I live on a remote island on the west coast of British Columbia, where I’ve spent the past several years working closely with nonprofit organizations that are essential in our rural communities.

Over the past twenty years, I’ve worked in operational leadership roles supporting teams and organizations doing meaningful work. Through my time with the Cortes Island Community Foundation, I resourced over 20 nonprofits through governance, operations, and organizational development. I have a close view of the realities leaders face in small communities.

Today, I remain closely connected to community leadership through my board service with the Cortes Island Community Health Association and the Support Our Seniors Society.

Living on a small remote island keeps me grounded in the realities of rural life. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me walking forest trails, drawing inspiration from the land and the people who call this place home.

About Andrea Fisher

  • "Andrea helped us turn a murky, daunting process into a clear, steady path forward. She’s fiercely strategic, wildly enthusiastic, and brilliantly grounded — with a rare gift for seeing both the big picture and the fine details, and somehow making both feel doable."

    ~ Tamara McPhail, Director Linnaea Farm Society

  • “Andrea is a true professional, bringing years of financial expertise to any team, along with exceptional software skills that enhance your budgets, spreadsheets, and grant management."

    ~ Sandra Wood, Cortes Housing Society

  • "She helps us gain skills and build tools to be more productive, efficient, and tap into opportunities that make our organization stronger. It’s rare to find someone both big picture and detail oriented, who’s good with words and numbers.

    ~ Ester Strijbos, Executive Director Support Our Seniors Society

  • "Andrea is a complete joy to work with. She has alleviated so much of my work stress and made projects fun and manageable. Andrea was pinnacle in moving us forward to becoming a non- profit. "

    ~ Tanya Henck, Executive Director Cortes Island Women’s Resource Centre

  • "She has a remarkable ability to ask thoughtful questions that reveal the bigger picture, and then provide specific, articulate feedback that is both clear and actionable. "

    ~ Margaret Verschuur, Director Island DeathCare Society

  • “Andrea is an excellent people manager who strikes the balance of encouraging and empowering while also establishing healthy boundaries. I learned a lot working with her.”

    ~ Ling Lo, Program Director and Social Impact Leader

  • "Andrea brings out the very best in people, encouraging deep dives into one’s strengths and guiding positive, collaborative thinking within organizations and groups. "

    ~ Melanie Boyle, Managing Director, Cortes Island Museum & Archives 

  • “Andrea possesses a strong sense of fairness, justice, and empathy, making her an invaluable consultant in community matters, board governance, and navigating complex issues with compassion for all parties involved.”

     ~ Sandra Wood, Cortes Housing Society

  • “Working with Andrea was invaluable. She seamlessly integrated our staff culture and our organizational mission into every financial discussion.”

    ~ Holly Mackay, Senior Land Manager Hollyhock Retreat Centre

  • “Andrea communicated effectively with all our stakeholders, skillfully facilitating meetings, and helped produce some outstanding documents for our organization’s resilience.”

    ~ Helen Hall, Executive Director Friends of Cortes Island