Coast Funds is pleased to welcome Eau-Vive Heppenstall to the leadership team as the new Senior Director of Projects and Operations, effective February 24, 2026. Eau-Vive joins the team during a period of growth and, in this new role, will lead internal operations, strengthening Coast Funds’ capacity for serving First Nations in advancing conservation and economic development goals in their territories.

As the internal counterpart to the CEO, Eau-Vive will lead the day‑to‑day management of core programs, including fund administration for First Nations, and will oversee human resources and office operations.

“I’m really excited to have Eau-Vive join Coast Funds’ team,” says Eddy Adra, CEO. “Her experience and values alignment to the work we do will allow us to deepen our roots and strengthen our team as we embark on our new strategic plan. I look forward to furthering Coast Funds’ service model to the many First Nations we support.”

Eau-Vive brings 25 years of experience across a variety of sectors, including private financial services, First Nations economic development, and environmental services, and brings deep expertise in governance, operations and organizational leadership.

I have always been committed to work that advances First Nations’ self‑determination.

Through her career, she has built strong, values‑aligned relationships and worked in close collaboration with Indigenous governments and communities, supporting their capacity building, financial resilience, and long‑term strategic planning.

“I have always been committed to work that advances First Nations’ self‑determination,” says Eau-Vive. “Coast Funds’ mission, vision, and values resonated with me immediately, making this role a natural alignment of purpose.”

“I look forward to building on the significant achievements Coast Funds has realized to date, and to supporting the organization’s long-term growth and success,” she says. “I am excited to work for an Indigenous-led organization that supports First Nations on their journeys to define, lead, and shape the future of their communities.”

In her new role, Eau-Vive will work closely with the CEO, Director of Stewardship Funding, and Director of Economic Development.

Eau-Vive holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University. A fifth-generation settler of French ancestry, she grew up on the territory of the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ (Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, Kwiakah), K’ómoks, ƛohos giǰi (Klahoose) and Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) Nations and now resides on the unceded territory of the Semiahmoo, q’ʷa:nƛ̓ən (Kwantlen) and sc̓əwaθenaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsawwassen) peoples with her two sons, cat, and dog.

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