Kate McMurray

I bring people and ideas together. I am passionate about finding creative solutions, improving operational efficiency and empowering teams to achieve their shared goals. I am well versed in project management, marketing and communications, education and public relations. I am a team builder and clear communicator with strong problem solving and planning skills.

• Vice Chair, Board of Directors, The Big Carrot Community Market, 01/01/23, 01/01/24, Toronto, I initially performed the role of Secretary documenting all discussion and leading communication between the Board and shareholders (working to repair a historically fraught relationship). As I was promoted to Vice Chair, I took on additional responsibilities that included organizing the Board around critical decisions, ensuring team cohesion and alignment. During my time on the Board we successfully negotiated a complex equity sale, securing the company with funding to execute restructuring.
• Chef, Wander Home Retreats, 10/01/23, Present, Various, I create nourishing menus for yoga and mindfulness retreats facilitated worldwide. After a successful retreat in Joshua Tree in 2023 I am working on a menu for Prince Edward County this summer.
• Podcast Creator & Host, Beyond the Cart, 10/01/22, 02/28/23, Toronto, I built a podcast series exploring "the why behind the products you buy" successfully highlighting supplier partners and increasing engagement around issues important to the brand and community. Listen here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beyondthecart
• Speaker and Educator, The Big Carrot, 01/01/12, Present, Toronto, I enjoy public speaking and have presented at numerous venues including professional conferences, schools, store events and community workshops. I am proud to have built and ensured the continuance of our education program over the last decade. Understanding this to be an important brand pillar I have fought to keep and evolve this program and cater to diverse audiences including youth, new Canadians, educators and industry leaders.
• Lobbyist, The Big Carrot, 01/01/15, 12/31/18, Ottawa, I lobbied federally with the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network for the labelling of genetically modified ingredients. With the Organic Council of Ontario and Canadian Organic Trade Association I lobbied for better funding and support for the Canadian Organic Program at both provincial and federal levels. In doing this work I was able to strengthen our position as an industry leader as well as bring that importance home to the customer, increasing brand value.
• Committees, The Big Carrot, 01/01/12, Present, Toronto, Committee work throughout my career at The Big Carrot has allowed me to dive deeper into important issues and engage our staff team more effectively. Committees have included: Carrot Cache (grant program in partnership with Carrot Common), Standards Committee (purchasing standards and organic compliance), Covid-19 Emergency Response Committee, Black Lives Matter Committee, Strategic Planning Committee (facilitated 2 day session with management team).

• Administrative Assistant and Photographer, Wander Home Yoga Retreats, 2022, Guatemala and Portugal
• Kid Coach and Fundraising Ambassador, Future Possibilities for Kids, 2021, 2022, Toronto
• Building Coordinator, Toronto Miracle Food Drive, 2021, 2022, Toronto
• Assistant to Director, Camp Kandalore, 2021, Huntsville
• Photographer, Water Rats Sailing Regatta, 2020, Toronto
• Community Cleanup, Surf the Greats, 2019, Toronto
• Co-creator, Picture An End to Violence Campaign, 2008, 2009, Kingston
• Chair, Queen's University Women's Centre, 2008, 2009, Kingston
• Peer Mentor, Queen's University, 2008, 2009, Kingston
• Reading Program Coordinator, Kingston Women's Shelter, 2007, 2009, Kingston
• Intern, Dalhousie University Women's Centre, 2008, Halifax
• Intern, Diversity Management Office City Hall, 2007, Toronto
• ESL Coach, Ralph Thornton Centre, 2005, Toronto