About Us
Smith Development & Alumni Relations
We provide resources and services for ~25,000 Smith alumni (Commerce and Masters-suite alumni), including SmithConnect, our exclusive online student and alumni directory and engagement platform, business clubs, networking events, reunion planning, and continuous learning opportunities through Smith Insight. As well, the department offers ways for alumni to give back to their alma mater through sharing their time, knowledge or financial support, to help ‘pay it forward’ to the next generation of business leaders at Smith.
Our Mission
To develop outstanding leaders with a global perspective, and to create new knowledge that advances business and society. Our Vision is to be one of the world's most innovative and influential business schools.
Our Values
- Excellence and innovation
- Respect for self and others
- Ethics and integrity
- Collaborative relationships with alumni, partners, and stakeholders
Development and Alumni Relations Staff
Ylber Kusari
Executive Director, Development & Alumni Engagement
ylber.kusari@queensu.ca
Kayla Ablitt
Director of Development
kayla.ablitt@queensu.ca
Lana Unsworth
Associate Director, Alumni and Donor Relations
lana.unsworth@queensu.ca
Lana Unsworth
Krista is responsible for providing support to Jeanette Hepburn, and supports Jessica Duggan in her Major Gift portfolio.
Krista ensures invoices are paid and tracks the D&AE budget. She works closely with the Dean’s office when it comes to requesting the Dean’s time for meetings and events.
Krista manages the onboarding process to the team and works closely with Laura Brooks to keep the D&AE office operating effectively.
Shelley Hamill
Senior Development Officer
613.533.3369 x 33369
shelley.hamill@queensu.ca
Shelley Hamill
Shelley is responsible for managing the Annual & Reunion Giving portfolio including: class giving, leadership and annual giving, QUIC and QUAAF, EDII, parents giving program, and pledge renewals. She also sits on the Indigenous Initiatives working group.
Shelley manages a pool of major gift prospects primarily located in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. She works closely with Laura Brooks on her major gift portfolio.
Shelley works closely with Jessica Duggan and the Annual & Reunion Giving team: Steph Lunitz, Talia Gordon and RM - TBA.
Melisa Ngan
Senior Development Officer
m.ngan@queensu.ca
Ashley Irvine
Senior Development Officer
ashley.irvine@queensu.ca
Julie Bertoia
Development Officer, Leadership Giving
julie.bertoia@queensu.ca
Jack Seymour
Stewardship Officer
jack.seymour@queensu.ca
Krista Downie
Alumni & Development Coordinator
krista.downie@queensu.ca
Krista Downie
Krista is responsible for providing support to Jeanette Hepburn, and supports Jessica Duggan in her Major Gift portfolio.
Krista ensures invoices are paid and tracks the D&AE budget. She works closely with the Dean’s office when it comes to requesting the Dean’s time for meetings and events.
Krista manages the onboarding process to the team and works closely with Laura Brooks to keep the D&AE office operating effectively.