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Coast Funds Welcomes New Team Members
During an exciting time of growth, we’re expanding our team to deliver new funding and additional services for First Nations on the Great Bear Coast.
Coast Funds is growing its team to build capacity to deliver new funding through the Great Bear Sea PFP and to enhance services for all the First Nations we serve.
In recent weeks, Coast Funds has welcomed three new staff members: Aimee Nygaard (Development Manager), Logan Griffiths (Communications Specialist), and Jessi Goss (Executive Administrator), who will support our work with participating First Nations to secure funding for their priorities, share impactful stories, and sustain strong relationships.
“Building capacity is not just about adding to our team—it’s about ensuring we have the right people in place to deliver the financing and services First Nations expect from us,” says Eddy Adra, Coast Funds CEO.
“I am thrilled to welcome Aimee, Logan, and Jessi as we continue to grow and strengthen our work in service of First Nations on the Great Bear Coast. Their expertise, passion, and fresh perspectives will be instrumental in advancing Coast Funds’ mission to partner with First Nations in achieving their goals for conservation, stewardship, and economic development.”
Get to know our new team members below.
Aimee Nygaard, Development Manager
As Development Manager, Aimee works with First Nations and philanthropic partners to secure funding for Indigenous conservation, stewardship, and community development. Prior to joining Coast Funds, Aimee managed the fundraising strategy and program evaluation of Indigenous fire stewardship projects with Gathering Voices Society. She also worked for nearly a decade with the BC Women’s Health Foundation, where she nurtured philanthropic partnerships to inspire investment in women’s health care and research.
Aimee is passionate about building meaningful relationships that can strengthen communities and advance First Nations’ stewardship.
“As someone who cares deeply about the health of the coastal ecosystems and communities, Coast Funds’ model of Indigenous-led conservation finance is incredibly inspiring,” Aimee says. “I am excited to build good relations with forward-thinking funders and philanthropists who support First Nations’ visions and goals – supporting communities to thrive for generations to come.”
A fifth-generation settler, born in the beautiful territory of the Nuxalk Nation (Bella Coola), Aimee now lives in Vancouver as a guest on the unceded, ancestral, and sacred territory of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. In her downtime, she can usually be found walking her dog, gardening, or in the mountains.
Logan Griffiths, Communications Specialist
As Communications Specialist, Logan works with the communications team to lead story development and craft compelling communications materials that celebrate First Nations’ achievements in stewardship, conservation, and economic development.
Logan previously worked in the not-for-profit, arts, and cultural sector coordinating stories and programs for diverse artists at Centre for Stories (Perth, Australia).
“Sharing and listening to stories holds a special place in my heart,” Logan says. “Stories from diverse perspectives and communities are often misrepresented or not always given time in mainstream media. I am excited to support First Nations peoples to share their authentic stories and continue amplifying their voices.”
She has worked on multimedia projects and publications in partnership with the WA Museum Boorla Bardip, State Library of Western Australia, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, Fremantle Press, and more. She is passionate about inclusive and thoughtful storytelling that supports first-person narratives, truth telling, and well-being.
Logan was born on Gadigal Country in Warrane Sydney, Australia, and grew up on the unceded lands of the Whadjuk Noongar Nation in Boorloo Perth. She now lives, works, and plays on the unceded lands of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. For fun, Logan likes to read, crochet, and admire the horizon.
Jessi Goss, Executive Administrator
As Executive Administrator, Jessi works to support our CEO, Board of Directors, and Members in all functions, managing and implementing the administration of governance, communications, and operations of Coast Funds.
Jessi previously worked in ocean conservation as Executive Coordinator at Ocean Wise Conservation Association. While working there, she saw the power of having Traditional Ways of Knowing intersect with scientific research, and became a passionate advocate of the importance of Indigenous-led conservation.
“My job is to make other people’s jobs easier. I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to join an organization that works to uplift and support the work of First Nations on the coast,” Jessi says. “I look forward to the chance to contribute as we work with First Nations to invest in conservation and community development.”
Jessi is grateful to live on the traditional and unceded territory of the q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), Máthxwi (Matsqui), and se’mya’me (Semiahmoo) Nations. Her spare time is taken up with crafting, travel, and being the guardian of two very silly dogs.
