Governance Guru has a track record for helping non-profits, associations, universities, school divisions, public sector agencies, and businesses to improve their leadership and boards. Our programs, certifications, and consulting support offer the wisdom of some of Canada’s most experienced and respected governance experts and trainers to provide you all you need to be more effective.
Founder and Leader Governance Advisor
Kevin Freedman, the chief board services officer and founder of the Governance Guru, is an internationally recognized governance expert who has sat on more than 15 nonprofit, corporate, and public boards, including Assiniboine Credit Union, the Winnipeg School Division, Water Polo Canada, and the University of Winnipeg. For more than a decade, he has shared his expertise through training, guidance and facilitation services to organizations and at conferences across Canada and internationally.
A former executive director in the nonprofit sector, Kevin has helped dozens of organizations develop and implement strategic and operational plans, educated thousands of directors and prospective directors, and provided mentorship for executives and board chairs across the country. He is also a long-time instructor in the University of Winnipeg’s Faculty of Business and Economics, and has developed programs for MacEwan University, Canadian Mennonite University, Governance Professionals of Canada, and Alberta School Boards Association, among other institutions.
Kevin is an award-winning leader and social entrepreneur known for starting and leading multiple initiatives in Canada and abroad, including an international water stewardship project and ad-hoc aid organization. He is a prolific public speaker and has presented to hundreds of schools and community groups on topics like blood donation, voluntarism and environmental issues. In recognition of his work, he has received accolades from the Mayor of Winnipeg, YMCA Canada, Golden Key International Society and Governor General of Canada.
Kevin is president of his local water polo club (a sport you should check out!), is the developer of Guru’s Rules, a comprehensive set of meeting rules made specifically for nonprofits, and he kinda, sorta, stole a car once.
Ann Evangelista
Ann Evangelista is a certified training facilitator and educator with more than a decade of experience designing and delivering professional development programs in Canada and internationally, including the Philippines, China, Japan, Singapore, and other global settings. She specializes in adult education, workplace learning, and intercultural communication, creating workshops that are interactive, inclusive, and focused on equipping participants with practical skills they can apply immediately. Known for her engaging, learner-centered style, Ann has facilitated programs for educators, professionals, and community leaders, helping participants build both technical expertise and cultural fluency.
In addition to her facilitation work, Ann serves as a School Trustee in the Winnipeg School Division, where she helps shape policy and governance to advance equity, inclusion, and student success. She also serves as a Regional Director with the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA), representing divisions in her region and contributing to provincial-level advocacy, leadership development, and strategic planning that strengthen public education across Manitoba.
As an academic instructor and community training leader, Ann has developed and led initiatives that support inclusive learning, skills development, and civic engagement. She has trained and mentored aspiring teachers, guided workplace teams, and supported organizations in implementing learning strategies tailored to diverse cultural and professional contexts. Drawing on her global experience and community leadership, she brings a unique perspective that bridges cultures, fosters collaboration, and inspires learners to reach their full potential.
Passionate about empowering individuals and communities through education and training, Ann is committed to creating programs that deliver meaningful, lasting impact. Connect with Ann to explore opportunities in training, leadership development, and learning initiatives that transform both people and organizations.
Trevor Pfahl
Trevor Pfahl started teaching adults and university students in 1998 in Indonesia before returning to Canada in 2004 to teach English at the U of Manitoba. He has been an instructor at the U of Winnipeg, RRC Polytech, and a partnership coordinator with Altered Minds Inc, a newcomer settlement organization in Manitoba. Trevor was a financial consultant for 5 years and has started several small businesses. He started giving workshops to adults and teens about cross-cultural communication in the workplace, culture and life in Canada, personal finance, and grants and scholarships for Canadian colleges and universities.
He is the president of TESL MB (ESL Teachers in Manitoba) and volunteers with a Canada-wide organization that encourages religious and community leaders to network and share resources for newcomers with each other and access the government resources that are available for newcomers.
Trevor is passionate about teaching skills and strategies to enhance communication in the workplace and in daily life.
Our Approach to Governance
Practical, Board-Centered Governance Across Canada
At Governance Guru, we believe effective governance is the foundation for every nonprofit’s success. Our approach blends practical experience, sector knowledge, and evidence-based strategies to help boards lead with clarity, accountability, and impact. We work with organizations of all sizes — from local community groups to national associations — to strengthen board culture, enhance decision-making, and ensure governance practices are aligned with organizational purpose.
Principles That Guide Our Work
Board-Focused Design – We put boards at the center, designing training, workshops, and facilitation that meets their unique needs. Every session is tailored to the board’s composition, mandate, and sector context.
Action-Oriented Learning – Governance isn’t theoretical. We focus on tools, frameworks, and real-world scenarios that boards can immediately apply to improve effectiveness and compliance.
Inclusive & Collaborative – We respect diverse perspectives and create an environment where all board members can contribute meaningfully. This includes Indigenous governance practices, equity-focused approaches, and culturally responsive facilitation.
Sustainable Impact – Our work is designed to leave lasting change. Boards leave our programs with clear policies, actionable strategies, and improved governance habits, not just ideas.
National Perspective, Local Application – While our expertise spans Canada, we understand local governance nuances. We tailor approaches to provincial regulations, sector requirements, and regional best practices.
Our Clients
Organizational values
As a values-driven organization, we firmly believe our principles form the foundation of our work. Our core values include:
Open-mindedness
We are open to new ideas and directions. We bring creativity, innovation and outside-the-box thinking to every project.
Transparency
We are honest and forthright with our clients. We know a trusting, open client-consultant relationship is essential to success.
Value creation
We aim to create value in every interaction and project. Our dedicated efforts and passion for our work lead to your benefit.
Citizenship
We continuously work to improve our community and make efforts to incorporate a triple-bottom-line approach into all of our work.
Passion
Put simply, we love what we do—and only seek opportunities where we hold a strong interest and think we can help.
Professionalism
We strive to follow the ISO 20700 guidelines and the principles of the Certified Management Consultants of Canada.
Rules and resources
Join hundreds of boards around the world and use Guru’s Rules to help you run a more effective nonprofit board meeting and set a stronger board culture. We’ve also harnessed our extensive experience to develop additional tools and templates that streamline your work.