About
Kris McCarthy is a former professional hockey player and is the Co-Founder and COO of FanSaves, an award-winning international company that works with sports teams and brands across North America. Kris is a leading voice in the North American entrepreneurial ecosystem and was recently named a 40 Under 40 Canada recipient by the Business Elite Awards. Kris has always had a passion for giving back to his community and helping others. He has served as a member of the United Way SDG Board of Directors since 2021 and has spent the last two years as Secretary on the Executive. Kris was recently awarded United Way SDG’s 2025 Board Member of the Year for his contributions to the organization and community.
Why did you join the United Way Board of Directors?
For nearly the past ten years I have called Cornwall and now Martintown home. Having played professional hockey in the area and now building my business from South Glengarry I felt a responsibility to give back to the communities that have given me so much and welcomed me since I first moved to the region in 2016. Just like any community there are challenges, but I have seen firsthand how resilient, hard working and supportive of one another the people of this region are and that inspired me to get involved. Joining the United Way Centraide SDGCA board of directors back in 2021, gave me the opportunity to serve and help give back to a variety of non-profits, charities and initiatives aimed at making our community a better place.
What specific skills, perspective or lived experience do you bring to the United Way Board of Directors?
Throughout my professional career I have established reputation for lifting up others, championing mental health awareness initiatives as well as diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility efforts in the communities I’ve served (Something I’m very proud of). These efforts were highlighted in 2021 when my Co-Founder and I were recognized as Best Leaders in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Best Ottawa Business Awards and through my work with the Dare to be Vulnerable Project where I’ve spoken up and shared with others about my mental health journey. I believe these values and efforts align closely with those of the United Way and position me as someone that can empathize and understand others who may be marginalized or discriminated against in our community.
Who is someone that has inspired you to get involved with the United Way?
My grandparents have always inspired me when comes to charitable work and giving back to the community. As long as I can remember they have been members of organizations like the Free Masons, Shriners Club, Eastern Star and have helped raise funds for dozens of worthy causes. When I came to Cornwall, I was introduced to the United Way and after a few years of seeing the work that the office staff and executive director were doing for the community, it inspired me to put my name forward to become a board director.