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Looking for a rewarding career and to make a positive impact? At the NORTH Foundation, we are thriving to help improve our community's health and wellbeing.
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Our People
Meet the team at NORTH Foundation
The NORTH Foundation is driven by a daring aspiration:
To shape a tomorrow where our community enjoys superior healthcare without hindrance, powered by pioneering research and compassionate patient care. Each member of the NORTH team, the Board and the Development Committee brings their expertise, experience, and unwavering dedication to advancing this strategic vision.
Our Team
Gilbert Lorquet
Chief Executive Officer
About Gilbert
Gilbert leads the team and activities of the NORTH Foundation and is dedicated to significantly growing the Foundation so it can support more world class medical research and patient care services across the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD). Gil's role is to provide a clear sense of direction for the Foundation, with overall executive responsibility for fundraising and day to day operations. He has a background in philanthropy and brings a wealth of experience to lead the NORTH Foundation team. Outside work, Gil is the Chair of Football NSW and is passionate about football.
Amelia Seeto
Director of Marketing and Communications
About Amelia
Amelia joined the NORTH Foundation in June 2021. She has committed her career to the third sector and has worked for women's rights, disability and human rights charities in Australia, Spain and the UK. In London, she was the head of communications for one of the country's largest social enterprises and for a political campaigning organisation in Westminster. As an experienced Communications Director for purpose-driven organisations, she brings extensive experience to the team and hopes to raise the profile of the NORTH Foundation. Amelia has a Master's in Strategic Public Relations and Human Rights Communication. Outside work, she is a board director of a few charities that focus on youth mental health and women's rights.
Randy Wood
Philanthropy and Fundraising Manager
About Randy
Randy joined NORTH Foundation in July 2023. With more than 22 years' experience including 14 years with the Salvation Army and 7 years with BaptistCare, Randy’s desire is to help donors in reaching their philanthropic goals in creating change and real impact. He is passionate about changing lives using best-practice and ethical fundraising. He is a married father with two sons, and in his spare time loves to play baseball while also coaching his youngest son’s team. He can also be found with a good book and enjoys going to the movies.
Patrick Foong
Finance Manager
About Patrick
Patrick joined the NORTH Foundation in June 2022 as our Finance Manager, and he previously worked with several charities as a Finance Manager in the healthcare and research sector for more than ten years. Patrick brings extensive finance and corporate governance experience to the organisation and he is passionate about giving back to the community. Patrick and his team are accountable for money received by the NORTH Foundation and gifts received by the NSLHD.
Bronwyn O'Leary
Executive Officer
About Bronwyn
Bronwyn joined the NORTH Foundation in August 2024. She brings extensive experience gained as an operations executive from several esteemed organisations such as the Lowy Institute and FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™. At the NORTH Foundation, Bronwyn will play a crucial role in contributing to our vision by providing executive support to Gil and the leadership team. Her responsibilities include managing the administration of major capacity and capital campaigns.
Anastasia Bernardo
Philanthropy Officer
About Anastasia
Anastasia joined the NORTH Foundation in January 2023 as the Philanthropy Officer. Anastasia brings a passion for building relationships with donors and extensive experience working in the for-purpose sector spanning almost 15 years. She’s previously joined dedicated teams at Cancer Council, OzHarvest and Doctors Without Borders and thrives on cultivating relationships and growing fundraising portfolios through innovative, creative and authentic engagement. Anastasia’s role at the foundation will focus on the Grateful Patient program supporting fundraising efforts across all hospitals within the district. Outside of work, Anastasia is a busy mum usually found at the beach with her family but always finds time for her passion of cooking.
Bea Owen
Philanthropy Officer
About Bea
Bea joined the NORTH Foundation in November 2021, as the Philanthropy Officer. Bea has previously worked in philanthropy at UNSW and has experience working in major and principal level gifts, working across fundraising priorities, volunteer engagement, and alumni relations. Bea’s role at the foundation will focus on the Grateful Patient program supporting fundraising efforts across all hospitals within the district.
Chloe Marks
Prospect Researcher
About Chloe
Chloe joined the NORTH Foundation in November 2023 as the Prospect Researcher. She focuses on supporting the fundraising team by identifying prospective donors and conducting research to help with engagement efforts. Chloe previously worked at a fundraising consultancy assisting many not-for-profit organisations in Australia with their prospecting efforts, particularly with private ancillary funds. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Writing.
Natalea Iskra
Trusts & Foundations Officer
About Natalea
Natalea joined NORTH Foundation in June 2024 as the Trusts & Foundations Officer. In this role, she focuses on fostering relationships with philanthropic trusts and foundations to secure crucial funding for the Northern Sydney Local Health District. With almost twenty years of experience in the non-profit sector, Natalea has specialised in grant seeking and fundraising, writing for various Australian charities and universities. She is passionate about harnessing the power of language to inspire philanthropic generosity.
Suzanne Thomas
Major Gifts Officer
About Suzanne
Suzanne joined NORTH Foundation in March 2025 as a Major Gifts Officer, bringing a deep passion for making a positive impact and connecting philanthropic individuals with meaningful causes. With extensive experience in education and the non-profit sector, Suzanne has previously worked with renowned organisations such as RSPCA NSW and Taronga Conservation Society Australia, where she honed her skills in relationship building and Board-level engagement. Her background in both philanthropy and the private sector equips her to forge strong, lasting connections to support the NORTH Foundation's vision. Outside of work, Suzanne is a proud mother to one daughter and enjoys staying active through outdoor exercise and discovering new places to dine.
Adele Leathan
Marketing and Communications Specialist
About Adele
Adele joined the NORTH Foundation in March 2023. She has a passion for purpose and contributing to the greater good and brings with her a wealth of experience working across philanthropy and marketing for the Australian Museum Foundation and The Salvation Army. As Marketing and Communications Specialist, Adele draws on her years of experience in the advertising industry as a professional Account Director. At the NORTH Foundation, she is responsible for developing and promoting creative content that highlights and values the important work of the NORTH Foundation and its beneficiaries.
Carla Lewis
Community Engagement Officer
About Carla
Carla has been raising community funds and organising business and charity events for the best part of 20 years across the private and public sectors in Australia and overseas. Her wealth of international experience includes Goldman Sachs in London, Qatar Australia New Zealand Business Association, community events in Kuala Lumpur, and sales and marketing experiences across the International schooling system in Singapore. Carla is a mother of two now returning to Sydney, with a passion for helping those less fortunate than herself.
Marina Khou
Digital Marketing Specialist
About Marina
Marina joined the NORTH Foundation in October 2022. As an experienced marketer with extensive experience in digital branding and digital marketing, Marina has helped both corporate and not-for-profit organisations raise their profiles and increase their digital footprint. She strongly believes that effective digital campaigns can have the power to positively impact people's lives, and is hoping to make a real difference at NORTH Foundation. As our Digital Marketing Specialist, Marina is responsible for our website and digital campaigns and her role is to orchestrate various digital strategies and ensure they work together seamlessly to further the NORTH Foundation's vision of improving community wellbeing and health.
Sarah Barbour
Digital Officer
About Sarah
Sarah joined the NORTH Foundation in July 2024 after completing her Bachelor of Arts (Media) and Business at the University of New South Wales. As an avid social media user, she brings a deep understanding of digital engagement, creativity and a keen eye for detail to her role. Sarah's passion for healthcare is rooted in her firsthand experience with life-changing medical technology and its transformative impact on her family members. Sarah looks forward to leveraging her social media expertise to enhance the NORTH Foundation's purpose and being part of a dedicated team committed to making a difference.
Hazel Ng
Donor Relations Officer & Salesforce Admin
About Hazel
Hazel joined the NORTH Foundation in May 2022. Her responsibilities include gift processing, administrative support, and database maintenance. Hazel handles donor inquiries and ensures accurate receipting and reporting upon receiving a donation. Hazel has a clinical background in exercise physiology and is passionate about improving the health industry through supporting health care staff, improving patient services, and medical research.
Ian McCarthy
Office Assistant
About Ian
Ian joined the NORTH Foundation in October 2024. Ian brings more than eight years experience across an array of customer service and business administration roles including with LGBTIQ+ Health Australia and St George Community Housing. Ian is passionate about health and community services and is excited to support our day-to-day operations. In their spare time, Ian enjoys contributing to Sydney/Eora’s vibrant music and culture scene through music production, live performance and volunteer work with community radio.
Rameshika Perera
Donor Services & Analytics Officer
About Rameshika
Rameshika joined NORTH Foundation in October 2023 bringing 10 years of expertise in donor engagement, data analytics and CRM solutions. Coming from the not-for-profit sector working in Children’s Medical Research Institute, Vision Australia, and other corporate organisations, Rameshika combines a strong background in data analysis and process improvements with a passion for philanthropy. With skills in donor relations including handling donor enquiries, donation receipting, and data administration. Outside work, she is a mother of two who loves to bake, cook different cuisines, and enjoys an active lifestyle with her family.
Board of Directors
Michael Ellies
Chair
About Michael
Michael graduated as a doctor and worked for several years in Australia and the UK before undertaking a MBA at London Business School, following which he had a varied career across management consulting, start-ups, media and business services. Michael now focuses on mentoring and non-executive director roles with organisations that are involved in life sciences research and public education of health and science. Aside from work, Michael and his partner are avid travellers. Michael joined the NORTH Foundation board because of its alignment with his skills and interests and with the aim of contributing to the growth and impact of the organisation. Michael is also a regular donor to world-class medical research teams at the Kolling Institute.
Anthony Schembri
Director
About Anthony
Anthony Schembri is the Chief Executive of Northern Sydney Local Health District overseeing a $2 billion budget and a workforce of 12,000 for a population of nearly 1 million. His career spans leadership in various healthcare services, board appointments, hospital social work roles and adjunct professorial roles at UNSW Sydney and Australian Catholic University. Previously, he led St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney for nearly a decade and served in diverse community roles. He has received the Premier's Community Service Award in 1998 and being named a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019. Anthony holds multiple qualifications and is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Managers, with 30 years of social work service.
Jonathan Morris
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Jonathan Morris
About Jonathan
MBChB, MedicineProfessor of Obsetrics and Gynaecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist
Former Director, Kolling Institute
Former Professor, University of Sydney
Tim Parker
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Tim Parker
About Tim
Tim and his siblings were born at Royal North Shore Hospital and his mother and sister both trained and worked as midwives at the hospital. Tim has raised money for charities since a young age through various fundraising initiatives and he is passionate about philanthropic giving. Tim and his wife co-founded a charity that funds cancer research and one of the main beneficiaries has been the Bill Walsh Lab. Tim is a Chartered Accountant and Director of Bedford CA Advisory, a business advisory accounting practice based in North Sydney.
Penny Williams
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Penny Williams
About Penny
Penny was born at Royal North Shore Hospital and her siblings, parents and children have all been treated and taken care of within the NSLHD. Her mother passed away from a brain tumour at age 64 but was cared for through her final months by palliative services provided by the NSLHD. Penny studied medical science and went on to manage clinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry. Penny joined the then Kolling Foundation board in 2016 and sees this opportunity to give back to her local community with a focus on healthcare, medical research and enhancing patient outcomes.
Tanya Bowes
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Tanya Bowes
About Tanya
Tanya has a BA (Hons) in Business Studies, GAICD. She is currently the Director of Corporate Affairs for the CSIRO and was previously the Director of the Australian Science Media Centre and Chair of the Vodafone Foundation. Tanya believes initiatives supported by the NORTH Foundation, particularly the research programs, not only help communities in the northern suburbs of Sydney but can impact people across Australia.
David Singer
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David Singer
About David
David grew up in the local district and his father was a doctor. When he was 12, his mother was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) with a brain tumour and told she had a life expectancy of six months. Thanks to the care and dedication of the doctors and nursing staff, his mother lived for another 26 years. David’s father passed due to dementia related illnesses and also spent time at RNSH. David is now a Fellow of the Securities Institute Australia. He is the former MD and Head of Sales Trading at UBS Securities Australia Ltd and was the Vice President, Equity Sales Trading at Merrill Lynch Australia Ltd. With decades of experience, David believes that joining the NORTH Foundation board has given him the opportunity to ‘give back’ to the health district that cared for his parents and where his three children were born.
Michelle Tea
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Michelle Tea
About Michelle
Michelle has more than 20 years’ experience in the ICT industry and is currently VP of Customer Success at Salesforce. Using technology to solve complex industry and business problems, Michelle and her teams have worked on projects ranging from building systems that calculate carbon tax to the evolution of digital technology in NSW Education. Having worked with Microsoft in various roles, she most recently served as Microsoft's Australian Services Director. During this time, she introduced a digital transformation practice that was subsequently adopted by the global organisation. Michelle has a keen interest in encouraging youth to study science and especially young girls to pursue careers in science and maths.
Sophie Macintosh
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Sophie Macintosh
About Sophie
Sophie is an experienced legal and governance professional with over 20 years’ experience working across top tier global law firms and global corporates, and is currently the Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer and Company Secretary of Smartgroup Corporation, and is also a Director of the Smartgroup Foundation. Sophie holds a Masters in Law from the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Business (Finance) from The University of Technology, Sydney. Sophie lives in the North Shore district and has been lucky to have three of her children born at Royal North Shore Hospital. The Hospital has provided life saving care to her young children on more than one occasion and she is grateful for the opportunity to use her skills to contribute back to the health district that has provided so much to her family.
Stephanie Allen
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Stephanie Allen
About Stephanie
Stephanie is a strategy executive, accumulating over 23 years of experience in global healthcare. Her impressive track record includes leading international teams and establishing partnerships to tackle some of the world’s most complex challenges. This often includes bringing together traditional and new industries such as health technologies, retail, consumer, data and analytics, and new funding and financing models. Currently serving as the Global Health & Care Leader at Kearney, a prominent global management consulting firm, Stephanie previously held the position of Global Health Care Leader at Deloitte and prior to that, she held the position of National Health Consulting Leader at PwC. Notable achievements include a four-year project with the World Economic Forum on digital mental health services, building the global data analytics platform on behalf of WHO during the pandemic, and leading the firm’s work on the future of health.
Development Committee
Nina Mapson Bone
Chair
About Nina
With a career spanning over 20 years, Nina’s number one passion is people. Since joining Beaumont People in 2015, she continues to use her wealth of knowledge and expertise to grow, inspire, and empower the team leading with an underlying vision whereby people everywhere are engaged in meaningful work. Being a collaborative individual, Nina enjoys engaging in insightful discussions and thrives on building relationships. She personally develops and maintains partnerships with key stakeholders, and delights in bringing talented people together to drive value, build a vision and realise opportunities. Nina’s positive influence has stemmed beyond Beaumont People, assuming several appointments for the RCSA since 2012 including her current position, President. Nina is also passionate about medical research. Her son Callum has type 1 diabetes and she believes that “research might even cure the disease in the future and reduce the impacts on his quality of life.”
Meredith Cummins
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Meredith Cummins
About Meredith
Meredith was born at Royal North Shore Hospital and grew up on the North Shore. After completing her nursing training, she worked at Royal North Shore in the inpatient Oncology Unit. Meredith has a wealth of experience, having worked in Oncology for the past 30 years in metropolitan, rural, international, public and private settings. Meredith’s passion and dedication for the delivery of world class cancer care is immeasurable. Another passion is ensuring that other health professionals are educated, skilled and equipped to provide best practice care. Meredith is the Chair of the Sydney Regional Group of Cancer Nurses Society of Australia and is also the CEO of NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia. By joining the NORTH Foundation Meredith believes that this is an opportunity to partner with the general and medical community to promote and provide all in this health district with the “best” care.
Nick Jaffer
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Nick Jaffer
About Nick
A recognised major gift and integrated fundraising expert, Nick has built a strong track record over 27 years in Canada and Australia working with philanthropists, boards, senior executives and fundraisers to help non-profit organisations achieve their mission. Nick is a Non-Executive Director of the Australian Theatre for Young People and Fundraising Institute of Australia (NSW) and has also served on boards for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Leukaemia Research Fund, University of Alberta School of Business, and Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. Leading Global Philanthropic’s Asia Pacific operations, Nick has worked with clients in the education, health and medical research, arts and culture, public policy and community services sectors including the Australian National University, Hong Kong International School, St Peter’s College, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney Symphony and National Library of Australia amongst others.
Elle McGlynn
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Elle McGlynn
About Elle
Elle is a healthcare communications specialist with over 10 years’ experience working in not-for-profit, consultancy and pharmaceutical industry organisations throughout her career. Currently she is an Associate Partner at independent Australia and New Zealand firm, SenateSHJ. Elle specialises in working with organisations to profile the personal experiences and perspectives of what it is really like living with a range of conditions including cancers, chronic illnesses, neurological conditions and rare diseases. She is responsible for developing and leading the implementation of disease awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement programs, internal communications strategies, traditional media engagement campaigns, and digital education campaigns including social media. Elle is passionate about providing genuine, practical support, and ensuring the patient voice and experience is showcased at all opportunities.
Christie Newbon
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Christie Newbon
About Christie
Christie is the CEO and Director of Arterial Group, a full-service medical marketing and education agency. With over 25 years’ career experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Christie has successfully built and sustained a wealth of relationships across healthcare, the pharmaceutical industry, government and not-for-profit organisations. Christie’s tenacity and drive has seen Arterial grow into a leading medical education provider in Australia, specialising in delivering innovative and insight-driven, multi-channel education to Australian healthcare professionals. Christie is passionate about people and healthcare and uses this energy to inspire her team every day. Having been born at Royal North Shore Hospital and now raising her own family locally, Christie is committed to helping the NORTH Foundation grow.
Julie Shaw
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Julie Shaw
About Julie
Julie joined the Development Committee in November 2021. She is currently the Senior Deputy Principal at Pymble Ladies’ College and has more than 18 years’ of leadership experience as an educator in the independent schools sector. Julie has oversight over the social responsibility programs at the school and has developed a number of relationships with corporate partners. Julie brings invaluable knowledge about how schools interact with charities so she is keen to help the NORTH Foundation engage with schools and community groups. She is a strong advocate for living a balanced and healthy lifestyle and enjoys bike riding and hiking in her free time.
Jason Tunbridge
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Jason Tunbridge
About Jason
Jason began his working life in a boat marina on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, before attending film school and working as a camera operator and film editor. He followed his passion for creativity and entrepreneurship in establishing businesses in areas as diverse as international trade, nutritional supplements and childbirth education. Since 2004, Jason has been working in the area of executive development, and as the Co-Founder and Chief Executive at The Leadership Think Tank, Jason works with and mentors CEOs, Managing Directors and senior leaders to increase their effectiveness and enhance their lives. A lifetime of experience in the SME marketplace, mixing with some of Australia's most innovative business entrepreneurs, has given Jason unique insights into planning an organisation’s strategic direction.
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