Keely Wallace Brings Passion for Philanthropy to MSVU
For nearly her entire career, Keely Wallace has been connecting people with causes that matter. Now, she’s bringing that experience to Mount Saint Vincent University, stepping into the role of Executive Director of Advancement with one priority in mind: building meaningful relationships that fuel impact.
In her new role, Keely will lead the university’s alumni relations and fundraising efforts, building connections with graduates around the world and securing support for initiatives that directly benefit students, faculty and the wider community.
“It’s a privilege to work with and for our alumni all over the world,” Keely says. “The funds we raise bring vital support to bursaries, research and other initiatives that have an immediate and lasting impact at MSVU.”
A Career Built in Philanthropy
Keely’s career has been firmly rooted in philanthropy from the very beginning. Her first role was with the Stephen Lewis Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa in communities affected by HIV and AIDS. There, she worked with local partners, including grandmothers and women who were leading change at the grassroots level.
“I’ve always started from a place of social justice,” she explains. “That’s something I know is a strong tie here at MSVU, so I’m happy to be returning to those roots.”
Her professional path has taken her through both local and national organizations, giving her the chance to contribute to projects with a wide range of scope and scale. She has worked on major community initiatives, including the IWK Foundation’s Telethon for five years, and has also been involved in large-scale, urgent campaigns, including climate disaster relief and humanitarian aid in conflict zones like Ukraine.
These experiences have brought her into contact with people across the Maritimes, throughout Canada and around the globe – all united by a shared willingness to respond to important needs.
Listening First, Leading with Stories
As she steps into her new position, Keely’s first priority is to get to know the MSVU community in depth – from faculty, staff, and students to the university’s powerful network of alumni and supporters.
“I want to really understand the DNA of MSVU,” she says. “That means being curious, hearing stories and talking to people so when we’re engaging with alumni or speaking to donors, we’re all singing from the same songbook.”
Keely also sees donor stewardship as a key part of her early work. She plans to connect with supporters directly, with an emphasis on appreciation. “One of the best ways to get to know our donors is by thanking them,” she says. “Those calls and conversations are a great opportunity to hear their stories and understand why they choose to give.”
Why MSVU?
Keely was drawn to MSVU by the university’s mission and the opportunity to contribute to it in a meaningful way.
“The university’s focus on women, girls and underserved communities immediately resonated with me,” she says. “But just as important is knowing that MSVU students and alumni are foundational members of communities here and across the world.”
Keely points to the many ways MSVU graduates make a difference, including educating children from early learning through to high school and beyond, shaping work and policy on pressing societal issues like aging, nutrition and youth mental health, and driving innovation in research labs, boardrooms and beyond.
“I think it’s remarkable that all of this begins right here at home,” she says. “The ripple effects reach far and wide, changing the fabric of communities around the globe. The chance to be a part of that story, even in a small way, is what really excited me about this role.”
Looking Ahead
Keely officially began in her new role on August 8, 2025. In the months ahead, she looks forward to learning, listening and connecting with the people who make up the MSVU community, and helping share their stories widely and authentically.
“I count myself as fortunate to be joining MSVU,” she says. “This is a place where the values align with the vision, and I’m eager to start weaving into that story and contributing to the university’s success for years to come.”