Linda Mickelson
Chief Executive Officer
 Linda Mickelson grew up in Calgary and had a successful career in Ontario’s fashion and textile industry before settling in Saskatoon to raise three daughters. Community volunteerism led to a new career with the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Saskatchewan and then Alberta.
In 1998, cancer became personal when her oldest daughter, Kristin, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease and treated successfully at the Cross Cancer Institute.
“I was grateful for the research and outstanding care that saved my daughter’s life,” says Mickelson. “So it’s a privilege to work with donors and volunteers to ensure that other families benefit.” In 1999 she accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Mickelson introduced numerous fundraising initiatives including the Cash and Cars Lottery, the Weekend to End Breast Cancer and the Ride to Conquer Cancer. These activities helped grow fundraising revenue from $3.5 million in 1999 to more than $20 million annually today and fueled the steady increase of cancer research in the province.
“We’re proud to support patients and families at Alberta’s 17 cancer treatment centers,” says Mickelson. “In just 10 years, we’ve seen many advances in diagnosis, prevention and treatment as a result of research but we’re working towards the day when we’re not needed.”
Lee Elliott
Chief Communications Officer and Director of Strategic Initiatives
Lee Elliott came to the Alberta Cancer Foundation in 2006 as director of communications for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Alberta Cancer Board. With the amalgamation of health regions under Alberta Health Services, she moved full time to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Lee previously served as director of public affairs for the University of Alberta, director of public affairs for Concordia University College of Alberta and communications associate at the Alberta Teachers’ Association.
Lee has seen both sides of cancer. She lost her 20-year-old daughter, Erin, to leukemia in 2001 and her father is a colorectal cancer survivor.
“When someone you love is fighting cancer, you just wish there was something you could do.” says Lee. “Now that I am privileged to work for the Alberta Cancer Foundation, I know there is something each of us can do.”
Daryl Silzer
Chief Development Officer (acting), Director of Annual Giving
Daryl has more than 12 years experience in fundraising leadership and program management with a solid background in strategic business and budget planning. Partnership building and maximizing revenue growth potential for charitable organizations has been recognized as a key strength.
Prior to joining the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s team, Daryl worked as the Financial Development Manager for the Canadian Red Cross – Western Canada.
Although Daryl, his wife Denise, and two young sons are new to Alberta, his drive to support the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s vision of a cancer-free future is not. He has had several members of his family battle cancer, including his brother-in-law who received treatment in Edmonton in his fight against osteosarcoma of the mandible. “I believe a cancer-free future is achievable in my lifetime,” says Daryl. “I’m glad to be a part of making it possible.”
Raazmina Youn
Manager, Donor Information
Raazmina Youn was born and raised in Fiji and moved to Canada at 15. She’s specialized in the not-for-profit sector and brings more than 15 years experience in project management, software process development, conversion and development of policy and procedure manuals.
She joined the Alberta Cancer Foundation in 1999 and manages the team responsible for receipting and donor records for more than 180,000 donors to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Raazmina is a member of the Alberta Association of Fundraising Executives (AAFRE) and is married with two children. “I’m inspired by our vision for a cancer-free future,” says Raazmina. “It’s a powerful feeling to know our work is going to make a better future for my children.”
As the head of a team that works with projects and technology that require rapid change, Raazmina is known for her positive attitude. Her motto is simple: “If you’ve tried and failed, you’re one step closer to discovering what you can do.”
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