At Volunteering Australia, we recognise that our goals can only be realised through the collective efforts of a dedicated and empowered workforce, an exceptionally effective board, and the seamless operations of our organisation.
Our team, comprising dedicated employees and volunteers, wholeheartedly embraces our values and mission to advance volunteering in the Australian community. We are united in our commitment to support one another and our members, all while striving to achieve the most significant outcomes for the volunteering ecosystem.
Mark Pearce
Chief Executive Officer
Mark draws on his extensive experience in the social purpose and commercial sectors to lead Volunteering Australia to build a stronger, more connected, and resilient Australian community through volunteering.
Prior to joining Volunteering Australia, Mark was a senior executive at the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and held senior investment banking and institutional funds management roles with Goldman Sachs, JBWere, nab, and Macquarie Bank.
Mark holds a Bachelor of Science (Politics and International Relations (Hons.)) from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a Graduate Diploma in Human Rights from the School of Advanced Studies at the University of London and is currently studying for a Master of Public Policy at the Australian National University.
Driven by a strong belief in the transformative power of compassion, Mark applies his skills and expertise as a Non-Executive Director of Community Council for Australia, a member of the Emergency Relief National Coordination Group, and sustainable food company, Growrs Ltd. In addition to a passion for human rights, Mark is active in fighting for animal rights and is Deputy Chair of Australia’s leading animal protection organisation, Animals Australia.
Dr Sue Regan
Deputy CEO, Policy Director
Sue holds prominent roles at the forefront of public policy and social advocacy. She serves as the Deputy CEO and Policy Director at Volunteering Australia, where her leadership is instrumental in shaping the organisation’s policies and initiatives. Additionally, Sue is honoured to be a Visiting Fellow at the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University.
Sue’s commitment to evidence-informed social change extends beyond her role at Volunteering Australia and she also holds the position of Vice President at the Australian Social Policy Association.
Before her tenure in Australia, Sue amassed a wealth of experience in the non-profit, think tank, and government sectors in the UK. Her specialisation in social policy led her to roles such as Chief Executive Officer of the Resolution Foundation, Associate Director of the Institute for Public Policy Research, and Policy Director of Shelter.
Sue is academically accomplished, with an MA in Economics and a PhD in Public Policy, reinforcing her expertise and dedication to making a positive impact on society.
Emily Chan Sui Ko
Finance Manager
As the Finance Manager, Emily oversees all facets of the finance and accounting department. With a wealth of international experience, she has successfully navigated the financial landscapes of diverse countries, including Mauritius and Singapore.
Emily’s academic accomplishments form the solid groundwork for her expertise in finance and accounting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Southampton and is recognised as a valued member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Her expertise and global perspective make her an essential asset in managing financial operations and ensuring organisational success.
Zac Reimers
National Strategy Director
Zac is a passionate lifelong volunteer, embarking on his journey at the young age of eleven when he became part of his local youth council. Since 2011, he has built a career in volunteer leadership, successfully engaging thousands of volunteers for large-scale cultural events. Zac’s dedication extends beyond the field, as he holds a deep interest in how policy and research can elevate the impact of volunteering.
Prior to his current role, Zac contributed significantly to the volunteering sector through his work at Volunteering Queensland, where he worked as their Policy, Advocacy, and Research Lead. Zac’s extensive practical experience as a Volunteer Manager intersects with his role as a driver of the National Strategy for Volunteering. His wealth of experience and commitment to enhancing the volunteering landscape make him a valuable addition to our team.
Sarah Wilson
National Strategy Advisor
Sarah is an expert in volunteer involvement and not-for-profit strategy and governance. She holds degrees in Arts, Psychology, and Law and recently completed her Honours in Psychology.
Before joining Volunteering Australia, Sarah served as Policy Manager for VolunteeringACT for nearly a decade. She then elevated her impact within Volunteering Australia, initially serving as the National Strategy Director, and now continuing her journey as the National Strategy Advisor.
Sarah is a passionate volunteer as a Board Director of Animals Australia, Telephone Crisis Supporter for Lifeline Canberra, and Research and Policy Volunteer for the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds. In her spare time, Sarah is a full-time carer to her rescue greyhound George, a tragic LA Lakers fan, and an adventurous spirit who spends her weekends diving with sharks.
Her multifaceted interests and unwavering dedication to volunteering exemplify her commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
Andrew Richards
Project Manager
Andrew is the Project Manager for the Volunteer Management Online Project. He is a professional with extensive project management experience, collaborating with government organisations such as CSIRO, Transport, SES, and local government, as well as in education with RTOs, universities, and community colleges.
Andrew has successfully scaled a small business from a startup and holds qualifications, including a Masters of Business Administration, Bachelor of Communications, and certifications in computing, IT networking, Prince2 Project Management, and IAP2. Currently, he’s pursuing a Certificate IV in Training and Education.
Andrew is dedicated to his community and enjoys giving back. He’s been a soccer coach, Arts Organisation Public Officer, and a key member of a national arts and music festival’s organising committee. On most weekends, he can be found either scoring local cricket matches, coaching a basketball team, helping with nippers or at school fundraisers.
Cindy West
Policy and Sector Support Advisor
Cindy draws on 20 years Australian Government experience delivering complex national policy and programs both domestically and internationally. She has worked at executive levels across diverse organisations, from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to the Department of Human Services and the Family Court of Australia. Cindy also spent a year working for the Canadian Government’s Department of Veterans Affairs. Her policy work with Volunteering Australia focusses on aged care, the environment and climate change and leading the review of key national resources, such as the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement.
Cindy is passionate about civic duty and the power of individuals to create positive change by using their moral agency in their professional and daily life. She encourages community-mindedness and volunteering with her two school-age children as an unrivalled way to empower, inspire and ground young people. Cindy is a published creative writer and holds degrees from the University of Canberra and Deakin University.
Jack McDermott
Policy Officer & National Strategy Research Fellow
Jack actively contributes to Volunteering Australia’s policy and advocacy efforts in various critical areas, including mental health, disability, emergency management, rural volunteering, and youth volunteering.
Jack is an alumnus of the Australian National University, where he graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of International Relations (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science. His academic background and commitment to policy development make him an invaluable asset in advancing volunteering initiatives across Australia.
Jack has demonstrated his expertise in policy and advocacy through presentations at various events, including the National Volunteering Conference, the Australian Social Policy Conference, and the Australian and New Zealand Third Sector Research Conference.
Heba Al Adawy
Policy Officer
Heba is a dedicated Policy Officer who combines her academic achievements with real-world impact and is a PhD candidate at the Coral Bell School of Asia & the Pacific at Australian National University.
Heba’s academic journey spans across institutions, including Mount Holyoke College in the USA and the University of Oxford in the UK, where she acquired her previous degrees.
Within her role at Volunteering Australia, Heba specialises in policy research with a focus on diverse volunteer topics. Her portfolio encompasses critical areas such as informal volunteering within culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and the exploration of indigenous forms of volunteering in Australia. Her work is a testament to her commitment to making a positive impact in the world of volunteering and policy development.
Maddison Tickner
HR and Operations Officer
Maddie is currently pursuing HR Management, driven by a passion for optimising business operations. Her focus revolves around creating and maintaining the ideal frameworks and support systems to maximize staff efficiency, motivation, and overall wellbeing.
In her previous role, Maddie made a meaningful impact at VolunteeringACT, where she contributed her skills and dedication to the organisation’s mission. Before her involvement with volunteering peak body organisations, Maddie gained valuable experience in retail finance and bank management, enhancing her expertise in various aspects of business.
Maddie’s commitment to volunteering began in her adolescence when she actively participated in volunteering at a zoo, leading to her employment there. Her diverse background and dedication to enhancing the workplace and supporting staff make her a valuable asset.
Valeria Lopez
Secretariat and Administrative Support Officer
Valeria is driven by a deep passion for helping people and is unwavering in her commitment to fostering inclusivity. Throughout her career, she has honed her customer service and advocacy skills, ensuring compassionate and supportive care for diverse communities.
Valeria’s professional journey is marked by a wide range of experiences, from efficiently managing patient registrations to coordinating organ, eye, and tissue donation efforts. Her dedication extends to providing bilingual support services, enabling clear and effective communication with individuals from various backgrounds.
Valeria takes pride in her remarkable ability to connect with people from diverse walks of life, and her wealth of experiences equips her to facilitate clear and empathetic communication, making a significant difference.
Kylie Hughes
Communications Manager
As Communications Manager, Kylie leads Volunteering Australia’s communications team to advance volunteering in the Australian community.
Kylie has extensive experience working in communications and marketing roles in the for-purpose sector as well as local government. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong interest in policy, advocacy and research, and enjoys the challenge of presenting technical information in a concise, accurate and user-friendly manner. Kylie holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in journalism and public relations at Deakin University.
Anna Lee
Communications Officer
Anna brings a wealth of experience in digital media production and a heartfelt dedication to leveraging social media for social change. She earned her Bachelor of Media Arts and Production from the University of Canberra, laying the foundation for her expertise. Anna has worked as a production assistant and as an entrepreneur who founded her media company, driven by her mission to empower women in the business world through impactful media initiatives.
Within Volunteering Australia, Anna provides her creative talents in media and marketing, video production, and content writing. Anna is committed to advancing volunteering in the Australian community through multimedia reflecting her passion for making a positive impact.
Volunteer Team
Currently, Volunteering Australia’s volunteer team consists of the following roles:
- Research and Policy Analyst
- Evidence Bank Curator
- Researchers
