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.

Olivia joined Children’s Hospital Foundation as Chief Marketing and Fundraising Officer in September 2020 and brings a wealth of leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector with an emphasis on strategy, business performance, fundraising, marketing, data management and stakeholder management.

Along with commercial Business Development experience, Olivia has over 15 years’ of fundraising experience and prior to joining the Foundation was Director of Fundraising and Marketing for Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.

Olivia’s passion for children’s health was cemented during her six year tenure at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity in the UK, raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital – one of the top three children’s research hospitals in the world. During this time, Olivia led a high-performing team and was part of the leadership team which saw fundraising income increase by 38%. Olivia also led Fundraising Innovation for the charity and embedded a culture of innovative thinking and ‘thoughtful’ risk.

Olivia holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Brunel University in London and as part of this, spent 12 months in Kathmandu, Nepal working for a local health NGO.

Kaelah joined Children’s Hospital Foundation as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in September 2021. Bringing 20 years of finance experience from across the not for profit sector, commercial businesses and accounting firms, Kaelah is passionate about enhancing charity impact through strategic financial management and ICT Digital strategies.

Kaelah joins us from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Foundation where she held the position of CFO. After having worked in audit and commercial practices Kaelah found her true calling for the not for profit sector particularly in the area of healthcare.

She brings a broad knowledge and background in financial management, management accounting, governance, audit, ICT systems, project management and risk management. Along with this she prides herself on being a supportive and collaborative leader.

Kaelah is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Banking and Finance) from QUT and a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from UQ.

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.

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

As the Director of Patient and Family Support, Nick develops and manages the day-to-day workings of all mission related activities of the Foundation, including patient and family support services, 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.

The Wonder Factory became an icon of the Royal Children’s Hospital under Nick’s management.

Nick and his team are in charge of recruiting volunteers and providing them with the necessary tools and skills to perform their work and find it a positive and worthwhile experience.

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.

Associate Professor Byrne is a well-respected general practitioner, rural generalist and medical administrator with more than 20 years’ experience working in rural and remote health settings, both in the public and private sector.

He is currently Director of Medical Services of Metro North Hospital and Health Service’s Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), and an Associate Professor with Griffith University, where he serves as Medical Educator and Examiner, as well as senior roles with The University of Queensland and University of Southern Queensland. Associate Professor Byrne has also previously served in executive roles for South West and Darling Downs hospital and health services.

Martin is a member of the Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service Board. Martin joined the Board in May 2022.

Garth is an experienced Information and Technology executive with over 30 years’ experience in public, not-for-profit and private sectors.

He is currently the Chief Information Officer at Queensland Fire and Emergency Services where he has been setting the strategy and delivery of digital initiatives. Previous to that, Garth has held executive roles in Brisbane City Council, UnitingCare Queensland and Rio Tinto. Garth has extensive experience in strategic planning, roadmap development, portfolio management, risk management and service delivery.

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

Cheryl’s career spans the private sector, and both state and federal governments in diverse fields including health, taxation, education and transport. In her current role, Cheryl works to support partnerships with First Nations people to co-steward Queensland’s unique cultural landscapes and protect the rights and interests of First Nations peoples. In her previous role as Deputy Commissioner at the Queensland Family and Child Commission, Cheryl supported QFCC’s drive to oversight improvement and reform of Queensland’s child protection and family support system.

Cheryl has also enjoyed a long career in governance, serving on several boards including the Queensland Art Gallery, Canberra Museum and Gallery, ACT Cultural Council, the Queensland Music Festival, and currently the Brisbane Writers Festival and the Institute of Modern Art, where she also chairs First Nations advisory councils.

Cheryl is a Kooma Traditional Owner. Kooma Country is South-West Queensland, between St George and Cunnamulla. Cheryl is passionate about language revitalisation and uses poetry as tool for her own learning. Cheryl is the most recent winner of the prestigious Oodgeroo Noonuccal Poetry Prize.

Cheryl joined the Board in December 2022 and is a member of the Grants Committee.

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