Chief Executive Officer: Kirsty Robertson
Kirsty Robertson was appointed as the CEO of Caritas Australia in September 2019. As CEO she works alongside the Board of Directors to support the staff, volunteers and partners of Caritas Australia to deliver the Agency’s mission. In her role she enjoys connecting with people, whether they be farmers in Cambodia, mothers in Timor-Leste or Caritas Australia staff in the office.
Kirsty previously held various positions at Caritas Australia including Pacific Programs Coordinator and Communications Group Leader. She was CEO at Mary MacKillop Today and held numerous leadership roles in other faith-based aid and development organisations. Kirsty has a Graduate Certificate in Catholic Culture and Leadership from Macquarie University, a Master of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Economics and Social Sciences from the University of Sydney.
Chief Finance & Operations Officer: Rocky Naickar
Rocky Naickar has been Chief Operations and Finance Officer at Caritas Australia for nine years. He manages the corporate services strategy of the Agency and oversees all finance, ICT, property, risk, compliance and statutory reporting functions to ensure that Caritas Australia meets financial goals and objectives.
A qualified accountant, Rocky has over 15 years senior leadership experience in a range of roles, including leading corporate functions for corporate, public and large not-for-profit organisations in Australia. He specializes in business transformation, risk and compliance, sustainable financial management, information communications and technology and shared services.
Director of Advancement: Richard Landels
Richard Landels is our Director of Advancement. In this role he manages the fundraising, community engagement, supporter care, marketing and communications functions of the Agency.
Previously, he ran his own communications and publishing agency for 15 years. His background is in publishing, marketing and business management. Richard now enjoys bringing his extensive experience in communication and marketing to the non-profit sector.
Director of Mission: Michael McGirr
Michael McGirr is our Director of Mission. He is a writer, reviewer and educator who has published books on philosophy, literature, spirituality and ethics, as well as hundreds of articles, essays and stories, in publications including The New York Times and The Tablet. He has reviewed many books for publications such as The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times, and he was previously the fiction editor of Meanjin and publisher at Eureka Street.
Prior to joining Caritas Australia, Michael was a teacher and most recently worked as Dean of Faith at St Kevin's College in Melbourne. He also worked on faith formation with the boards and staff of schools and other organisations. Through all his work, he is motivated to connect faith, culture and community, and to champion an expression of a faith that encourages justice.
Director of People: Alicia Benardos
Alicia Benardos is our Director of People at Caritas Australia. She is an energetic and resourceful People and Culture leader with substantial global HR experience in people-centred organisations. She is a purpose-driven and values-led, with extensive experience operating as a senior human resources leader, building and delivering practices that drive engagement and high performance and build strong organisational cultures.
Alicia is passionate about creating amazing spaces where people can bring their best self to work and achieve great things. She is motivated by making a difference and enjoys leading cultural change, supporting growth and developing authentic relationships. Prior to Caritas Australia, Alicia worked as the Head of People and Culture with Weight Watchers, and has worked in strategic and operational HR roles in a variety of industries.
Director of Programs: Dan Skehan
Dan was appointed as Director of Programs in October 2021. He leads our Programs team to implement our development programs and humanitarian responses overseas, and develops and executes strategy for our Australia and country offices. Dan spent his early career working in sustainable agriculture and brings his technical experience to his work in international development and humanitarian aid.
He was previously the Director of Programs at Transform Aid International (TAI) (known in Australia as Baptist World Aid Australia) where he successfully implemented the TAI International Programs Strategy and led their Programs team, helping them navigate the global COVID response. Dan has a Graduate Certificate in Humanitarian Leadership and a Master of International Community Development from Deakin University, as well as Bachelor of Agriculture Science and Master of Environmental Management from the University of Queensland. Dan is passionate about social justice and developing impactful partnerships. He volunteers as a lifesaver in his free time.
Director of Impact: Leigh Mathews
Leigh Matthews is our Director of Impact. She is a highly experienced practitioner with over 17 years of diverse experience in the international development, philanthropic and corporate social responsibility sectors. Leigh hosts The Good Problem podcast, is a published author and is currently working on her forthcoming book - an exploration of the industry of doing good.
Leigh is the co-founder of the international advocacy network, ReThink Orphanages, a member of the Course Advisory Committee for the Master of Social Impact at Swinburne University, Advisory Board member for the Australian Volunteers International (AVI) Childsafe Volunteering Hub, and sits on the Victorian Government’s School for Student Leadership School Council where she chairs the Student Equity Fund Committee.
Leigh is the recipient of the Victorian Young Australian of the Year Award 2009, the Australian Leadership Award 2009, and the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Award (Human Rights and World Peace) 2009.