meet the team.

Fun.
Collaborative.
Organized.

Who We Are.

KMG Events does so much more than plan a great party (but don’t get us wrong, we love a good party!) As a strategic event management and fundraising company we go in depth with each organization we work with to create the event, campaign, or marketing strategy that perfectly executes their vision and achieves their fundraising goals.

meet the team.

Kate Gallagher

Kate hit the ground running with the creation of KMG Events over 15 years ago. With over 25 years extensive experience in the marketing and event industry, working with international brands such as Molson, Coca-Cola and Mead Johnson, Kate has been instrumental in providing direction and consulting services for local, regional and national initiatives with a proven track record of exceeding client expectations.

 After growing up in Ontario,and living in Calgary, and Vancouver, she saw a need from charitable, non-profit, and corporate groups that required strategic consulting for their community events and fundraising campaigns. To this day, the level of expertise and strategic thinking offered by Kate and the KMG team is not offered by anyone else in the city.

Kate is seemingly always working, and has the ability to multi-task like no other. Even after a surgery that made her a ‘bionic woman’, Kate choose to commandeer a ride-on scooter, rather than rest and recover as she had been ordered.

This country girl cannot keep still, from her origins in the Ontario countryside climbing trees and coming up with games, she has done everything from teaching gymnastics and old school group fitness classes, to public performances of 90s hip hop, and she can still make a game out of almost anything!

Kate is an outdoorsy type, who loves campfires, trees, the mountains, and taking her very large Newfoundland Ollie on walks in the river valley, where he is often mistaken for a bear. She is a mother to two brilliant adult-ish daughters, and wife to handy husband Bob.

From events in Edmonton to tropical vacations in Huatulco, Kate makes friends everywhere she goes. She loves people, good conversation, and strategizing. KMG was born out of her passion for the causes we support, having been touched in many ways by cancer. Kate is always looking for ways to give back to the fundraising community, which led her to create the FUNDamentals workshop series.

Edmonton Fundraising Planners

Fun facts.

  • Usually covered in slobber by her 150 pound Newfie, Ollie
  • Covets anything turquoise
  • Dodges personal training appointments at RVX Fitness

Kristine Villanueva

Fresh out of the Special Events Management Certificate course at NAIT, Kristine joined KMG more than 8 years ago, and has been wowing clients ever since. Whether it is her bubbly, easy-going nature, or her uncanny ability to lift things that weigh as much as her, Kristine is an asset to every project.

While working at KMG Events, Kristine earned her business marketing diploma, and when asked what she loves about working with our clients, she replied that she enjoys the satisfaction of a successful event, and knowing that she played a part in raising money for a great cause. She also loves to align herself with others who share her philanthropic vision.

If Kristine could live anywhere, she would live in Nelson, B.C. She loves the mountains, and nature, and is a world traveller. Kristine is the keeper of all plants at KMG Headquarters, is always down for a box of fried chicken, and can make a stunning silent auction basket in record time.

Kristine is the crazy “Tita” of 4 nieces and 4 nephews, mommy to her pitbull Yoda, and fiancé to Jake… check back for wedding plans in 2025.

Fun facts.

  • Works out for food
  • Reiki and Crystal Healing certified
  • Achieves the heart rate of a hamster at Orange Theory Fitness

Emily Vaughan

Emily has worn many hats in her professional life thus far, but it was the fundraising and event world that finally drew her in. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism from the University of Alberta, Emily wasn’t sure exactly where she would end up, but she knew it had to be FUN. She found KMG in the spring of 2018, and was so impressed by the environment that cared as much about its team members as the important work they were doing.

Mastering new things, taking control of creative projects, and exceeding expectations are what drives her, and she brings a fresh perspective to the KMG team. Emily is the quiet one, who is always listening and observing, and is always ready to come up with creative solution.

This life long Edmontonian is fascinated by the history of our community, and can spend hours researching nearly any topic. She always has a new fun fact, and can tell you things you never knew you wanted to know!

Emily is obsessed with her border collie/lab Scout, five cent candies, musicals, and Winners. She values personal space, 10+ hours of sleep, and looking out for the under-dog.

Emily claims to have learned to be a hard worker from her husband Brenden, but it is her own self-determination that ensures that she does everything to the max! For her, caring for the underserved is the ultimate end goal.

Fun facts.

  • Will stop to pet any dog in her vicinity
  • Physically repulsed by eggs
  • Loves Christmas - the music, the food, and the memories

Event Management.
Event Design.
Fundraising Expertise.
Team Building.