Mark McLean

Former position at CEP
Associate Manager,
Assessment and Advisory Services

Length of tenure at CEP
5 years

What are you up to these days?
I am completing a Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Regent College in Vancouver, BC, focusing on the themes of money, wealth, poverty, and generosity in the Bible, as well as in historical and contemporary Christian practices of giving. I also work part-time helping Regent monitor and maintain its data systems.

How did your time at CEP prepare you for what you are doing now?
Working with dozens of funders was an incredible privilege that exposed me to many meaningful questions about the challenges and opportunities in philanthropy—some of which I continue to explore in my studies. The research, communication, and technical skills I developed at CEP have also transferred well to studying and working with data at the college.

What do you miss most about working at CEP?
Most of all, I miss working day-to-day with the intelligent, thoughtful, and driven colleagues and clients I encountered throughout my tenure. But I also miss defending the 2-on-2 foosball title with Jenny Goff and the occasional ice cream social.

What advice would you give someone about working at CEP?
Soak up the knowledge and insights from your colleagues and ask for help if you need it. CEP is always trying to improve so share your ideas if you see something CEP can do better. Moreover, enjoy your time there—it’s a special place to work.

Describe your perfect Sunday.
Enjoy a slow morning with my wife before we gather with our church community. Follow that up with a simple lunch and get to a hiking or snowshoeing trail on one of the nearby mountains. Finish the day off with pizza, beer, and ice cream while watching a movie or a British crime show.