New head of foundation
Skye Thomas has been appointed as the new executive director of the Kateri Memorial Foundation. Courtesy Skye Thomas
Skye Thomas has always loved being involved in the work of community organizations, and with a wealth of experience planning and supporting local charity events, she said she’s ready to take the lead at the Kateri Memorial Foundation (KMF), where she’s stepping into her new role as executive director.
“I’m really looking forward to strengthening those relationships I have with the community even more,” Thomas said. “I want to strengthen relationships with our donors, look at new fundraising ideas, and really just grow alongside the Foundation, because as much potential I have, I’m really excited to see the potential of the Foundation grow too.”
Thomas comes to the role with not just experience working in fundraising operations – she’s previously owned her own women’s clothing business, GIA Kahnawake, and says her entrepreneurial spirit and understanding of finances will be useful to her role as executive director.
She started at the KMF as an administrative support and donation coordinator in April 2025, and since then has been thoroughly involved in the Foundation’s regular operations, helping to organize events like Tsotso’s Memorial Duck Race and Karonhiaráhstha’s Winter Wonderland.
She’s also been an adaptable member of the organization, navigating last minute support for the annual Charity Golf Tournament, where she managed and coordinated volunteers.
“My knowledge from already being at KMF really helped solidify the trust that the board has in me, and I’m really grateful to them for giving me this opportunity,” Thomas said.
The last executive director of KMF was Brooke Deer, who left the organization in the spring 2024. Since then, the Foundation has operated without an executive director, with the board focusing on restructuring and organizational planning.
Candance Snook, interim president of KMF’s board of directors, said that the board is happy to welcome Thomas to the role.
“We are very pleased, and we believe in the potential Skye has to be successful in this new role,” Snook said. “Skye has demonstrated the skills, professionalism, and the commitment needed for this position, and we are confident in her ability to support the ongoing growth of the foundation.”
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The first major event for Thomas to oversee will be the Charity Golf Tournament, which will be taking place in June of this year. Until then, she’ll be focusing on getting acquainted with the key duties of an executive director and familiarizing herself further with the operations of the Foundation.
“It’s still going to be a learning curve for me, but I think the board really sees my potential and willingness to learn, and my commitment to what the KMF is, what it stands for, and what it does for the community,” Thomas said.
