Find out more about the Board of Governors and the staff of The Ian Potter Foundation.
Chairman
BCom Melb SFFin
Chair since 2024, Governor since 2021
Craig is the President of the Geelong Football Club Limited, Chairman of Transurban Co Ltd, and Chairman of the Australian Foundation Investment Company.
Craig was formerly a Member of the Federal Government's Financial Regulator Assessment Authority, Chief Executive Officer of Medibank Private Ltd, Group Executive Finance and Strategy of National Australia Bank (NAB) and Chief Executive Officer and Country Head of Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Australia). Earlier in his career, he was Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of Goldman Sachs JBWere.
Craig is a Senior Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and is a Chartered Accountant.
Governor
BCom(Hons) Melb MBA Harvard CPA FFin
Governor since 2013
Tony Burgess is Chairman of Flagstaff Partners, an independent corporate finance advisory firm.
Mr Burgess has over 30 years of experience in corporate finance in Melbourne, London and New York. He is a Director of the listed investment company, Diversified United Investment Limited, a Director of Melbourne Business School Limited, Chairman of the Melbourne Foundation for Business and Economics.
He is a member of CPA Australia and a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.
Governor
B.Com LL.B (Hons) Melb Hon LLD Melbourne and Monash Universities
Governor since 2016
After completing his degrees Alex Chernov practised as a barrister for over 30 years in commercial law and equity and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1980.
He became Chairman of the Victorian Bar, Vice President of the Australian Bar Association and, later, President of the Law Council of Australia and Vice President of LawAsia.
In 2009 he was elected as Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2008 and a Companion of the Order in 2012.
Alex Chernov was sworn in Victoria’s 28th Governor in 2011 and as deputy to the Governor-General in 2014.
Governor
BA Melb LLB Syd PostGradDipHist Melb HonDUniv ACU
Governor since 2015
Susan Crennan was appointed to the High Court of Australia in November 2005. She had then served for almost two years as a judge on the Federal Court. Before then, Susan Crennan was a barrister for 24 years, 14 of them as one of her Majesty’s Counsel (Queen’s Counsel).
She has been a member and chair of several committees of the Victorian Bar and the University of Melbourne, including serving as Deputy‑Chancellor of the University. In 2008 she was made a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Governor
FRACI FAIMM Hon DSc Curtin Hon DSc UQ Hon DUniv UniSA
Governor since 2007
Mr Davis has many years of experience in resource management, both in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and the United Kingdom, serving more than 40 years with Rio Tinto Plc at which he held a number of managerial posts around the world, ultimately as Chief
Governor
BSc(Hons) Melb PhD Melb
Governor since 2021
Professor Karen Day was appointed to the Foundation's Board of Governors in September 2021. Professor Day is an infectious disease epidemiologist dedicated to improving global public health. She is a founder of the scientific discipline of malaria genomic epidemiology.
Professor Day is also an experienced educator and academic administrator in medicine and science and has held senior leadership posts in universities in the UK, US and Australia. She is an Emeritus Fellow of Hertford College, Oxford, having been one of the first women science “dons” at that College.
From 2004-13, Professor Day led the development of interdisciplinary global public health programs as Director of the Institute of Urban and Global Health at New York University. Most recently she has been the Dean of Science at the University of Melbourne where she now continues her malaria epidemiology research.
Governor
FAA FTSE FRSN, BSc Hons PhD Melb
Governor since 2021
Professor Emma Johnston was appointed to the Foundation's Board of Governors in September 2021.
Professor Johnston is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney and co-Chief Author of the National State of Environment Report. Professor Johnston's research focus is on the impact of human activities in marine ecosystems and how we can build ecological resilience. Her research is conducted in diverse field environments, from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef and temperate Australian estuaries.
Professor Johnston was most recently Dean of Science and Professor of Marine Ecology and Ecotoxicology at UNSW Sydney and previously Pro Vice-Chancellor Research at UNSW and Director of the Sydney Harbour Research Program for the Sydney Institute of Marine Science.
In 2023, Professor Johnson was appointed by the Australian Government to the CSIRO board. In 2018 she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for “distinguished service to higher education, particularly to marine ecology and ecotoxicology, as an academic, researcher and administrator, and to scientific institutes”.
Professor Johnston is a national advocate for the Science and Technology sector, Co-Chief Author of the Australian Government’s State of Environment Report, and a Director on the Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Governor
MD BS Melb PhD Lon Hon LLD Melb Hon LLD Monash FTSE FRACP FRCP FRCPI FAMMal FAMSing
Governor since 2013
Professor Larkins has over 40 years of experience in medicine, science and higher education. Formerly Dean of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne; Vice-Chancellor & President, Monash University; and Chancellor of La Trobe University. Other roles have included Chairman of the National Health and Research Council, President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and Chairman of Universities Australia
He has also been President of the Endocrine Society of Australia, Chair of the Accreditation Committee of the Australian Medical Council, a member on two occasions of the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council, member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council, President of the National Stroke Foundation, and Chair of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Council.
Governor
BA LLB(Hons) Melb BCL Oxon HonDUniv ACU HonLLD Melb
Governor since 2004
Allan Myers is one of His Majesty's Counsel (King’s Counsel) in all States and Territories of Australia and a barrister in England and Papua New Guinea. For 40 years he has practised continuously as a barrister, principally in Victoria, as well as all other jurisdictions within Australia, Papua New Guinea and England.
Over many years Allan has held memberships and chairmanships of committees and foundations at the Victorian Bar, University Of Melbourne, Oxford University, Monivae College, Florey Neurosciences Institute, the National Gallery of Victoria, National Gallery of Australia, and others. He was the founding Chair of the Grattan Institute. Allan was Chancellor of the University of Melbourne from 2017 to 2022.
In June 2016, was made a Commander of the Order of Australia.
Life Governor
HonDUniv ACU HonLLD Monash
Life Governor since 1993
Lady [Primrose] Potter has been an active supporter of the Australian arts sector for several decades. She was Founding Honorary Patron of the Melba Foundation, Founding Patron of the Victorian Opera Company and Patron-in-Chief of The Melbourne Opera Company. She has also served as director and Victorian Chairman of the Elizabethan Theatre Trust and founding director of the Bell Shakespeare Company, and Director of the Australian Ballet School.
In the field of Contemporary Art, Lady Potter has been Patron of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, is current Patron of The Ian Potter Museum of Art at Melbourne University, Honorary Life Member of the National Gallery Victoria and was founding benefactor of the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Lady Potter was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for her contribution to the community in 1988, followed by a Companion of the Order of Australian in 2003.
Governor
BS (Astro) BS (Phys) UofA AM PhD Harvard HonDUniv UofA HonDUniv UChile HonDUniv Macquarie HonDUniv UQ FAA NAS FRS
Governor since 2015
Brian Schmidt is a Distinguished Professor at The Australian National University. Professor Schmidt received undergraduate degrees in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Arizona in 1989 and completed his Astronomy Master's degree (1992) and PhD (1993) from Harvard University.
Under his leadership, in 1998, the HighZ Supernova Search team made the startling discovery that the expansion rate of the Universe is accelerating, work that earned him the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics. Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, The United States Academy of Science, and the Royal Society, he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2013.
He was previously Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University from 2016 to 2023.
Chairman
BCom Melb SFFin
Chair since 2024, Governor since 2021
Craig is the President of the Geelong Football Club Limited, Chairman of Transurban Co Ltd, and Chairman of the Australian Foundation Investment Company.
Craig was formerly a Member of the Federal Government's Financial Regulator Assessment Authority, Chief Executive Officer of Medibank Private Ltd, Group Executive Finance and Strategy of National Australia Bank (NAB) and Chief Executive Officer and Country Head of Bank of America Merrill Lynch (Australia). Earlier in his career, he was Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of Goldman Sachs JBWere.
Craig is a Senior Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and is a Chartered Accountant.
Governor
BCom(Hons) Melb MBA Harvard CPA FFin
Governor since 2013
Tony Burgess is Chairman of Flagstaff Partners, an independent corporate finance advisory firm.
Mr Burgess has over 30 years of experience in corporate finance in Melbourne, London and New York. He is a Director of the listed investment company, Diversified United Investment Limited, a Director of Melbourne Business School Limited, Chairman of the Melbourne Foundation for Business and Economics.
He is a member of CPA Australia and a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.
Governor
B.Com LL.B (Hons) Melb Hon LLD Melbourne and Monash Universities
Governor since 2016
After completing his degrees Alex Chernov practised as a barrister for over 30 years in commercial law and equity and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1980.
He became Chairman of the Victorian Bar, Vice President of the Australian Bar Association and, later, President of the Law Council of Australia and Vice President of LawAsia.
In 2009 he was elected as Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2008 and a Companion of the Order in 2012.
Alex Chernov was sworn in Victoria’s 28th Governor in 2011 and as deputy to the Governor-General in 2014.
Governor
BA Melb LLB Syd PostGradDipHist Melb HonDUniv ACU
Governor since 2015
Susan Crennan was appointed to the High Court of Australia in November 2005. She had then served for almost two years as a judge on the Federal Court. Before then, Susan Crennan was a barrister for 24 years, 14 of them as one of her Majesty’s Counsel (Queen’s Counsel).
She has been a member and chair of several committees of the Victorian Bar and the University of Melbourne, including serving as Deputy‑Chancellor of the University. In 2008 she was made a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Governor
FRACI FAIMM Hon DSc Curtin Hon DSc UQ Hon DUniv UniSA
Governor since 2007
Mr Davis has many years of experience in resource management, both in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore and the United Kingdom, serving more than 40 years with Rio Tinto Plc at which he held a number of managerial posts around the world, ultimately as Chief
Governor
BSc(Hons) Melb PhD Melb
Governor since 2021
Professor Karen Day was appointed to the Foundation's Board of Governors in September 2021. Professor Day is an infectious disease epidemiologist dedicated to improving global public health. She is a founder of the scientific discipline of malaria genomic epidemiology.
Professor Day is also an experienced educator and academic administrator in medicine and science and has held senior leadership posts in universities in the UK, US and Australia. She is an Emeritus Fellow of Hertford College, Oxford, having been one of the first women science “dons” at that College.
From 2004-13, Professor Day led the development of interdisciplinary global public health programs as Director of the Institute of Urban and Global Health at New York University. Most recently she has been the Dean of Science at the University of Melbourne where she now continues her malaria epidemiology research.
Governor
FAA FTSE FRSN, BSc Hons PhD Melb
Governor since 2021
Professor Emma Johnston was appointed to the Foundation's Board of Governors in September 2021.
Professor Johnston is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney and co-Chief Author of the National State of Environment Report. Professor Johnston's research focus is on the impact of human activities in marine ecosystems and how we can build ecological resilience. Her research is conducted in diverse field environments, from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef and temperate Australian estuaries.
Professor Johnston was most recently Dean of Science and Professor of Marine Ecology and Ecotoxicology at UNSW Sydney and previously Pro Vice-Chancellor Research at UNSW and Director of the Sydney Harbour Research Program for the Sydney Institute of Marine Science.
In 2023, Professor Johnson was appointed by the Australian Government to the CSIRO board. In 2018 she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for “distinguished service to higher education, particularly to marine ecology and ecotoxicology, as an academic, researcher and administrator, and to scientific institutes”.
Professor Johnston is a national advocate for the Science and Technology sector, Co-Chief Author of the Australian Government’s State of Environment Report, and a Director on the Board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Governor
MD BS Melb PhD Lon Hon LLD Melb Hon LLD Monash FTSE FRACP FRCP FRCPI FAMMal FAMSing
Governor since 2013
Professor Larkins has over 40 years of experience in medicine, science and higher education. Formerly Dean of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne; Vice-Chancellor & President, Monash University; and Chancellor of La Trobe University. Other roles have included Chairman of the National Health and Research Council, President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and Chairman of Universities Australia
He has also been President of the Endocrine Society of Australia, Chair of the Accreditation Committee of the Australian Medical Council, a member on two occasions of the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council, member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council, President of the National Stroke Foundation, and Chair of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Council.
Governor
BA LLB(Hons) Melb BCL Oxon HonDUniv ACU HonLLD Melb
Governor since 2004
Allan Myers is one of His Majesty's Counsel (King’s Counsel) in all States and Territories of Australia and a barrister in England and Papua New Guinea. For 40 years he has practised continuously as a barrister, principally in Victoria, as well as all other jurisdictions within Australia, Papua New Guinea and England.
Over many years Allan has held memberships and chairmanships of committees and foundations at the Victorian Bar, University Of Melbourne, Oxford University, Monivae College, Florey Neurosciences Institute, the National Gallery of Victoria, National Gallery of Australia, and others. He was the founding Chair of the Grattan Institute. Allan was Chancellor of the University of Melbourne from 2017 to 2022.
In June 2016, was made a Commander of the Order of Australia.
Life Governor
HonDUniv ACU HonLLD Monash
Life Governor since 1993
Lady [Primrose] Potter has been an active supporter of the Australian arts sector for several decades. She was Founding Honorary Patron of the Melba Foundation, Founding Patron of the Victorian Opera Company and Patron-in-Chief of The Melbourne Opera Company. She has also served as director and Victorian Chairman of the Elizabethan Theatre Trust and founding director of the Bell Shakespeare Company, and Director of the Australian Ballet School.
In the field of Contemporary Art, Lady Potter has been Patron of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, is current Patron of The Ian Potter Museum of Art at Melbourne University, Honorary Life Member of the National Gallery Victoria and was founding benefactor of the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Lady Potter was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for her contribution to the community in 1988, followed by a Companion of the Order of Australian in 2003.
Governor
BS (Astro) BS (Phys) UofA AM PhD Harvard HonDUniv UofA HonDUniv UChile HonDUniv Macquarie HonDUniv UQ FAA NAS FRS
Governor since 2015
Brian Schmidt is a Distinguished Professor at The Australian National University. Professor Schmidt received undergraduate degrees in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Arizona in 1989 and completed his Astronomy Master's degree (1992) and PhD (1993) from Harvard University.
Under his leadership, in 1998, the HighZ Supernova Search team made the startling discovery that the expansion rate of the Universe is accelerating, work that earned him the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics. Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, The United States Academy of Science, and the Royal Society, he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2013.
He was previously Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University from 2016 to 2023.
Chief Executive Officer
Paul commenced as CEO of The Ian Potter Foundation in March 2023.
Paul holds Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law (Hons) degrees from the University of Melbourne and has extensive experience in both the commercial world and the not-for-profit sector.
Paul's experience includes practising as a corporate lawyer in Australia, Asia and the UK, including working as Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary of Fosters' Group Limited and Treasury Wine Estates Limited. Paul has also worked in a number of executive and chief executive roles both in Australia and the United States in public and private companies.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Paul was Chief Executive Officer of FareShare, a volunteer-led organisation engaged in the transformation of food rescue into nutritious meals for people in need.
He has also served as Chairman of the Summer Foundation, an organisation focused on stopping young people with disability from being forced into residential aged care and ensuring they have access to the support required to be in control of where, how and with whom they live.
Paul is also CEO of The Ian Potter Cultural Trust and The George Alexander Foundation
Senior Program Manager
Community Wellbeing Program
Dr Alberto Furlan is Senior Program Manager providing strategic advice to the Board around impactful partnerships with the not-for-profit sector. Dr Furlan specifically manages the Community Wellbeing area of funding and leads the program management team's implementation of the Foundation's strategic approach to grantmaking.
After completing a degree in Philosophy at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, Italy Alberto moved to Australia in 2001 to undertake doctoral studies in Anthropology at the University of Sydney. Alberto spent over five years in Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, first as an academic fieldwork researcher and later as a regional anthropologist employed by the Central Land Council in Tennant Creek working on the management and protection of sacred sites.
Alberto volunteers on the Board of The Social Studio, a Melbourne-based social enterprise comprising a fashion school and clothing label that operates to create meaningful and long-term social change for young people of migrant and refugee backgrounds facing barriers to employment and education.
Senior Program Manager
Environment Program
Louise Arkles is Senior Program Manager responsible for the Foundation's Sustainable funding pillar.
She is an active member of the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network and was instrumental in The Ian Potter Foundation winning Philanthropy Australia’s 2017 Environmental Philanthropy Award.
Louise joined the Foundation in 2015 as Program Manager for Environment, Arts, and The Ian Potter Cultural Trust.
Previously, Louise has worked in philanthropy with individual donors and grant-making foundations for two decades, focusing on sharing the history, the passion, the outcomes and the impact of people’s generosity in order to raise the profile and effectiveness of philanthropy in Australia. She created the first Australian library specialising in philanthropy at the national peak body (Philanthropy Australia) in 2001 and went on to edit the Australian Philanthropy magazine.
Senior Program Manager
Early Childhood Development Program
Nicole Bortone has worked at the Foundation since March 2011 and is now the Senior Program Manager responsible for managing the Foundation’s Early Childhood Development grants program, as well as managing The Alec Prentice Sewell Gift.
Nicole currently sits on several advisory groups, including the Centre for Policy Development’s Early Childhood Development Council, the Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children Philanthropic Taskforce, and the Advisory Council for SNAICC’s Early Years Support program. She was the founder of the Early Childhood Impact Alliance: a group of corporate and philanthropic funders that meet regularly to learn about the latest research, program innovations, and policy affecting young children and their families in order to improve collaboration and strategic investment in this space.
Nicole has completed a Master of Public Policy and Management at the University of Melbourne as well as a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and International Studies). As a mother of two young children, Nicole is passionate about ensuring all Australian children and young people have the best start in life and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Program Manager
Arts Program
Louise Joel joined the Foundation in July 2022 in the role of Program Manager responsible for The Ian Potter Foundation’s Vibrant funding pillar, including the Foundation’s Arts program area, The Ian Potter Cultural Trust, and the Ian Potter Moving Image Commission (IPMIC).
Louise holds a Bachelor of Arts (Art History) from The University of Melbourne, a Master’s degree in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Manchester University (Singapore), and a Masters of Business Administration from The Australian Institute of Business.
For the last fifteen years, Louise has worked in a variety of roles in the Australian and International Arts sectors and brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.
Program Manager
Public Health and Medical Research
Karin Sitte joined the Foundation in December 2024. She has over 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, initially as a medical researcher with a PhD in genetics and immunology from the University of Queensland.
Karin then built a career in research management with Neurosciences Victoria and later as a grant specialist at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. During that time, she also completed a Graduate Certificate in Management at La Trobe University.
Changing career in 2019, Karin embarked on further study completing a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact at Swinburne University and subsequently started her own business helping social enterprise and NFP clients with impact monitoring and funding applications. Karin then worked with Equity Trustees as Grants and Program Manager for the Health and Medical Research focus area developing their granting strategy.
Program Officer
All Program Areas
Paula stepped into the role of Program Officer in June 2022, taking responsibility for supporting the Foundation's program management team.
Paula holds a Bachelor of Law, with a specialisation in Management, Governance and Public Affairs and a Master’s in Government and Public Policy, from Externado University of Colombia.
After relocating to Australia Paula completed a Master of Development Studies from the University of Melbourne.
Paula has more than ten years of experience working in the academic, legal, and international sectors. Including the Colombian Administrative Supreme Court, Colombian educational institutions, the Latin American Development Bank, and Australian and International non-for-profit organisations.
Program & Partnerships Manager
The George Alexander Foundation
Brad Shrimpton is Program & Partnerships Manager for The George Alexander Foundation.
Research & Evaluation Manager
Caroline Henwood joined the Foundation in August 2022. She is a strategy development and evaluation expert committed to supporting organisations to deliver on their objectives. Caroline engages with people to understand both the challenges that they face and the vision they are trying to achieve.
Caroline has worked within the private and government sectors and with not-for-profit and community service organisations. She has over ten years of experience in monitoring, evaluating, stakeholder engagement and facilitation across a broad range of sectors, including environment, education, social protection and justice and with the justice system. Most recently, her role involved monitoring Victoria's response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence and delivery of its 10-year plan to end family violence.
Caroline holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Environmental Management and is the co-convenor of the Victorian chapter of the Australian Evaluation society.
Research & Evaluation and Major Grants Development Officer
Ximena Avalos Mendez joined the Foundation in May 2022 as Research & Evaluation and Major Grants Development Officer to work with the Major Grants and Research & Evaluation teams.
Ximena holds a Bachelor of Arts (International Affairs) from The Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey, and a Master in Development Studies with a Gender Specialisation from The University of Melbourne.
She began her career in the humanitarian and development sector in Mexico, her home country, before moving to Australia in 2020.
Ximena’s experience includes working at the United Nations, the Human Rights Office in the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Carlos Slim Foundation, the Mexican Food Banks Association, and the International Agency of Quality Education.
Communications Manager
Sara Hearn joined the Foundation in 2015 to primarily develop and maintain the Foundation's websites and other digital media platforms. In October 2016, she took on the role of Communications Manager. of the Foundation, The Ian potter Cultural trust and The George Alexander Foundation.
Sara's background includes working in educational and trade publishing, online publishing in the higher education sector and managing digital services for the academic and corporate library sectors. She has also previously held senior positions in marketing and publicity in the higher education and publishing sectors.
Communications & Engagement Coordinator
Bianca Suparto joined The Ian Potter Foundation in June 2024. Bianca holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters degree in Arts & Cultural Management from The University of Melbourne. Born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, she moved to Melbourne to be a part of the city’s diverse and vibrant arts scene. Bianca has a strong love for cinema and has helped coordinate several film festivals previously.
Administration & HR Manager
Coral East joined the Foundation in March 2024 as the Administration & HR Manager. In this role, she supports the Foundation with governance, operational and database administration, and HR duties.
Coral holds educational certifications in the arts (Bachelor of Arts, Music Business Management) and community service (MicroMasters, Leadership in Community Development). She has over 16 years of experience working in the not-for-profit arts, social justice and sustainability sectors.
Coral has a passion for the for-purpose sector, including green economy practices and using corporate social responsibility to further equality.
In her spare time, she volunteers as a transporter for a Melbourne-based animal foster care group and advocates for animal welfare.
Administration Officer
Sue has worked for The Ian Potter Foundation since 2007. After completing a Senior Secretarial diploma in 1979, Sue was recruited by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. She then moved on to a career within the oil industry before moving to an administration role with a small engineering company. Sue then took a 6-year career break while living in the UK and USA, before returning to Melbourne in 2006. Sue completed a Diploma in Visual Arts in 1996 and still continues to paint/create in her spare time.
Office Coordinator
Nicole Hunter joined the Foundation in 2019 taking on the role of Office Coordinator. For the last 14 years, Nicole has worked for a range of ethical organisations including Oxfam Australian and the Australian Conservation Foundation in a range of administration and organisational support roles.
Chief Finance Officer
Anna McCallum joined The Ian Potter Foundation in November 2018. Anna is a Chartered Accountant who has over 20 years of experience working across various industries both in Australia and the UK.
After completing her commerce degree in Melbourne, she joined PwC as a graduate accountant – it was there that she gained her membership to the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Since leaving PwC, Anna has been the CFO of Golf Australia, and most recently the Executive Officer of the Marian and E.H. Flack Trust.
Anna is also the Chief Finance Officer for The Ian Potter Cultural Trust and The George Alexander Foundation.
Finance Officer
Viktoria joined the Foundation in 2019. She has a Bachelor of Finance and Accounting from RMIT University and was previously General Manager of the Melbourne School of Fashion.
Chief Executive Officer
Paul commenced as CEO of The Ian Potter Foundation in March 2023.
Paul holds Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law (Hons) degrees from the University of Melbourne and has extensive experience in both the commercial world and the not-for-profit sector.
Paul's experience includes practising as a corporate lawyer in Australia, Asia and the UK, including working as Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary of Fosters' Group Limited and Treasury Wine Estates Limited. Paul has also worked in a number of executive and chief executive roles both in Australia and the United States in public and private companies.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Paul was Chief Executive Officer of FareShare, a volunteer-led organisation engaged in the transformation of food rescue into nutritious meals for people in need.
He has also served as Chairman of the Summer Foundation, an organisation focused on stopping young people with disability from being forced into residential aged care and ensuring they have access to the support required to be in control of where, how and with whom they live.
Paul is also CEO of The Ian Potter Cultural Trust and The George Alexander Foundation
Senior Program Manager
Community Wellbeing Program
Dr Alberto Furlan is Senior Program Manager providing strategic advice to the Board around impactful partnerships with the not-for-profit sector. Dr Furlan specifically manages the Community Wellbeing area of funding and leads the program management team's implementation of the Foundation's strategic approach to grantmaking.
After completing a degree in Philosophy at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, Italy Alberto moved to Australia in 2001 to undertake doctoral studies in Anthropology at the University of Sydney. Alberto spent over five years in Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, first as an academic fieldwork researcher and later as a regional anthropologist employed by the Central Land Council in Tennant Creek working on the management and protection of sacred sites.
Alberto volunteers on the Board of The Social Studio, a Melbourne-based social enterprise comprising a fashion school and clothing label that operates to create meaningful and long-term social change for young people of migrant and refugee backgrounds facing barriers to employment and education.
Senior Program Manager
Environment Program
Louise Arkles is Senior Program Manager responsible for the Foundation's Sustainable funding pillar.
She is an active member of the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network and was instrumental in The Ian Potter Foundation winning Philanthropy Australia’s 2017 Environmental Philanthropy Award.
Louise joined the Foundation in 2015 as Program Manager for Environment, Arts, and The Ian Potter Cultural Trust.
Previously, Louise has worked in philanthropy with individual donors and grant-making foundations for two decades, focusing on sharing the history, the passion, the outcomes and the impact of people’s generosity in order to raise the profile and effectiveness of philanthropy in Australia. She created the first Australian library specialising in philanthropy at the national peak body (Philanthropy Australia) in 2001 and went on to edit the Australian Philanthropy magazine.
Senior Program Manager
Early Childhood Development Program
Nicole Bortone has worked at the Foundation since March 2011 and is now the Senior Program Manager responsible for managing the Foundation’s Early Childhood Development grants program, as well as managing The Alec Prentice Sewell Gift.
Nicole currently sits on several advisory groups, including the Centre for Policy Development’s Early Childhood Development Council, the Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children Philanthropic Taskforce, and the Advisory Council for SNAICC’s Early Years Support program. She was the founder of the Early Childhood Impact Alliance: a group of corporate and philanthropic funders that meet regularly to learn about the latest research, program innovations, and policy affecting young children and their families in order to improve collaboration and strategic investment in this space.
Nicole has completed a Master of Public Policy and Management at the University of Melbourne as well as a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and International Studies). As a mother of two young children, Nicole is passionate about ensuring all Australian children and young people have the best start in life and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Program Manager
Arts Program
Louise Joel joined the Foundation in July 2022 in the role of Program Manager responsible for The Ian Potter Foundation’s Vibrant funding pillar, including the Foundation’s Arts program area, The Ian Potter Cultural Trust, and the Ian Potter Moving Image Commission (IPMIC).
Louise holds a Bachelor of Arts (Art History) from The University of Melbourne, a Master’s degree in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Manchester University (Singapore), and a Masters of Business Administration from The Australian Institute of Business.
For the last fifteen years, Louise has worked in a variety of roles in the Australian and International Arts sectors and brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.
Program Manager
Public Health and Medical Research
Karin Sitte joined the Foundation in December 2024. She has over 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, initially as a medical researcher with a PhD in genetics and immunology from the University of Queensland.
Karin then built a career in research management with Neurosciences Victoria and later as a grant specialist at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. During that time, she also completed a Graduate Certificate in Management at La Trobe University.
Changing career in 2019, Karin embarked on further study completing a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact at Swinburne University and subsequently started her own business helping social enterprise and NFP clients with impact monitoring and funding applications. Karin then worked with Equity Trustees as Grants and Program Manager for the Health and Medical Research focus area developing their granting strategy.
Program Officer
All Program Areas
Paula stepped into the role of Program Officer in June 2022, taking responsibility for supporting the Foundation's program management team.
Paula holds a Bachelor of Law, with a specialisation in Management, Governance and Public Affairs and a Master’s in Government and Public Policy, from Externado University of Colombia.
After relocating to Australia Paula completed a Master of Development Studies from the University of Melbourne.
Paula has more than ten years of experience working in the academic, legal, and international sectors. Including the Colombian Administrative Supreme Court, Colombian educational institutions, the Latin American Development Bank, and Australian and International non-for-profit organisations.
Program & Partnerships Manager
The George Alexander Foundation
Brad Shrimpton is Program & Partnerships Manager for The George Alexander Foundation.
Research & Evaluation Manager
Caroline Henwood joined the Foundation in August 2022. She is a strategy development and evaluation expert committed to supporting organisations to deliver on their objectives. Caroline engages with people to understand both the challenges that they face and the vision they are trying to achieve.
Caroline has worked within the private and government sectors and with not-for-profit and community service organisations. She has over ten years of experience in monitoring, evaluating, stakeholder engagement and facilitation across a broad range of sectors, including environment, education, social protection and justice and with the justice system. Most recently, her role involved monitoring Victoria's response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence and delivery of its 10-year plan to end family violence.
Caroline holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Environmental Management and is the co-convenor of the Victorian chapter of the Australian Evaluation society.
Research & Evaluation and Major Grants Development Officer
Ximena Avalos Mendez joined the Foundation in May 2022 as Research & Evaluation and Major Grants Development Officer to work with the Major Grants and Research & Evaluation teams.
Ximena holds a Bachelor of Arts (International Affairs) from The Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey, and a Master in Development Studies with a Gender Specialisation from The University of Melbourne.
She began her career in the humanitarian and development sector in Mexico, her home country, before moving to Australia in 2020.
Ximena’s experience includes working at the United Nations, the Human Rights Office in the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Carlos Slim Foundation, the Mexican Food Banks Association, and the International Agency of Quality Education.
Communications Manager
Sara Hearn joined the Foundation in 2015 to primarily develop and maintain the Foundation's websites and other digital media platforms. In October 2016, she took on the role of Communications Manager. of the Foundation, The Ian potter Cultural trust and The George Alexander Foundation.
Sara's background includes working in educational and trade publishing, online publishing in the higher education sector and managing digital services for the academic and corporate library sectors. She has also previously held senior positions in marketing and publicity in the higher education and publishing sectors.
Communications & Engagement Coordinator
Bianca Suparto joined The Ian Potter Foundation in June 2024. Bianca holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters degree in Arts & Cultural Management from The University of Melbourne. Born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, she moved to Melbourne to be a part of the city’s diverse and vibrant arts scene. Bianca has a strong love for cinema and has helped coordinate several film festivals previously.
Administration & HR Manager
Coral East joined the Foundation in March 2024 as the Administration & HR Manager. In this role, she supports the Foundation with governance, operational and database administration, and HR duties.
Coral holds educational certifications in the arts (Bachelor of Arts, Music Business Management) and community service (MicroMasters, Leadership in Community Development). She has over 16 years of experience working in the not-for-profit arts, social justice and sustainability sectors.
Coral has a passion for the for-purpose sector, including green economy practices and using corporate social responsibility to further equality.
In her spare time, she volunteers as a transporter for a Melbourne-based animal foster care group and advocates for animal welfare.
Administration Officer
Sue has worked for The Ian Potter Foundation since 2007. After completing a Senior Secretarial diploma in 1979, Sue was recruited by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. She then moved on to a career within the oil industry before moving to an administration role with a small engineering company. Sue then took a 6-year career break while living in the UK and USA, before returning to Melbourne in 2006. Sue completed a Diploma in Visual Arts in 1996 and still continues to paint/create in her spare time.
Office Coordinator
Nicole Hunter joined the Foundation in 2019 taking on the role of Office Coordinator. For the last 14 years, Nicole has worked for a range of ethical organisations including Oxfam Australian and the Australian Conservation Foundation in a range of administration and organisational support roles.
Chief Finance Officer
Anna McCallum joined The Ian Potter Foundation in November 2018. Anna is a Chartered Accountant who has over 20 years of experience working across various industries both in Australia and the UK.
After completing her commerce degree in Melbourne, she joined PwC as a graduate accountant – it was there that she gained her membership to the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Since leaving PwC, Anna has been the CFO of Golf Australia, and most recently the Executive Officer of the Marian and E.H. Flack Trust.
Anna is also the Chief Finance Officer for The Ian Potter Cultural Trust and The George Alexander Foundation.
Finance Officer
Viktoria joined the Foundation in 2019. She has a Bachelor of Finance and Accounting from RMIT University and was previously General Manager of the Melbourne School of Fashion.
Mr Charles Goode AC, served 1987—2024 (Governor), 1994—2024 (Chairman)
The Hon Sir Daryl Dawson AC, KBE, served 1998—2020
We're Social
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.