Kris Fernet is Director of Annual Giving & GrantWorx at Touchworks Communications Inc., where he leads data-driven fundraising strategy, grant development, and donor communications for social purpose organizations across Canada.

With nearly three decades of experience, Kris specializes in building and managing high-performance Annual Giving programs through direct mail, email marketing, and donor analytics. He combines sharp strategic thinking with meticulous data hygiene and a deep understanding of what drives donor action.

Kris began his fundraising career in 1998 as a door-to-door canvasser in Calgary, quickly rising to become the owner and managing director of a direct response agency that employed more than 130 staff and served the social impact and performing arts sectors exclusively. In 2007, he joined Touchworks as an account manager, later holding senior fundraising roles at the Canadian Cancer Society, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Hull Services, TELUS Spark Science Centre, and Epilepsy Calgary.

He returned to Touchworks in 2023 to lead its growing Annual Giving and GrantWorx divisions, helping clients modernize their fundraising systems with tailored strategy, campaign execution, and precision grant writing.

Kris has been an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) since 2002, including service on the AFP Calgary and Area Chapter board and as Vice-Chair of National Philanthropy Day 2024. He is currently a member of AFP Interior BC and AFP Calgary & Area.

Born and raised in Calgary, Kris lives there with his partner, Deanna, and a turtle named Sandy. He travels frequently to Kelowna, BC, and enjoys fishing, ancient history, and a good dataset.