Our Board
Composed of highly experienced members who represent a variety of sector expertise, our Board is supported by a Nominations Sub-Committee and by a largely independent Investment Committee (IC) that we share with our sister organisation Sefa. The IC makes recommendations on Funding Collaborations to the Board.
David Rickards, OAM
CHair
David was formerly the Head of Research and an Executive Director at Macquarie Bank. After he retired in 2012 he co-founded Sefa. David founded Sefa Partnerships in 2016. Before joining Macquarie Bank he was responsible for establishing the risk management company, BARRA International, in Australia.
David was also Director and Treasurer of Bush Heritage Australia for nine years. He is currently a Director of Australian Museum Foundation, Director of Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN), Director of NAOS Absolute Return Fund Ltd and NAOS Emerging Opportunities Fund Ltd, and Director of Midland Conservation Fund.
Belinda Drew
Non-executive director
Belinda has over 20 years’ experience in the community services industry having worked across the fields of disability, homelessness, child protection and housing. During the most recent decade of her career, Belinda was focused on building the social investment market in Australia in her role as the CEO of Foresters Community Finance. Belinda then joined the Community Services Industry Alliance as inaugural CEO of a company focused on representing the value of the community services industry to government and the business sectors. She most recently joined the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy Queensland as Deputy Director General, Department of Communities - a role that supports communities to thrive through investing in community services that build resilience and improve the wellbeing of all Queenslanders.
Belinda has a passion for the community services industry and contributing to the task of building a strong, sustainable and contemporary sector across Australia.
Emily Fuller
Non-executive director
Emily's experience in the private and not-for-profit sectors spans strategy, communications, research, international development and philanthropy. She has deep expertise in strategic philanthropy, social innovation and in cross-sector collaborations aiming to disrupt persistent social issues and shine a light on structural improvements.
Emily is the Social Impact Manager at Future Generation, the first Australian listed investment companies to deliver investment and social returns, and was previously the Foundation Manager of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation. She is a Director of Mundango Abroad, a private ancillary fund grantmaking in Papua New Guinea and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Louise Baker
Non-executive director
Louise Baker combines deep finance expertise with a passion for creating positive change. As a Director in the relationship coverage team at Westpac Institutional Bank, she holds over 20 years of experience in global debt markets across Australia, Asia, Europe, and the US. Louise's contributions to the ESG/impact sector include volunteer work at the Public Interest Advocacy Centre and the Environmental Defenders Office, and leadership roles in committees for Women in Banking and Finance and the CFA Societies Sydney and Australia.
An alumnus of Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and a CFA Charterholder, Louise prides herself on the new perspectives and innovative problem-solving approaches she developed during her immersive business degree. Described by colleagues as passionate, curious, and committed, Louise is never one to shy away from challenges. When she's not managing client relationships or contributing to Sefa Partnerships, you can find her exercising her green thumb in the garden.
Lila D’Souza
Non-executive director
With over 15 years in the sector, Lila’s passion for social justice drives her every day. Her strategic insight and years of experience has led her to provide in-house legal advice, guide policy and advocate for Aboriginal Land Rights, Native Title and equity for Aboriginal peoples. Before joining SEFA’s Board, Lila held leadership positions within the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council and the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Ltd. Lila’ focus is supporting Aboriginal communities to secure economic, cultural and social self-determination. Lila’s experience, deep knowledge and keen instincts help guide our efforts in continuing to unlock social impact for communities in need.
When not working, Lila’s chasing her kids, going to the gym, catching up with friends and making plans for further study. Lila lives and works on Cammeraygal country.
Vedran Drakulic, OAM
Non-executive director
Vedran Drakulic, Director at SEFA Partnerships, brings over two decades of diverse experience across corporate, for-purpose, and government sectors. With a Masters in Public Advocacy and Action from Victoria University, Vedran's expertise spans philanthropy, communications, marketing, fundraising, social enterprise development, and migrant and refugee issues. His personal journey as a refugee who arrived in Australia in 1995 drives his commitment to giving back and helping individuals achieve their full potential.
Vedran is particularly proud of raising approximately $1.2 million for homelessness programs through the Vinnies' CEO Sleepout. He has held significant roles including as the CEO of Gandel Foundation, Deputy Chair at AMES Australia, Councillor at Haileybury College and Adjunct Professor at RMIT's School of Global and Social Studies. In his spare time, Vedran enjoys cycling, walking his dog, and spending quality time with his wife and daughter. Vedran works and lives on Yalukit-Willam country.