fifth year of our annual joint Canadian survey on philanthropy in education, which has helped CCAE members benchmark the work of their shops.
Writes Sue Cunningham:
“Over the years, Mark and CCAE have been generous collaborators with CASE as we together seek to ensure advancement leaders have the tools, knowledge and connections to champion education as a transformational experience – not just for students and families, but for communities and nations. Mark has always been a thoughtful connector – and through his leadership and vision, the trust and rapport that exist between CCAE and CASE is truly impressive and perhaps never stronger.”
Mark adds: “The CASE U.S. – Canada Council is just one avenue that CASE uses to ensure Canadian input and participation in its programs. CASE Commissions and committees always include Canadian members. We are very present at that table. Perhaps one day the CASE – NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) philanthropy survey can be adapted to Canada, to benefit our growing independent school membership.”
Mark characterizes CCAE’s partnership with Independent School Advancement Professionals of Canada (ISAP) as productive, with possibilities for more growth and collaboration. ISAP members regularly attend CCAE’s annual Independent Schools Summit.
On philanthropy and related issues, CCAE has partnered with Imagine Canada and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) to submit comment on legislation related to privacy, taxation and other topics. Most recently, the education, gift planning, and charitable sectors have spoken out against the proposed Alternative Minimum Tax on high-income individuals, which could deter charitable donations if enacted.
Looking ahead, Mark sees potential for deeper collaborations with Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada, to serve CCAE members and expand awareness of CCAE benefits to more institutions.
New areas of focus in the 2023 – 27 Strategic Plan
Says current CCAE Board Chair Julie Davis, Vice-President, External Relations and Development, Trent University:
“Mark has remained curious and informed about the forces shaping our sector. Throughout the most recent strategic planning process, he provided critical context and insights; guiding the Board to develop an ambitious and future-forward plan. As advancement professionals adapt to a rapidly changing environment, Mark has ensured our association is not only keeping pace, but providing the leadership and inspiration our members need to succeed.”
The new strategic plan will drive CCAE’s focus on elevating the profession, inspiring and engaging the advancement community, partnering with complementary organizations across sectors, celebrating volunteers, and generating growth through sponsorships and investment in member services.
The 2023-27 strategic plan features explicit commitments to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), Anti-Racism (AR), and advancing the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). These commitments reflect a top priority to diversify the Canadian advancement profession and help member institutions do the same. They encompass how we can engage with diverse students, alumni and donors in exemplary ways, and how we support CCAE members to advance the TRC Calls to Action.
Advancement has far to go in recruiting talent among Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Colour (BIPOC) candidates, says Mark. This major challenge is shared by human resources departments at all educational institutions.
“Embedding equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging are essential for CCAE and advancement to become truly representative,” says Mark. “We need to do better to attract, welcome, and retain people from marginalized communities to our profession — as members, presenters, and audiences for our professional development programs. Younger CCAE members are absolutely committed to this. They want it to happen yesterday.”
A tremendous impact on Canadian advancement
Jeff Todd, a past Chair of the CCAE Board (2016 – 18) and currently President and CEO of the University of New Mexico Foundation, sums up:
“Mark has had an extraordinary impact on the growth and development of the educational advancement ecosystem across Canada. It was such a privilege for me to work closely with Mark while serving on the Board and as Chair. He truly had his finger on the pulse of the advancement community’s needs across the country, and seemingly knew colleagues at every institution.
Mark excelled at maintaining relationships with CCAE members, and actively and generously facilitated networking and programming to share best practices. His commitment to CCAE, the importance of advancement to our Canadian academic institutions, and to our professional community throughout Canada has been unparalleled.”
At the end of the year, the CCAE community celebrations culminated in a tribute to Mark Hazlett, to recognize and ensure he truly felt honoured by all of us for the amazing work and accomplishments over the past 30 years of CCAE. We would have loved to invite all 4000+ CCAE members to this occasion, however we are now pleased to share a video tribute to Mark from many of his friends in the CCAE community both past and present:
The CCAE Board CCAE Board members devote great talent and energy to helping CCAE steer a fiscally prudent and sustainable course, following its mission and guiding principles. CCAE could not function without these exceptional volunteers.
CCAE Board Chairs Frank Lockington, St. Lawrence College: 2008 – 10
Mary Williams, McMaster University: 2010 –11
Melana Soroka, University of Saskatchewan: 2011 – 13
Kathy Arney, The Banff Centre: 2013 – 14
Jason Moreton, University of Guelph: 2014 – 16
Jeff Todd, University of British Columbia: 2016 – 18
Gillian Morrison, University of Toronto: 2018 – 20
Derek Cassoff, McGill University: 2020 — 22
Julie Davis, Trent University: 2022 — 24
Mark Hazlett, CCAE’s President & CEO has confirmed his plans to step down from the association after 15+ years of service to the CCAE community and will complete his role as of December 2023.
Mark’s involvement with CCAE began at its inception in 1993, as a regional Board member, and after an illustrious career in advancement at Queen’s University, Laurentian University and the University of New Brunswick he became the first full-time Executive Director of the association in 2008. Most recently, in 2020 he was appointed President and CEO.
His contributions to the Canadian advancement sector have benefited member institutions and advancement professionals in many ways. Mark has grown the association from its modest beginnings to where it is now – playing an essential role within the Canadian advancement sector by building the capacity and impact of our members. It is through his leadership, in collaboration with the CCAE Board of Directors, that the association is so well positioned to continue its important work.
Mark will be truly missed by CCAE’s staff, volunteers, sponsors, National Partners and the many individual members he connected with over the years. Please join us in recognizing his outstanding work, and wishing him the very best in the next phase of his life.
The Executive Committee of the Board will undertake the process of finding Mark’s successor and will advise of future opportunities to celebrate and thank Mark for his contributions.
Julie Davis
Chair of the CCAE Board
Vice-President External Relations and Development, Trent University
After 30 years with CCAE – 15 as a volunteer and 15 as President/CEO – it is time for me to step down.
In my early days, CCAE helped me learn about the educational advancement profession through its many education programs and networking opportunities. More recently it has taught me how essential this sector is to education in Canada, and in a more meaningful way, how important CCAE is to the education and development of talent and leadership for Canadian education institutions.
I would not for a minute try to name all the people I have worked with over 30 years, because I would likely forget someone. To all these amazing, talented people – thank you. Specifically, to those in the past 15 years around the CCAE Board table, especially the Board Chairs; and to CCAE’s small, but mighty team – Tara Sandler and Kara Perz – I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work with such talented people.
CCAE is on very solid ground – a well-respected voice in the educational advancement sector, with a solid strategic plan, strong leadership, and a very experienced staff and administrative team. The future looks very bright.
Mark Hazlett
“They say there is no greater testament to one’s professional success than leaving the place in better shape than you found it. There is no doubt that Mark is leaving CCAE in excellent shape. He took over an organization that was still in search of its mission and purpose, and through hard work, tenacity and a far-reaching vision, he has built it into a powerhouse that has emerged as the most important voice in the Canadian advancement landscape. Our profession, and the institutions we represent, owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Mark, and we wish him the very best in this next chapter of his journey.”
Derek Cassoff Managing Director, Communications, McGill University CCAE Board Member and immediate Past Chair
“One of the greatest joys in leading CASE is the opportunity to build community and partnership around the world. I have very much valued our relationship with CCAE under Mark’s long and dedicated leadership. He has been deeply committed to our work together to best serve the educational advancement community in Canada. It has been a joy to work with Mark and the CCAE Board and staff, to realise several valuable collaborations including our CASE Insights on Philanthropy (Canada) in partnership with CCAE.”
Sue Cunningham President & CEO, Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
To celebrate 25 years of TDIMM fellowships in Advancement CCAE and TD Insurance interviewed past fellowship recipients to find out where they are now and what impact their fellowship made. Here is the third interview featuring Zachary Robertson of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) (2020 TDIMM fellowship recipient) and Scott Grant of TD Insurance.
The 2023 CCAE Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in person at the 2023 CCAE National Conference at the Hyatt Regency Calgary in Calgary, Alberta on Thursday, May 25, 2023, beginning at 12:20 p.m. Mountain.
See below for the AGM agenda and meeting documents.
“Mark was already an iconic figure in advancement when I joined the CCAE Board in 2015. He’s a quiet, low-key person who lets volunteers and members drive the organization. Mark thinks a step ahead, always. He knew where he wanted CCAE to be and he can take immense pride and satisfaction in accomplishing that.
“When I think of CCAE, I immediately associate it with Mark Hazlett. I entered the profession in 2005, and at that time, Mark was actively involved with CCAE as a volunteer. He wholeheartedly championed the importance of professional development and the creation of a network of peers. I never forgot his advice, and I took it to heart by getting involved, a decision that has greatly benefited my career.
“Mark has been a tremendous support behind the TDIMM Fellowship program. His commitment to it shows his passion for continually improving the advancement field. He helped us open this great career path to up and coming young people and ensured Fellowship recipients were of top caliber, while following up, opening doors and using his contacts to support them. Also, Mark is always diligent at ensuring CCAE programs are timely, useful, actionable, and meaningful. Members take significant learning back to their advancement shop every time.”
“Mark has been a great partner. Manulife was always happy with the collaborative relationship and our placement as National Partner at the National Conference. While it is cause for celebration as we send him off, Mark’s farewell leaves me saddened. He personally encouraged me when I stepped into my role in alumni in 2014, and our relationship has grown. He has been a mentor who was willing to give so much of his time and energy to inclusivity and teaching. Mark Hazlett is a gem. We wish him and his family nothing but the very best in his new chapter.”
“Over the years, Mark and CCAE have been generous collaborators with CASE as we together seek to ensure advancement leaders have the tools, knowledge and connections to champion education as a transformational experience – not just for students and families, but for communities and nations. Mark has always been a thoughtful connector – and through his leadership and vision, the trust and rapport that exist between CCAE and CASE is truly impressive and perhaps never stronger.”
“Mark has had an extraordinary impact on the growth and development of the educational advancement ecosystem across Canada. It was such a privilege for me to work closely with Mark while serving on the Board and as Chair. He truly had his finger on the pulse of the advancement community’s needs across the country, and seemingly knew colleagues at every institution.
