We are committed to providing the right team for our clients' needs, every time.

We have a team of experts with an impressive range of skills and experience, hand-picked to work on projects to best meet the needs of our clients.
Our people combine depth of experience with fresh thinking. They are creative individuals who love to work as a team.

Zoë Mander-Jones

CEO
Melbourne, VIC

Zoë finds pathways through vast quantities of information. She likes to tend to ideas and nurture storylines to grow, supporting programs and organisations to flourish. At home, Zoë finds joy in watching changes in her garden.
Zoë leads our Strategic team, bringing to the role her interest in ethical leadership and her passion for social justice. Zoë has over twenty-five years of experience across government, non-government organisations and the private sector in the areas of program management, international development, strategic planning, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. Zoë works in ways that bring people together in respectful collaboration, often across sectors and/or cultures.
Zoë is an engaging and influential communicator, with strong facilitation and training skills. She has a Masters Degree in Development Studies, is a Vincent Fairfax Fellow (Ethics in Leadership); and a trained partnership broker.

Tom McColl

Senior Consultant
Bulli, NSW
Tom excels at collaborating with people and communities to find simple solutions to complex situations. He’s a leader and a facilitator – just watch him organising people on the soccer field to find out!
Tom brings experience in the not-for-profit sector, international development in the Pacific, local government, and community and stakeholder engagement. He specialises in working with communities and organisations to build partnerships, find local solutions, and reach a consensus. He has worked with organisations and communities across the Pacific and Australia on a broad range of projects, bringing community voices to the forefront of decision-making. Tom is highly proficient in program design, monitoring and evaluation, partnership brokering, community engagement and strategic planning. 
He has an undergraduate degree in International Studies, a master’s in Social Change and Development, an IAP2 Certificate of Engagement, and speaks Bislama/Tok Pisin (Pacific Melanesian languages).

Sarah Dyer

Principal Consultant
Melbourne, VIC
**Sarah has a genuine passion for disability and gender inclusion to affect long-lasting, positive change – and loves working from her beach house.**
Sarah brings wide global experience in program design, monitoring, evaluation and learning, program performance frameworks, and gender and disability inclusive programming. She has worked on mainstream and disability inclusion and humanitarian response and recovery programs for all levels of the Australian Government, the United Nations Development Program, and international NGOs. Sarah has worked in the UK, Europe, Africa, the Pacific, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East – and with local communities in Australia. She has  Master Degree qualifications in Research Methods and in Business Administration, IAP2 accredited training in engagement and is a member of the Australian Evaluation Society.

Brooke Watson

Operations Manager
Yass, NSW
**Brooke has a passion for business efficiency, processes, team collaboration and culture – and putting out fires!**
Brooke leads our Operations Team and keeps our wider team on track from our Yass office in regional NSW. She supports our projects, strategy, pipeline and our internal corporate functions with hard-nosed efficiency and a friendly smile. She also brings her skills to project administration, management, co-ordination, event management, and community and stakeholder engagement to directly help our clients. Brooke has been building her business administrative and management experience since she was a teen, working in both the private and public sectors. Brooke is also an Operational Firefighter with NSW Fire & Rescue.

Setareki S. Macanawai

Strategic Adviser
Suva, Fiji
**Seta is a respected leader who will never tire of two things – advocating for persons with disabilities and… rugby!**
Seta is a leader and advocate for persons with disabilities at a national, regional and global level having completed seventeen long years of service to the Pacific Disability Forum in June 2024 as its founding CEO. Seta also worked as the executive Director for the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons and was Head Teacher for the Fiji School for the Blind, both located in Suva, Fiji. He is a voice for the voiceless and strategically builds alliances with key partners and organisations to ensure everyone is included and that no one is left behind. Seta loves music and plays both the ukulele and guitar. He is a keen follower of rugby union, whether it be sevens or fifteens, and is a big fan of the Flying Fijians and Fijian Drua!

Kate Lord

Finance and Business Officer
Yass, NSW
**Kate drives a seamless and efficient work environment at Strategic – and loves it when her Canberra Raiders are seamless and efficient too!**
Kate supports the corporate operations and functions of Strategic and strengthens business efficiency, creating streamlined and cohesive work processes for her colleagues in her role as Business Improvement Officer. Kate also provides bid-coordination, facilitation, administrative and community engagement support to many of our clients and projects. With many years experience in customer service, Kate has a passion for customer engagement and building loyalty. Kate holds certificates in Business Administration and Financial Services. In winter, she can be found in her seat near the fence cheering on (i.e. yelling and screaming at) the Green Machine!

Mathew Smith

Lead Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
York, United Kingdom
Matt is a senior monitoring and evaluation specialist, who makes measurement understandable in a clear and engaging way for our clients – and never forgets to measure his early morning bike rides in the UK countryside.
Matt conducts complex evaluations and designs user-friendly monitoring systems. He has worked for numerous international organisations and companies, and is a member of both the American and European Evaluation Associations. Matt's particular strengths include data processing, design of logic models and communicating complex monitoring and evaluation issues in a straightforward, succinct manner. Building on his initial tertiary training in economic history and psychology, Matt has studied in the USA as a Fulbright Scholar in the fields of evaluation and statistics.

Glenn Cummings

Principal Consultant
Canberra, ACT
**Glenn loves using his strategy development, engagement and number crunching skills to tackle complex issues around the world – and to analyse footy statistics!**
Glenn brings experience in the not-for-profit, government and private sectors, and has designed and evaluated major programs for DFAT, CSIRO and other government agencies. Glenn was CEO of a London-based social enterprise, worked with an NGO in Indigenous communities across Australia, and worked on peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction for AusAID/DFAT. Glenn has been Finance Director of an international NGO in New York; he has worked on post-conflict programs in Kosovo, Rwanda and Sudan; he has managed a microfinance institution in Cambodia; and has facilitated deliberative engagement for a Victorian local government’s budget. Glenn also loves his footy (Aussie Rules of course), and his Essendon Bombers.

Erin Corvisy

Communications Specialist
Yass, NSW
**Erin handles our communications, working internally and on client projects. Creative at work and at home - she’s always making something with her two hands.**
Erin is a versatile communications professional with expertise in communication strategy, copywriting, editing, graphic design, and marketing communication. She has a proven track record of delivering outstanding results for small to medium businesses, government departments/agencies, and NGOs across various sectors. Erin manages our internal communications and graphic design and works on various external client project teams, particularly those with communication or community engagement requirements. Erin also edits our written publications, ensuring our proposals, reports and other documentation are ship-shape before publication. With a degree in Professional Communication and a diploma in Graphic Design, Erin brings a unique blend of skills and creativity to every project she undertakes.

Cat Renshaw

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Bulli, NSW
Cat is passionate about getting to the heart of what works to improve the lives of people around the world. She thrives on helping people to clearly articulate and achieve their goals, demonstrate their impact and share lessons with others.
Cat specialises in design and delivery of program and policy evaluations, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and the tools and systems needed for generating robust evidence of performance and impact. Cat’s work has taken her across the globe and has spanned a range of sectors, including climate resilience, infrastructure, humanitarian response, governance, and social development. Cat has worked with various multilateral (e.g. World Bank) and bilateral (e.g. UK Government) agencies, Australian Government departments (DFAT, DAFF and DCCEEW) as well as NGOs, state government, and private sector clients. Her work with Strategic has focused on the Pacific and Asia regions, building on her experience in South Asia and East Africa.

Nick Hislop

Senior Consultant
Bulli, NSW
**Nick is a program management professional with boundless energy, enthusiasm and curiosity. Just try keeping up with him – either at work or up a mountain!**
Nick is dedicated to making a lasting impact. He brings a unique perspective to Strategic, with experience in the co-operative sector, sustainable development, the energy industry, international NGOs, program management, and community and stakeholder engagement. He approaches all his endeavours with a curious mindset, pushing boundaries, taking on new challenges, and aiming to make a meaningful difference in the world. Nick’s entrepreneurial spirit and ability to combine passion with business acumen resulted in the founding of a successful craft brewery with a steadfast commitment to sustainability principles. Outside of work, you can find Nick chasing waves or exploring the local mountain bike trails.

Teresa Rand

Business Development Officer & Junior Project Consultant
Yass, NSW
**Teresa is passionate about working with people to problem solve and achieve positive outcomes for all involved, doing so with scientific precision and a creative flare!**
Teresa provides project and administrative support to our team. She has a degree in Environmental Science and has previously worked within the water resources industry in a scientific role, assisting with analytical reporting, guideline evaluation and ensuring project timeframes are met. Through several years of client services experience, she has worked with communities across the ACT & NSW surrounds as well as government departments and local councils. In her spare time, Teresa loves getting creative, whether it’s working on art or building projects around the home, she’s all in!

Olivia Simmons

Senior Consultant
Sydney, NSW
**Olivia enjoys finding creative solutions to navigate complex systems and challenges for good. And hearing a good pun.**
Olivia brings experience in the not-for-profit, research and private sectors, specialising in strategic planning, program design and management. Olivia has a strong humanitarian and development background, and has led humanitarian response programs in Asia. She specialises in all aspects of business development and institutional funding from grants and tenders to organisational strategy. She has worked in Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia. She has a Masters Degree in Development Studies and an undergraduate degree in Asian Politics.

Jasmine Dickson

Project Consultant
Bulli, NSW
**Jasmine has a natural curiosity, a passion for learning, and great research skills – it’s no surprise she can speak several languages!**
Jasmine provides project and administrative support to the Strategic team. She has experience in independent research, report preparation, and stakeholder engagement. Having a background in the anti-slavery sector, Jasmine possesses a well-rounded understanding of human rights risks in supply chains and knows how to positively engage organisations to make an impact. She has practical experience in e-learning development, policy review, social impact strategy, and risk assessments. With a degree in International Relations minoring in Spanish, a certificate in Measuring Sustainable Development, and a Statement of Attainment in Auslan – Jasmine’s skills are an asset to the Strategic team.

Michala Locke

Junior Consultant
Bulli, NSW
**Michala supports our team in many ways – even making sure we keep our teeth and gums healthy!**
Currently undergoing her Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies, Michala joined our team in 2023 as an intern, and now works as a junior consultant providing project support and assistance. Double majoring in International Relations and Global Sustainability & Development, she is particularly interested in work surrounding foreign aid and climate resilience. As a proud Wiradjuri woman, Michala is also exceptionally passionate about Indigenous Activism. Alongside her work at Strategic Michala works as a dental nurse in a very busy general dentist practice, a side hustle she is very enthusiastic about. Outside of work you can find Michala reading, spending time with her family, or in the Pilates studio!

Michael Collins

Director
Bulli, NSW
**Michael is passionate about servant leadership, connecting with people and building for the future. His happy place is in the bush, by the fire, next to a river.**
Our former CEO, Michael works on select projects, partnerships and ideas where there is an opportunity to make a difference. Previously, Michael worked in the Australian Government as a diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), a program manager with the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and as an analyst with the Office of National Assessments (ONA). He is an experienced Company Director and NGO Board Member, and is fluent in *bahasa Indonesia.*

Alex Gruenewald

Senior Consultant
Melbourne, VIC
**Alex develops processes and systems that are tailored to organisational needs. If only there was a process or system for staying on a surfboard!**
Alex has extensive experience in participatory design, monitoring, evaluation and learning processes in complex programming environments, including international development and emergency contexts. His experience spans a variety of sectors, including refugee and asylum seeker issues, family violence, housing and homelessness and international development. Previous projects have taken him to Pakistan, Mongolia and Bangladesh, and his facilitation style is informed by a strong understanding of and respect for cultural dynamics, power relations and diverse communication styles. He has a Bachelor of Social Science, a graduate certificate in Social Impact and is a member of the Australian Evaluation Society. Outside of work, he can be found falling off his surfboard or making music.

Michael Pilbrow

Founder
Yass, NSW
**The founder of Strategic, Michael is a former diplomat with wide-ranging experience from a grass roots community level, right up to high-level government strategy.**
Michael founded Strategic Development Group and as Chairman, he oversees the company’s governance and growth from its Yass base in regional NSW, Australia. Throughout his business career, Michael has used his strategy and community engagement skills to work on complex challenges like affordable housing, sustainable health and education services, and employment in regional areas. Internationally, Michael has contributed to Australia’s responses to the Asian Financial Crisis, HIV/AIDS and disaster recovery in Asia and the Pacific. Michael has been awarded Outstanding Business Leader for the Yass Valley and was a *Local Hero* state finalist in the Australian of the Year Awards.

Taulapapa Brenda Heather-Latu

Principal Consultant
Apia, Samoa
**Brenda is a ground-breaking expert and leader in law and justice in the Pacific – and in the world of Rugby!**
Brenda is a former Attorney General of Samoa (1997-2006) and has been a lawyer in NZ and Samoa. She has served on the Board of Directors of Virgin Samoa airlines and is currently a Director of the International Centre for Democratic Partnerships (ICDP). Brenda is a highly sought-after expert and has undertaken consultancies for Pacific regional organisations, the Australian Federal Police, and DFAT. Brenda is accredited as a World Rugby Judicial Officer, and is the first woman to be Chair of the Oceania Rugby Judicial Committee. In 2014 Brenda was bestowed with the chiefly title of 'Taulapapa' from the village of Fogapoa, in the district of Safotulafai, on the island of Savai'i.

Lynne Pilbrow

Director
Yass, NSW
**A skilled business manager with a thirst for knowledge, Lynne brings a wealth of expertise to her role as director.**
Lynne is a qualified and experienced teacher, holding a Bachelor of Primary Education and a Master of Education specialising in Early Childhood. Lynne is also a university lecturer in creative arts education and has written and produced music resources for early childhood teachers. Lynne’s dedication to the cause of early childhood music education has led her to embark on her PhD, focused on finding the best ways to teach music to young children in order to nurture the next generation of songwriters.

Laurie Dunn

Principal Consultant
Canberra, ACT
**Laurie is passionate about disability inclusion and high-quality systems to deliver program and portfolio effectiveness.**
Laurie joined Strategic after a long career as a Senior Executive in the public sector. He has been a First Assistant Secretary in (the former) AusAID and DFAT, and has had postings in PNG and Vietnam. Laurie was the World Bank's Senior Country Officer for the Pacific Islands for four years, in Washington DC and Sydney. Laurie leads high level and complex project teams for Strategic, and has particular expertise in program design, contractor performance, risk and fraud, due diligence, child protection and safeguarding. Laurie led the development of the Australian aid program’s first disability-inclusive development strategy - *‘Development for All’.*

Gary Dunn

Principal Consultant
Canberra, ACT
**Gary believes that effective executive management is the foundation for good leadership.**
Gary is an experienced senior executive with a distinguished public sector career. Gary has over thirty years’ experience in the Australian Public Service, mostly in international development and social services, including fifteen years at the SES level. Gary has held deputy CEO/SES Band 3 equivalent positions in AusAID, DFAT, Medicare and DHS in Australia, and as Deputy Secretary-General in the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. Gary has deep experience in organisational renewal, corporate governance, change management, strategic planning, policy development, service delivery and program management. Drawing on his depth of knowledge, he has developed approaches to help individuals and organisations improve their executive management capabilities, creating stronger leadership and better achievement of outcomes.

Our network extends further still - please get in touch to discuss how we can deliver the right team for your needs.