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 while striving to achieve the most significant outcomes for the volunteering ecosystem.
Executive Team
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.
Cindy West
Policy Director
Cindy has an insatiable interest in public policy and current affairs. She draws on 20 years Australian Government experience delivering national policy and programs, as well as two years as policy adviser with Volunteering Australia on complex and sensitive issues such as aged care reform, the environment, climate change and child safety. She has worked at executive levels across Government, including the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Family Court of Australia. Cindy also spent a year seconded to the Canadian Government’s Department of Veterans Affairs and has represented Australia on policy issues, such as aid and capacity building, in international fora from Guatemala, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia to the United States.
Cindy is passionate about volunteering and its immense benefits to society, communities and individuals. She encourages all people, including her two children, to create positive change by using their moral agency in their daily life and actions where they are able.
A member of the Child Safe Sectors Leadership Group and the COP31 Collaboration Group for climate action, Cindy is proud to lead VA’s policy program and to be part of an inspiring ecosystem of people and organisations who make a tangible difference every day.
She is a published writer and holds degrees from the University of Canberra and Deakin University.
Kylie Hughes
Communications and Engagement Director
As Communications and Engagement Director, 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.
Andrew Richards
Operations Director
Andrew has strategic responsibility for delivering all of Volunteering Australia’s operations including, governance, finance, HR, and systems and is the Project Manager for the Volunteering Gateway.
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.
On most weekends, he can be found either scoring local cricket matches, coaching a basketball team, helping with nippers or at school fundraisers.
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
Strategic Partnerships Director
Sarah has expertise in volunteer involvement and not-for-profit strategy and governance. She holds degrees in Arts, Psychology, and Law and is currently completing her Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Western Australia.
Before joining Volunteering Australia, Sarah served as Policy Manager for VolunteeringACT for nearly a decade. She then elevated her impact within Volunteering Australia, serving as the National Strategy Director, the National Strategy Advisor and now continuing her journey as Strategic Parterships Director.
Sarah is a passionate volunteer as a Deputy Chair 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.
Anna Henderson
Digital Media Producer
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 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.
Rayan Millard
HR, Governance and Operations Officer
Rayan brings strong HR generalist skills having worked across several industries in the private sector, government and multinationals, in Australia and internationally. She holds a BA in Political Science and Public Administration, Masters in HR Management, and a Diploma in HR. Rayan is also a member of the Human Capital Institute (NY, USA) and the Australian HR Institute. As the HR, Governance and Operations Officer, Rayan is passionate about promoting a positive workplace culture, enhancing employee engagement and productivity, and participating in maintaining governance and compliance at Volunteering Australia. Rayan is a big advocate of volunteering and in her personal time she volunteers as an American University Alumni – Australia Chapter – committee member.
Jack McDermott
Senior 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
Senior Policy Officer
Heba is a dedicated Policy Officer who combines her academic achievements with real-world impact and is a PhD graduate 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.
Valeria Lopez
Secretariat and Administrative Support Officer
Valeria is driven by a deep passion for helping people and is committed 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.
Volunteer Team
Currently, Volunteering Australia’s volunteer team consists of the following roles:
- Research and Policy Analyst
- Evidence Bank Curator
- Researchers
