Kids Brain Health Foundation (KBHF) is pleased to welcome Shannon Gill as its new Chief Fund Development Officer. With over 20 years of experience in the government and non-profit sectors, Shannon brings a wealth of expertise to help drive sustainable growth and create a lasting impact.
After serving as Chief of Staff under four Government of Alberta ministers and holding leadership roles in educational institutions, Shannon is returning to the world of philanthropy—this time, with a focus on helping children with neurodevelopmental disabilities live their best lives.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Kids Brain Health Foundation because every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Connecting donors to life-changing scientific innovations is about more than just funding research—it’s about creating a lasting impact on lives. By bridging generosity with discovery, we turn possibilities into progress, ensuring that breakthroughs in science reach the children and families who need them most.”
For nearly a decade, Shannon led Brock University’s annual giving program, increasing its annual revenue tenfold during her tenure and pioneering new donor engagement strategies. Her strategic acumen extended to Alberta’s political landscape, where she directed fund development for a major political party. She also held leadership positions in the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Status of Women, and Ministry of Seniors and Housing.
“We have many ongoing initiatives at KBHF that align with our new focus on accelerating the implementation of solutions under the Strategic Science Fund,” said Kids Brain Health Network CEO Geoff Pradella. “We were fortunate to find Shannon, who has a proven track record in fund development.”
Scaling innovation is nothing new to Shannon. In previous roles, she successfully secured funding to broaden regional senior services to a province-wide program serving 34 communities across Alberta. She also founded SG Strategies, where she provided management, governance and fundraising expertise for clients in the non-profit, education and political sectors.
Kids Brain Health Foundation Board Chair Dr. Sheila Laredo expressed confidence in Shannon’s leadership. “KBHF has demonstrated that philanthropic efforts can transform pediatric brain health. I look forward to the impact Shannon will bring to expand our initiatives to support more children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.”
Beyond her professional achievements, Shannon is an active member of her local community in Grande Prairie. She volunteers in political and public service organizations, consulting on campaign and fund development strategies.
“My mission is to ignite strong relationships and collaborations, as they are the key to success in developing and implementing results-driven strategies for sustainable growth,” said Shannon.
Since 2016, the Kids Brain Health Foundation (KBHF) has been a driving force in transforming the future for neurodiverse children. As the vital support arm of the Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN), KBHF is dedicated to training the next generation of researchers, equipping communities with essential tools and knowledge, and turning cutting-edge research into real-world solutions—faster diagnoses, effective prevention, and life-changing therapies. Every donation to KBHF fuels the development and expansion of programs that empower children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, unlocking their full potential and reshaping lives. Join us in building a brighter future—one breakthrough at a time.
