Nancy Simmonds, CA, CPA, CIHCM 
Chief Executive Officer 

Nancy Simmonds became the CEO for Heartland Housing Foundation in January 2019. She entered the non-profit housing sector 10 years prior with a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable Albertans. 

Nancy brings over 20 years of experience in management and professional accounting and has been in leadership roles in the social housing sector since 2009 as Controller and Director of Operations. Prior to her career in the housing sector, Nancy was working in her professional accredited field of public accounting at MNP LLP. Her Chartered Accountant designation (CPA) has allowed her the opportunity to lead teams from a unique financial perspective while supporting the invaluable from-the-heart work required of community-based organizations like affordable housing providers.  Her expertise includes managing large scale financial portfolios, planning and implementing strategic developments for housing organizations, and providing financial managerial support for large conversion projects.  

Now, as CEO of Heartland Housing Foundation, she is leading that organization through strategically driven and values-aligned growth while advocating municipally, provincially, and federally for action on housing needs. She proudly lends her expertise and passion to the Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association (ASCHA) as their VP, Northern Region. 

David Paré  
Director of Operations 

David Paré is a skilled leader with over 30 years of experience. He leads projects that demand both excellence and adaptability. He has used his operational skills to help successfully open an 83-unit affordable apartment in Fort Saskatchewan as well as a 144-unit seniors' lodge in Sherwood Park. These projects show his commitment to sustainable and equitable housing.   

David's leadership focuses on action, collaboration, and continuous improvement. He is a certified facilitator in Outward Performance from the Arbinger Institute. He leads with accountability, empathy, and respect. He has improved operational consistency, cost efficiency, and satisfaction at Heartland Housing Foundation. He did this by streamlining processes and setting higher standards. These changes benefit lodges, apartments, and rent supplements.   

David has a rich background in logistics, warehousing, hospitality, sales, marketing, leadership, and entrepreneurship. He has managed multi-million-dollar operations. Now, he aims to make a lasting impact in the non-profit sector. He uses his skills to improve operations, boost organizational growth, and build strong teams. He values diverse perspectives in decision-making, ensuring positive outcomes for both staff and the communities he serves. David’s practical approach and outward-thinking mindset create lasting, positive change. 

Robyn Zachary, CPHR 
Director of Corporate Services 

With over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Robyn brings a wealth of expertise in both the non-profit and industrial sectors. As the Director of Corporate Services at Heartland Housing Foundation, Robyn leads the development and execution of people strategies, policies, and programs that support low-income seniors and families. From HR, payroll, and benefits to health, and safety, Robyn oversees a broad range of areas to ensure the organization runs smoothly and in compliance with all relevant regulations. 

Throughout her career, Robyn has been deeply passionate about creating a positive employee experience. She is committed to fostering a work environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Whether it's through developing effective training programs, addressing employee needs, or implementing strategies that enhance overall well-being, Robyn focuses on making the workplace a rewarding and fulfilling space for staff. 

Robyn also has a solid background in the industrial sector, where she handled everything from recruitment and labour relations to compensation and benefits, all while maintaining compliance with industry standards. 

With a focus on employee engagement, operational efficiency, and compliance, Robyn continues to drive success and foster a culture of growth and well-being, always prioritizing a great employee experience. 

Lara Han, CPA 
Finance Manager 

Lara brings over 20 years of experience in financial accounting and management to Heartland Housing Foundation. She has been the Finance Manager for Heartland Housing Foundation since 2018 and prior supervisory financial experience in Corporate Finance for Alberta Motor Association. Some of her past experiences include financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, project management and team leadership and development. 

In her current role, she is involved in financial planning, board reporting, strategic initiatives, and ensures that Heartland Housing Foundation maintains financial stability for long-term success and future growth. 

Lara has worked for some great companies, but it has been an incredibly fulfilling and humbling journey since joining the non-profit housing sector, as she can see how her contributions have had a direct impact in the communities Heartland Housing Foundation serves. She is passionate about what she does and is committed to providing safe and affordable housing and making a meaningful impact in the housing sector. 

Adrienne Richard 
Strategic Engagement Manager 

Adrienne Richard is the Strategic Engagement Manager at Heartland Housing Foundation, where she has contributed her expertise since 2019. With a strong foundation in strategic planning, policy analysis, communications, event management, and community engagement, Adrienne plays a key role in driving the organization's mission forward. 

She holds a master's degree in Cultural Studies from Trent University and a Public Participation certificate from IAP2. In addition to her work at Heartland Housing, Adrienne serves on the Rural and Remote Advisory Board for the federal Reaching Home program and has previously been a board member of the Alberta Association on Gerontology. Her approach to housing advocacy is guided by a rights-based perspective, emphasizing the vital importance of safe, affordable, and accessible housing in fostering healthy, thriving communities. 

Rob Waite, RPA, CertCIH  
Facility Manager 

Since obtaining his Building Operator’s Certificate in 1990, Rob has continuously dedicated his professional life to the operation, management and development of residential, commercial and institutional property and buildings. After over 25 years of progressive work in the private and public sector as an Operator, Power Engineer and Senior Property Manager, Rob found his true calling in the non-profit housing sector with Heartland Housing Foundation in 2015 and has never looked back. Beginning as a Maintenance professional, Rob moved into an Operations Manager role at Clover Bar Lodge, and then to Central Services to lend his expertise to our leadership team as our Facility Manager. 

Rob’s project management aptitude has been critical in our success with recent development projects like the Clover Bar Lodge replacement and construction of our net-zero Muriel Ross Abdurahman Court family affordable apartment. Additionally, working with the maintenance and project team Rob strives to achieve facility management best practice standards to continue to keep our residents, tenants, staff and visitors safe, comfortable and happy.