“When I first joined the board, I would be the quietest one at the meetings,” reflects Graham Lyle, past board director and Chair of the Community Foundation. If you know Graham, this might surprise you – he’s not known to be shy. For many years, Graham was the beloved MC at the Foundation’s Comedy Fest fundraisers. “I never saw a mic I didn’t enjoy,” he joked.
Graham joined the Community Foundation early in his career, after learning about it through Chris Hawkins, his colleague at IG Wealth Management and a previous CFSOS board director. It marked his first experience on a not-for-profit board, and he was primarily drawn to help organize the Comedy Fest. At that time, the Foundation was managing about $5 million in assets and was a one-man show, with just the Executive Director as the sole paid employee.
In the early years of his tenure, Graham was primarily an observer. As time passed, he took on more roles, joining the investment committee, bursary committee, and nominating committee. He also served as Board Vice Chair for two years. Graham especially enjoyed his time on the bursary committee and being inspired by the amazing applications from students who had overcome hardship to return to school.
Much has changed during Graham’s 12-year tenure on the board. Today, the Foundation manages $20 million in assets, has a larger team, owns properties as impact investment ventures, and is recognized as one of the more progressive Community Foundations in the country.
“It’s been a pleasure watching the evolution of the Foundation, and it was exciting to see the makings of a progressive board. Being on the board has been such a positive influence for me. I got to learn the ropes, and I have so much more to offer now,” Graham shared. “It took time to get the airplane off the ground, and all our hard work is starting to pay off. I’m so proud of not just how much we’ve given out but also the kind of impact we’ve been able to make.”
The Foundation is incredibly grateful for Graham’s instrumental contributions, his growth into a key leader, and the sense of humor that brightened every room he entered.
