Our team

Gilbert leads the team and activities of the NORTH Foundation and is dedicated to significantly growing the organisation 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 NORTH 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 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, The Big Issue Group 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.

Kellie Takenaka joined the NORTH Foundation in March 2024 as the Director of Fundraising and Philanthropy. In this role, Kellie leads the development of the NORTH Foundation’s fundraising strategy and oversees the fundraising team in meeting and exceeding revenue generation targets across all streams. Kellie completed her undergraduate BA Honors and later her Bachelor of Civil Law at Balliol College at the University of Oxford, England. She returned to the United States to complete her Juris Doctor from the University of California at Berkeley. With over 18 years of international experience in advancement, Kellie has witnessed the ability of philanthropy to bring transformational change to institutions, creating opportunities and changing lives.

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.

Randy joined NORTH Foundation in July 2023. With more than 22 years' experience including 14 years with the Salvation Army and seven 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.

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.

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 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 and is passionate about helping people.

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 NORTH Foundation will focus on the Grateful Patient program supporting fundraising efforts across all hospitals within the district.

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 was previously 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 NORTH Foundation will focus on 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.

Natalea joined the 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.

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.

Rameshika joined the 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.

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.

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.