Coast Funds is pleased to welcome Tamara Isaak to the leadership team as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective October 28. Tamara joins the team during an exciting time on the coast, and will provide financial leadership through period of growth and change at Coast Funds.

Following the close of the Great Bear Sea PFP, Tamara will work closely with Coast Funds’ board and CEO to steward $335 million in new investments, establish new funding streams for participating First Nations, develop policies and financial strategies for the newly-created Coastal Indigenous Prosperity Society, and continue to evolve Coast Funds’ values-aligned investing strategy.

In her new role, Tamara will lead the organization’s finance team and manage financial operations, including accounting and budgeting, financial reporting, investment strategy, and timely disbursement of funds to support coastal First Nations’ investments in ecosystem stewardship and sustainable economic development.

Tamara is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) with 13 years of experience in leadership, financial management, and accounting. Prior to joining Coast Funds, she served in senior financial roles at United Way British Columbia, United Way of the Lower Mainland, and Easter Seals British Columbia/Yukon. She also holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business.

“In my career, I’ve enjoyed navigating complex challenges and supporting organizations to grow in response to new opportunities,” Tamara says. “I’m inspired by First Nations’ leadership in building a conservation economy that supports people and place. Through Coast Funds, I look forward to supporting Nations’ priorities by delivering long-term financing and maintaining strong, sustainable financial systems.”

“Tamara is a proven and impactful leader who shares Coast Funds’ values and commitment to serving First Nations with respect, integrity, and accountability,” says Eddy Adra, CEO. “Her collaborative leadership style and aptitude for change management will serve us well as Coast Funds prepares to deliver new financing and services for First Nations on the coast.”

“I’m inspired by First Nations’ leadership in building a conservation economy that supports people and place.”

As CFO, Tamara will work closely with the CEO and the board’s Investment, Finance, and Audit Committee to develop and implement strategies for managing funds entrusted for First Nations’ projects and priorities, as well as Coast Funds’ operating needs. In her role, she will also work to evolve and grow the organization’s values-aligned investment strategy, which prioritizes Indigenous rights and values alongside environment, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. As a member of the senior leadership team, Tamara will also provide guidance and due diligence on key projects, including new service agreements and project partnerships.

“Over the last 15 years, First Nations have achieved so much by working with Coast Funds to invest in ecosystems and communities,” Tamara says. “With the announcement of the Great Bear Sea PFP, we have an opportunity to build on that legacy and attract new financing to match First Nations’ ambitions for their people and territories.”

Since 2008, Coast Funds has delivered $120 million for over 450 Indigenous-led conservation, economic development, and sustainable energy projects. With these investments, First Nations are strengthening coastal communities, diversifying local economies, and stewarding lands, waters, and life.