Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Our people
One of our greatest strengths is our people. We have a talented and dedicated team of 785 staff and 8,389 volunteers, including our Board, who work across the country to achieve our vision of a better future for young Australians in need. Every day our people are helping to effect positive change to the lives of thousands of disadvantaged young Australians through the provision of our education and learning support programs.
Our board
Our executive team
Our general managers
For career opportunities, please visit the Jobs page to view current vacancies.
Our board
Nicholas Moore AO
Chairman
Nicholas Moore is a former Chief Executive Officer of Macquarie Group Limited. He retired in 2018 after 32 years at Macquarie, including 10 years as CEO.
Nicholas has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of NSW (UNSW). He was admitted as a solicitor and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. In 2017, Nicholas was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business from UNSW.
He is Chair of Screen Australia, The Centre for Independent Studies, The Smith Family, Willow Technology Corporation, the National Catholic Education Commission, Aldus Group, and the Financial Regulator Assessment Authority and Markets Taskforce Expert Advisory Panel (both within the Commonwealth Treasury). He is a member, and former Chair, of the UNSW Business School Advisory Council and a non-executive director of QBiotics Group.
In November 2022, Nicholas was appointed Special Envoy for Southeast Asia for the Commonwealth Government.
Nicholas was previously Chair of the Sydney Opera House Trust, PCYC NSW, and has held directorships at Sydney Airport and Hills Motorway.
Doug Taylor
Chief Executive Officer
Doug Taylor was appointed CEO of The Smith Family in August 2021. He has built a 30-year career in the social sector with national and international experience in leading innovative social impact initiatives in partnership with the not-for-profit, government, philanthropic and corporate sectors.
Prior to joining The Smith Family, Doug was the Deputy Executive Director at Uniting NSW and ACT. He has considerable experience in strategy and in managing large and complex organisations serving people experiencing disadvantage through human services, community and economic development, education, philanthropy, and social enterprise.
Doug’s passion for creating positive and lasting impact is evident through his Board appointments which include Western Sydney University (for whom he is also a Community Fellow), Wayside Chapel, Chair of Warakirri College (a school for disengaged young people in Western Sydney) and previously with WorkVentures and The Australian Centre for Social Innovation. He is also a member of the Centre for Social Impact Advisory Board (with whom he facilitates the Governance for Social Impact course), The Sydney University Equity Advisory Group, and Chair of the National Strategy for Volunteering Council.
Doug has completed post graduate studies in management, attended the Stanford Executive Non-Profit Leadership Program and is a graduate of the Australian Institute for Company Directors.
Greg Barnes
Appointed to the Board in November 2023, Greg is the Group Chief Financial Officer at Ampol Limited, where he has responsibility and oversight of Group finance, strategy, risk, investor relations, government relations, sustainability and procurement.
Greg has more than 25 years' experience in finance and strategy across a diverse range of industries. In the decade prior to Ampol, he held public company CFO roles at Coca-Cola Amatil, Nine Entertainment Co and CSR Limited.
Greg is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle as well as a Master of Business Administration from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management. Greg is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Tony Davis
Appointed to the Board in December 2016, Tony Davis is a Founding Director of Quantium, a global leader in applied data analytics and technology. He is a Non–Executive Director, advisor and investor in a range of tech ventures.
His specific expertise is in marketing, customer and market insight, and growth strategy, having held leadership roles with major brands in the UK and Australia. He has been at the forefront of using data to drive insight and marketing investment to optimise business growth. He is a former Chairman and Director of the marketing industry peak body ADMA, and is a frequent contributor to leadership thinking in data, marketing and media forums.
Tony currently leads the team which organises the annual Smith Family Challenge, the adventure race which has raised over $3M for the Learning for Life Program.
Rosheen Garnon
Appointed to the Board of The Smith Family in February 2019, Rosheen has extensive senior executive experience in the professional services sector, both locally and internationally.
She is Deputy Chair of Venues New South Wales; and Non-Executive Director of Resolution Life Australia.
She retired from KPMG in 2015 after a successful 29 year career with the firm. Between 2009 and 2015 she was a member of KPMG’s Australian Executive Leadership team and was the National Managing Partner of its Taxation division. She was also a Member of KPMG’s Global Tax Executive Leadership team. Prior to this, Rosheen was Global Chair of the International Executive Services Practice at KPMG, operating in 128 countries.
Rosheen holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Law from the Australian National University. She is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand, a Chartered Tax Advisor and a Member of Chief Executive Women.
Adrian Kloeden
Appointed to the Board in in April 2016, Adrian has had an extensive career in senior management roles in a number of public and private companies in Australia and overseas in the sectors of agribusiness, manufacturing, distribution, retail, technology and transport. He is Chairman of Aquasure Holdings Pty Ltd and Hancock Victorian Plantations Holdings Pty Ltd. He is the Deputy President of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Adrian holds an M.Sc. (Business Studies), a B.Sc. (Hons – Forestry) and an Honorary Doctorate from Deakin University. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Lisa Paul AO PSM
Appointed to the Board in November 2023, Lisa had more than 30 years in public service, both at State/Territory and Federal levels. Lisa is the longest-standing Secretary of the Federal Department of Education in Australia, serving five Prime Ministers and nine Cabinet Ministers between 2004-2016.
Lisa is the incoming Chancellor of the University of Canberra (2024). She was an Enterprise Professor at the University of Melbourne School of Government. Lisa is a Councillor of Bond University, a Director of the Future Battery Industry Cooperative Research Centre and chairs the Audit Committee of the Australian Academy of Science. Lisa was a director for listed higher education company Navitas, the Melbourne Accelerator Program and she served on an advisory board for Charles Sturt University on regional issues.
Lisa served on the Government’s Naval Shipbuilding Advisory Board and has undertaken a number of government reviews. She also served on the board of listed company Programmed and unlisted company APM.
Lisa served on a number of not-for-profit boards including the Australian American Leadership Dialogue, chairing headspace for the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, Social Ventures Australia, Schools Plus, High Resolves, and the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth.
In 2020, Lisa led an initiative set up by the Business Council of Australia to help bushfire affected communities recover.
In 2011, Lisa was made an Officer of the Order of Australia and in 2003 awarded a Public Service Medal for leading the Commonwealth’s domestic response to the Bali Bombings. In 2011, she was named federal government leader of the year by Chartered Accountants and has received other awards.
Lisa is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Australian Institute of Management, the Institute of Public Administration Australia, Australian Council of Educational Leaders and the Australia New Zealand School of Government.
Professor Peter Radoll
Appointed to the Board in April 2019, Peter has had an extensive career in higher education and has made a profound impact on Indigenous academic and community spheres. His dedication to bridging the digital divide and advancing ICT and STEM education among Indigenous populations is reflected in his numerous research publications and academic achievements.
Peter has held roles as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, People and Organisation, at Victoria University; Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous; Director of the Ngunnawal Centre at the University of Canberra; and Dean of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and Research at the University of Newcastle.
Peter's leadership extends beyond academia. He is the Managing Director of Radoll & Associates, an Indigenous consultancy, and a director at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His work continues to pave the way for greater Indigenous representation and influence across various sectors in Australia.
Peter holds a PhD in Information Systems from the Australian National University. In 2021 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales.
Peter has held roles as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, People and Organisation, at Victoria University; Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous; Director of the Ngunnawal Centre at the University of Canberra; and Dean of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and Research at the University of Newcastle.
Peter's leadership extends beyond academia. He is the Managing Director of Radoll & Associates, an Indigenous consultancy, and a director at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His work continues to pave the way for greater Indigenous representation and influence across various sectors in Australia.
Peter holds a PhD in Information Systems from the Australian National University. In 2021 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales.
Mark Ryan
Appointed to the Board in November 2023, Mark has a 25-year history with The Smith Family after receiving a Learning for Life scholarship when he started tertiary study in 1998.
He is currently the Manager Strategic Communications at Queensland Rail where he advises the organisation's executive leadership team on internal communications and external engagement.
Mark has previously worked in senior and executive level roles at Mater Group, the Gold Coast Suns AFL Club, and Tatts Group in roles across strategy, corporate affairs, organisational development, marketing and stakeholder engagement.
Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) from the Queensland University of Technology, along with an Advanced Diploma of Neuroscience of Leadership. He graduated with Distinction from Griffith University's Master of Business Administration program and was a finalist for the MBA Australasia 'Graduate of the Year' award for 2023. He has recently been accepted into Griffith's PhD program where he is investigating ways to improve long-term thinking in organisations to improve outcomes for future generations.
Mark is the Chairperson of Return Serve Inc. a not-for-profit that provides sports and recreation opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Caroline Fishpool
Appointed to the Board in November 2024, Caroline is Lead Director, Conditions for Learning, Department for Education (South Australia) (SA) and is involved across a range of policy areas.
Caroline is a highly experienced educational systems leader, driven by a genuine passion for education and dedicated to collaborating with others to drive transformative change and foster continuous improvement. Caroline’s work has been dedicated to public education and low SES areas in SA.
Caroline’s approach is firmly entrenched in principles of professionalism, high expectations, and equity, aimed at inspiring those whom she leads. Thriving in dynamic and demanding environments, her leadership is characterised by the cultivation of high-performing teams, meaningful relationships, and the strategic enhancement of organisational capacity.
Caroline has previously served as: Education Director, Uleybury and Torrens Valley Portfolio, Department for Education (SA) (2022-2023), Principal at Wirreanda Secondary School (2016-2022), Panalatinga Local Partnership Chairperson/Executive (2015-2022), Department for Education Review Principal (2019-2022), Board Member of South Australia Secondary Principals Association (2019-2021) and leadership positions at Wirreanda Secondary School and Fremont Elizabeth City High School (2001-2015).
Caroline holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership from the University of South Australia, and Graduate Diploma of Education from Charles Sturt University.
Caroline is a current member of The Smith Family Principal’s Advisory Group (2018 - present) and has supported the work of The Smith Family for the last decade. Caroline embraces opportunities to contribute significantly to equity reform and improvement.
Caroline is a highly experienced educational systems leader, driven by a genuine passion for education and dedicated to collaborating with others to drive transformative change and foster continuous improvement. Caroline’s work has been dedicated to public education and low SES areas in SA.
Caroline’s approach is firmly entrenched in principles of professionalism, high expectations, and equity, aimed at inspiring those whom she leads. Thriving in dynamic and demanding environments, her leadership is characterised by the cultivation of high-performing teams, meaningful relationships, and the strategic enhancement of organisational capacity.
Caroline has previously served as: Education Director, Uleybury and Torrens Valley Portfolio, Department for Education (SA) (2022-2023), Principal at Wirreanda Secondary School (2016-2022), Panalatinga Local Partnership Chairperson/Executive (2015-2022), Department for Education Review Principal (2019-2022), Board Member of South Australia Secondary Principals Association (2019-2021) and leadership positions at Wirreanda Secondary School and Fremont Elizabeth City High School (2001-2015).
Caroline holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership from the University of South Australia, and Graduate Diploma of Education from Charles Sturt University.
Caroline is a current member of The Smith Family Principal’s Advisory Group (2018 - present) and has supported the work of The Smith Family for the last decade. Caroline embraces opportunities to contribute significantly to equity reform and improvement.
Our executive team
Doug Taylor
Chief Executive Officer
Doug Taylor was appointed CEO of The Smith Family in August 2021. He has built a 30-year career in the social sector with national and international experience in leading innovative social impact initiatives in partnership with the not-for-profit, government, philanthropic and corporate sectors.
Prior to joining The Smith Family, Doug was the Deputy Executive Director at Uniting NSW and ACT. He has considerable experience in strategy and in managing large and complex organisations serving people experiencing disadvantage through human services, community and economic development, education, philanthropy, and social enterprise.
Doug’s passion for creating positive and lasting impact is evident through his Board appointments which include Western Sydney University (for whom he is also a Community Fellow), Wayside Chapel, Chair of Warakirri College (a school for disengaged young people in Western Sydney) and previously with WorkVentures and The Australian Centre for Social Innovation. He is also a member of the Centre for Social Impact Advisory Board (with whom he facilitates the Governance for Social Impact course), The Sydney University Equity Advisory Group, and Chair of the National Strategy for Volunteering Council.
Doug has completed post graduate studies in management, attended the Stanford Executive Non-Profit Leadership Program and is a graduate of the Australian Institute for Company Directors.
Lisa Allan
Head of State and Territory Operations
Lisa Allan has been a dedicated member of The Smith Family since 2006. Beginning as a part of the marketing and individual giving team and advancing through the organisation, due to her strong leadership and strategic vision. In 2017, she was appointed as the Head of Marketing, and in 2022, she took on the role of Head of Fundraising. She led the teams to successfully increase income by an average of 11% per annum in the five years between FY20 to FY24. In these positions, Lisa demonstrated her ability to drive significant growth, foster strong relationships and adapt to a changing environment.
Appointed to Head of State and Territory Operations in February 2025, Lisa's commitment to The Smith Family's vision of creating better futures for young Australians is evident in her work. She is dedicated to empowering her team, embracing new ideas, continuously improving the organisation's operations, and a relentless focus on achieving meaningful outcomes for the children and families The Smith Family supports.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing & Human Resources), is a graduate of the McKinsey Executive Leadership Program and Australian Institute of Company Directors, as well as a Non-Executive Director of Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA).
Wendy Field
Head of Evidence and Impact
Wendy has more than 20 years’ experience in management, administration and leadership across a range of environments, including the community sector, policy and advocacy organisations and public service sectors at State and Commonwealth Government levels.
Wendy initially trained as a social worker and spent several years working with homeless people, primarily young people and chronically homeless women; later in her career she gained a second degree in Social Sciences.
Prior to joining The Smith Family she held a number of leadership roles across a wide variety of policy and program areas in the Australian Government Department of Family, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).
Anne Edwards
Chief Financial Officer
Anne Edwards joined The Smith Family as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in September 2024, bringing over 25 years experience, leading teams across strategy, M&A, business transformation, procurement, governance and risk as well as all aspects of Finance, Technology and Commercial leadership.
Prior to joining The Smith Family, Anne held the roles of Head of Office and Head of Group Finance as well as some time as Acting CFO at Charter Hall a large listed Real Estate Investment Manager. In her most recent role Anne was responsible for Financial Management of $30billion in commercial real estate. Prior to this, Anne held several senior roles at Unilever, a large Global Consumer Goods Multi-national, including Finance Director and Business Team Leader for key divisions where Anne was responsible for strategy, commercial leadership and divisional performance.
Anne holds a Bachelor of Economics and is also a qualified Chartered Accountant.
Anne Edwards joined The Smith Family as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in September 2024, bringing over 25 years experience, leading teams across strategy, M&A, business transformation, procurement, governance and risk as well as all aspects of Finance, Technology and Commercial leadership.
Prior to joining The Smith Family, Anne held the roles of Head of Office and Head of Group Finance as well as some time as Acting CFO at Charter Hall a large listed Real Estate Investment Manager. In her most recent role Anne was responsible for Financial Management of $30billion in commercial real estate. Prior to this, Anne held several senior roles at Unilever, a large Global Consumer Goods Multi-national, including Finance Director and Business Team Leader for key divisions where Anne was responsible for strategy, commercial leadership and divisional performance.
Anne holds a Bachelor of Economics and is also a qualified Chartered Accountant.
Jo Watson
Head of Fundraising and Communications
Jo Watson joined The Smith Family as Head of Fundraising in February 2025, bringing over 25 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, and supporter engagement.
A senior executive and board member, Jo has led large-scale fundraising, brand, and strategy teams across the not-for-profit sector. Most recently, she was Executive Director of Supporter Engagement at Save the Children Australia, where she oversaw fundraising, marketing, and supporter experience. She has also held senior leadership roles as Director of Strategic Change at World Vision, CEO of YWCA Victoria, and Director of Strategic Engagement at the State Library of Victoria. Throughout her career, she has led transformational change, driven revenue growth, strengthened brand presence, and built high-performing teams.
Jo is passionate about creating opportunities for children experiencing disadvantage and developing strong, capable teams. She fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence, believing that when people are empowered to do their best work, they achieve greater impact for both their own growth and the mission they serve.
Kalpana Gee
Head of Digital and Transformation
Kalpana has over twenty years’ experience in senior leadership roles in the Financial Services and Telecommunications Industry, being responsible for leading complex business digital transformation and growth.
Kalpana is a highly experienced business and people leader with significant experience leading customer centric transformations with a deep expertise in building a culture of innovation, collaboration, and value creation.
Prior to joining The Smith Family, Kalpana held several roles including Head of Customer Experience and Service Innovation, Head of Digital for Business Bank, and Head of Business Transform, Online Transformation Program at one of Australia’s largest banks. Prior to this, Kalpana was the General Manager of IT for a large telecommunications provider.
Kalpana has a M Sc in Information Technology and a B Sc in Science and The Environment.
David Rae
Head of People and Culture
David Rae joined The Smith Family in July 2023 as the National Manager Strategic HR Partnering and in February 2024 was successfully appointed to the Head of People and Culture.
David most recently came from the higher education sector holding the role of Associate Director and Senior Manager HR Partnering at the University of Sydney, supporting the Faculties of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine and Health. Prior to this at the University of Wollongong (UOW), David was a HR Business Partner supporting a number of Faculties and Professional Staff areas. David also led the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Project for UOW, successfully achieving the Athena SWAN bronze citation, one of the first Universities in Australia to so. David previously held the position of Director, Human Services for the NSW State Emergency Service with a tenure of just under 10 years and has held senior HR roles in Government and non-Government sectors providing Disability Services and Public Housing services.
David holds a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration majoring in Strategic Management, and in addition holds qualifications in Workplace Training and Assessment and Project Management. In 2018, David was selected as an inaugural panel member, SAGE, Athena Swan accreditation program and has also been a member of the National Health and Medical Research Council, Women in Health Sciences Committee 2018 – 2023. David is a life member of the UOW Sports & Recreation Association.
Tracy Unwin
Company Secretary
Tracy joined The Smith Family in May 2023 as our Company Secretary. Working with our Board, Committees and Executive Teams, she has a strong interest in bringing her Governance skills to the NFP sector.
With over 20 years’ experience as both a Senior Lawyer and Company Secretary in Financial Services across Trading Markets, Corporate Finance, Capital Markets and Banking, Operating process, Boards and Committees in Investment Banking.
Tracy has a Bachelor of Commerce and Laws, and is a Member of the AICD and the Governance Institute.
Our general managers
Anton Leschen
General Manager, Victoria
Anton Leschen has been with The Smith Family since February 2003.
Prior to being appointed as General Manager, as The Smith Family’s Regional Programs Manager Anton led the planning, co-ordination and delivery of The Smith Family's programs to thousands of families and children in need across twelve Victorian communities. These included the delivery of innovative school-community partnerships, supporting schools to collaborate with a range of community partners to improve the educational outcomes of young people.
Anton has extensive experience in community development and youth services, working with organisations like the Sydney City Mission, Ballarat Children's and Family Services and with local government to plan and operate family, youth and children's services.
Anton holds qualifications in Outdoor Education and has a Masters of Business Administration.
Fiona Coluccio
General Manager, New South Wales and the ACT
Fiona Coluccio is a leader who brings 25 years experience across a wide range of areas including service design, implementation and using data to monitor and evaluate the success of service and operational implementation. Fiona has lead significant change in the disability sector including the introduction of, and transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. She has ably lead large dispersed teams through significant change and implemented many approaches including the use data to strategically manage and prioritise work load, balancing targets and quality, ensuring quality service delivery is maintained and managing risk, all of which are aligned to the journey of The Smith Family.
Over the past 4 years Fiona has held the position of General Manager Community Support Services with Disability Services Australia. Prior to this Fiona was an Operations Manager with Uniting Care Disability NSW/ACT. In both of these roles she was responsible for operational change management to meet industry shifts, quality service implementation and provision to individuals with highly complex needs.
Alan Le May
General Manager, Queensland
Alan Le May commenced with The Smith Family in January 2014 and brings over 20 years’ experience in not for profit leadership including three years as a senior fund raising consultant.
Alan’s previous experience includes 17 years at Teen Challenge, initially as the Queensland Prevention and Outreach Coordinator, subsequently appointed to State Executive Director and culminating in a three year term as National Director.
Alan has formal qualifications in Youth Work, Work Place Training and Assessment, Alcohol and Other Drugs Work, a Graduate Certificate in Business and has recently completed a Masters in Business (Philanthropic & Not for Profit Studies) at QUT.
Alan has recently concluded a three year term as an Executive Member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia (EFIA) and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).
Graham Jaeschke
General Manager, South Australia and the Northern Territory
Graham Jaeschke joined The Smith Family in June 2008. Previously Graham was the State Director of the Liberal Party in New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland and also worked as a Campaign Officer at the Federal Secretariat in the lead up to the 1996 Federal Election. He is a veteran of 6 Federal campaigns, 10 State elections, 9 State and Federal by-elections, and one Local Government election.
For two years, Graham was Co-Chair of Anti-Poverty Week in South Australia and he is currently a member of the Steering Group. Previously he was a member of the Australian Early Development Index Coordinating Committee in South Australia.
Graham attended Flinders University and majored in politics and geography, receiving a BA (Honours) degree.
Lesley Mackay
General Manager, Tasmania
Lesley Mackay commenced with The Smith Family in 2015. Prior to her appointment as General Manager for Tasmania, Lesley led the delivery of The Smith Family’s programs in Tasmania as Regional Program Manager.
Lesley has previously worked in senior management roles within the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services’ Disability; Child, Youth and Family Services; and a range of community sector organisations. She has also taught within the community services school at TasTAFE.
Lesley holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Habilitation) degree.
Julie Walker
General Manager, Western Australia
Julie Walker joined The Smith Family in October 2021. She is a highly experienced leader in education and community services, with a career focused on improving student outcomes and breaking the cycle of disadvantage through education. Since joining The Smith Family, Julie has held key leadership roles, including as the Regional Community Development Manager, overseeing the delivery of critical services to support children and families in need across Western Australia. Her leadership has been instrumental in managing programs like the Child and Parent Centres and Communities for Children sites, which focus on early intervention and place-based strategies to ensure children have the best possible start to their educational journey.Julie has demonstrated her ability to lead large, diverse teams through periods of growth and change. She has been actively involved in innovative projects aimed at improving student outcomes. Her approach is characterised by collaboration, strategic thinking, and a commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed in education.
About us
Contact us
Our contact details for areas of The Smith Family helping families, students, supporters and others.
FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions.
Our finances
We rely on support from generous donors, sponsors and our corporate partners for the majority of our income.
Governance
We are committed to ensuring your generous support is used in the best possible way.
Our history
For one hundred years, The Smith Family has been supporting disadvantaged Australians.