Foundation Team

Lyndsey joined the Children’s Hospital Foundation as Chief Executive Officer in May 2022.  She brings with her a wealth of strong fundraising experience, having led the fundraising teams of successful not-for-profits including Oxfam, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Cancer Council NSW.

Lyndsey has over 15 years leadership experience gained across international markets, and is experienced in strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, philanthropy, digital transformation and leading highly effective teams.

At an executive level, Lyndsey drives growth and change, leveraging her years of experience working with for-purpose organisations to raise funds, improve brands and create exceptional supporter experiences. During her time with Cancer Council NSW Lyndsey led a successful five-year digital transformation project to position them as a leader in this space.

Lyndsey is recognised as a visionary leader with experience leading large multi-disciplinary teams throughout a career that spans international development, social service, health, medical research and the arts. She is passionate about building inclusive, engaged, and inspiring cultures to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Lyndsey has served on executive teams of some of country’s largest health charities and held governance and non-executive roles at Daffodil Centre and ChildFund Australia.

Lyndsey holds a 1^st Class BA Hons Degree in English Language and Literature, is a Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia, where she is also a volunteer mentor.

Simon is a highly experienced executive who has held executive roles in health and education across profit and not-for-profit organisations and the public sector. He joined the Children’s Hospital Foundation team as Chief Operating Officer in June 2024.

Simon has held non-executive director and company secretarial roles. He is highly experienced in philanthropic financial management, with oversight of the ICT, risk and compliance, and project management office in multiple roles. Simon is a Fellow of CPA Australia, with a Masters in Commerce and a Bachelor of Economics from The University of Queensland.

Rachael joined Children’s Hospital Foundation in 2013, bringing with her more than 10 years’ experience working across the not-for-profit, education, and healthcare industries.

Prior to joining Children’s Hospital Foundation, Rachael worked at Cancer Council NSW, where she contributed to the development of people structures, systems and processes to improve organisational effectiveness. Rachael holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Queensland.

Rachael is responsible for our strategic direction and delivery of our people and culture programs, services and technologies in order to build a talented, diverse, engaged and productive workforce in support of the organisation.

She is passionate about ensuring our people are achieving the best outcomes for sick kids.

Nadine was appointed Director of Philanthropy and Government Relations in August 2023, after joining Children’s Hospital Foundation in May 2022 as Head of Philanthropy.

Since beginning his journey with the Children’s Hospital Foundation in 2002, Nick has contributed in a number of roles.

As the Director of Impact Programs, Nick develops and manages the day-to-day workings of all mission related activities of the Foundation, including impact programs that support patient and families, hospital events and entertainment, volunteer services and all research and grants activity.

The Foundation’s mission related services directly impact the well-being of children and their families and aim to improve the hospital journey for the many thousands of sick and injured kids admitted to the hospital each year.

Nick’s passion and enthusiasm for the outcomes of the Foundation’s programs and services continue to grow, as he continues to take the support offered in the hospital to even more meaningful levels.

Jane has a longstanding career in clinical management of paediatric disorders, with particular application to the related supportive corporate activities. Subsequent to her initial oncology training, she has played a key role in the development of the Hear and Say Centre from its inception to its current leading place as the premier childhood deafness centre.

She served as the Centre Chairman from 1996-2008 and continuing to date as the Deputy Chairman, together with long-term hands-on experience in the Centre’s committees. Jane was pivotal in the development of Queensland Otology and Attune, Australia’s leading private audiological company. She has a proven record of executive leadership having worked for both for-profit and not-for-profit organisations.

Jane was awarded a Doctorate for her studies in prognostication in paediatric cochlear implantation at the University of Queensland, a field in which she is an acknowledged expert. She has a strong focus on health innovation and research, early intervention and clinical ethics.

Jane joined the Board in December 2019. She is a member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Remuneration and Nominations Committee, and an ex officio member of the Grants Committee.

Sara is Chief Executive Officer of Hand Heart Pocket. Sara has more than twenty-five years’ experience in sustainability, stakeholder relations, communication, and marketing, with both corporate and community organisations, holding staff and board positions.

Previously, Sara has worked for Suncorp as the Head of Suncorp Group’s corporate responsibility function, leading the development of environmental and social impact strategy group-wide. Sara has also worked for resources giant Xstrata, global investment firm Babcock & Brown, and accounting firm Ernst & Young, leading sustainability policy, social impact management, stakeholder engagement, and community investment at regional, national and global levels.

Sara has also held executive and management roles in the community sector in advocacy, communications, and marketing with Australia’s largest social enterprise and childcare provider Goodstart Early Learning, as well as international development agency TEAR Australia and the human services agency Uniting Church Queensland.

Sara has volunteered her professional skills in Australia and overseas to support international relief and development agencies. Sara holds a Bachelor of Business-Management and a Master of Business-Marketing from QUT.

Sara joined the Board in December 2019. She is Chair of the Grants Committee.

Frank is the Health Service Chief Executive at Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service. He has 40 years’ experience working in health systems which includes executive roles in large health organisations and the non-government sector. He has a clinical background in nursing and holds advanced qualifications in health management and governance. His extensive experience in health commissioning and provision in clinical and community settings is complemented by strong executive management and leadership skills.

Frank has an applied interest in population health planning and translational health research. While working in both government and non-government roles he has focused on delivering sustainable health strategies that serve the best interests of patients, health professionals, the broader health system, and the community.

Frank joined the Board in December 2019.

Michelle is a passionate advocate for rural health, especially around issues of equitable provision of health care in rural communities and in overcoming barriers to accessing tertiary healthcare services for rural people. Michelle sits on the Board of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and previously served on the boards of the Rural Doctors Association of Tasmania, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia and General Practice Training Tasmania.

A Fellowed rural GP and Rural Generalist, Michelle has an interest in paediatrics and has a Diploma of Child Health, as well as a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in addition to her medical and science qualifications. Her clinical work involves both aeromedical retrieval and primary care clinics with the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Mount Isa

She is also a statewide Medical Education Officer for RFDS and has a conjoint academic appointment with the University of Tasmania. She trained across city, regional and remote NSW, Queensland, and Tasmania, where she was able to combine her medicine with her skills as a vigneron, running a vineyard in southern Tasmania. She currently divides her time between Tasmania and Queensland.

Michelle joined the Board in December 2019. She is Chair of the Remuneration and Nominations Committee and a member of the Grants Committee.

Sharon is a Director in BDO’s Healthcare team looking after large medical groups, hospitals, doctors and allied health professionals. Whilst working in an accounting and taxation environment her advisory skills extend to management accounting, business structuring, personal wealth creation, self-managed superannuation, succession planning, family business and indirect taxation.

Sharon also sits on the Board of St John Ambulance (Qld), chairs their Finance and Risk Committee, and sits on their Remuneration and Performance Committee. Her role as a board member of Community Canteen Co Ltd is a very hands-on one, providing meals for Brisbane people in need. She is also the Secretary for the Ideas Van Partnerships Ltd which takes world-class eye clinics to rural and remote communities in Australia.

Sharon joined the Board in December 2019. She is a member of the Finance, Audit, and Risk Management Committee.

Karina is a proud First Nations and South Sea Islander woman, deeply rooted in her ancestral connections to northern New South Wales. She has extensive experience in media and governance and has made significant contributions to the industry.

While her expertise primarily lies in broadcasting and radio production, Karina has recently ventured into the realm of documentary making. In 2022, Karina and her colleagues were honoured with a prestigious Logie award for their documentary, “Incarceration Nation,” which shed light on important social issues.

Karina is an esteemed ABC journalist and holds prominent leadership positions. She is also:

• the Chair of BlakDance, where she advocates for Indigenous representation and storytelling through dance
• a Non-Executive Director for ATSICHS Brisbane, a community-controlled organisation
• a Non-Executive Director for Deadly Coders, promoting digital literacy among Indigenous youth.

Karina is a member of the Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service Board. Karina joined the Board in February 2024.

Cath joined the Board in December 2022 and is a member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee.