Composed of highly experienced members who represent a variety of sector expertise, our Board is supported by the following sub-committees: Audit and Risk (ARC), Remuneration and Employment (REC), and a Nominations Committee (NC). The Board has delegated powers to a largely independent Investment Committee (IC).
About Team Board Financials
Belinda Drew
Chair Sefa, MEMBER IC, Non-Executive Director Sefa Partnerships
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.
David Rickards, OAM
Chair Sefa Partnerships, Non-Executive Director Sefa
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.
Ben Gales
Chair IC, Non-executive Director Sefa
Ben Gales is currently Chief Delivery Officer at Paul Ramsay Foundation. Between 2013 and 2016 he was the CEO of SEFA. Ben is an economist by training with expertise in impact investing, social impact measurement, and delivering innovation. He has led the delivery of several major reforms and initiatives and held senior positions in government, finance, and social sectors.
In the UK Ben was involved in the genesis of the impact investing sector with the launch of the Social Investment Taskforce in 2000 under Sir Ronald Cohen when he worked in HM Treasury. During his time in NSW Government, he was instrumental in developing the first Social Impact Bonds in Australia, “Newpin” and “Resilient Families”, and was responsible for the Office of Social Impact Investment where he oversaw over $200 million of impact investments and payment by outcome contracts. He led the establishment of the NSW Productivity Commission and set up the NSW Evidence Bank in NSW Treasury. Ben worked in venture capital in the UK and US for 3i plc between 2000 and 2008. He has sat on several boards.
Councillor Charles Lynch
Non-executive Director Sefa
A proud Aboriginal - Gomeroi man from Tamworth NSW, Charles has 30 years of experience working with Aboriginal communities and businesses within the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC). During this time, he's co-chaired Closing the Gap and represented NSWALC at the United Nations. This helped hone his expertise in governance, place-based arrangements in communities, financial stewardship, legislation, and policy. At Sefa he uses these skills and his deep knowledge to help us continue to bring people together for a common good.
On the weekends you’ll find him restoring vintage motor cars, fishing or cheering on his beloved Manly Sea Eagles. Charles lives and works on Gomeroi land.
Sam Gilchrist
Non-executive Director Sefa
Over the last 15 years, Samuel has focused his formidable energy and strong sense of fairness on establishing social and economic equity for Australia’s Aboriginal peoples. Bringing opportunity to communities drives him – that’s why he’s so proud to have helped establish Aboriginal businesses through the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) Economic Development Program. Samuel’s in-depth understanding of the NSWALC, the Local Aboriginal Land Councils network and their communities helps Sefa create greater social impact where it’s most needed, while his sound understanding of business, accounting and finance benefits us and our clients alike.
When Samuel is not hard at work helping create greater equity among all Australians, you can find him travelling the world fishing or coaching junior sport. Samuel lives and works on Gumbaynggirr Country.
Our Investment Committee is composed of experienced professionals with a diverse set of skills and backgrounds, ranging from social finance, philanthropy, credit, fund management to not-for-profit, corporate and government. This diversity aligns with Sefa's principles-based approach to investing that seeks to provide bespoke financial solutions to our clients.
Ben Gales
Chair IC, Non-executive Director Sefa
Ben Gales is currently Chief Strategy Officer at Paul Ramsay Foundation. Between 2013 and 2016 he was the CEO of SEFA. Ben is an economist by training with expertise in impact investing, social impact measurement, and delivering innovation. He has led the delivery of several major reforms and initiatives and held senior positions in government, finance, and social sectors.
In the UK Ben was involved in the genesis of the impact investing sector with the launch of the Social Investment Taskforce in 2000 under Sir Ronald Cohen when he worked in HM Treasury. During his time in NSW Government, he was instrumental in developing the first Social Impact Bonds in Australia, “Newpin” and “Resilient Families”, and was responsible for the Office of Social Impact Investment where he oversaw over $200 million of impact investments and payment by outcome contracts. He led the establishment of the NSW Productivity Commission and set up the NSW Evidence Bank in NSW Treasury. Ben worked in venture capital in the UK and US for 3i plc between 2000 and 2008. He has sat on several boards.
Emily Fuller
Member IC, Non-Executive Director Sefa Partnerships
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.
Anna Schell
Independent member
Anna recently moved into a not for profit role, after almost 20 years as a senior finance professional working for a range of public and private companies covering utilities, telecommunications, construction and housing sectors. These roles have focused on strategic support to achieve stakeholder and customer outcomes, planning and investment analysis.
Having initially qualified as an electrical engineer, Anna is now a Fellow of CPA, Australia. Anna is currently: Financial and Planning Manager at Starlight Children’s Foundation, and a member of the management committees for her daughters’ childcare and after school care centres.
Deborah Williamson
Independent member
Deborah is an experienced finance professional with over 25 years' experience in the banking industry. She has led credit risk teams supporting business partners across private and public sectors including health, property, professional services, education, not for profit, aged care, hospitality, and real estate. Deborah has also been involved in the development and implementation of professional training programs for bankers.
Deborah holds a Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance and is a member of RMA Australia. She has mentored female banking professionals, and served on committees at local schools, community, and sporting clubs. She is inspired by the flexibility of thought and creativity engaged in social enterprise, and passionate about supporting the growth of purpose driven entities in a sustainable manner.
Jeremy Burke
Independent member
Jeremy Burke has been at the forefront of the transition to a green economy for the last 15 years. He is a director and co-founder at Ecotone Partners and has worked in financial services in Melbourne, London and New York. He has extensive experience in developing solutions to deliver responsible and green investments.
Jeremy was most recently Head of Product & Strategy at Impact Investment Group, where he developed a number of funds including the Solar Asset Fund, the WA Impact Fund and a diversified impact fund of funds focused on alternatives. Jeremy has extensive governance experience within for-profit and not-for-profit organisations and is chair of the Audit & Risk Committee for CDP Worldwide (the leading global environmental reporting platform) and is a fellow of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
To strengthen our Growth Capital offering, we have engaged the following advisors to assist our team with Growth Capital transactions. They bring a wide variety of skills and backgrounds ranging from venture capital, private equity and family offices. Our team will work in conjunction with the advisors on all aspects of the investment lifecycle to foster learning, sharpen our toolkits and provide a greater investment experience for our potential borrowers.
Jackson Boer
Growth Capital Advisor
Jackson brings a wealth of experience in corporate finance, investment management, and strategy development. With a background in applied finance and professional accounting from Macquarie University, Jackson has a proven track record of growing profitable companies and bringing early-stage concepts to life. He is a Chartered Accountant, CFA Charterholder, and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Currently serving as the Chief Investment Officer at Lau Family Office and CFO at Pokit Innovations, Jackson is driven by a commitment to stewardship, generosity, and a long-term view of capital and business. In his personal life, Jackson is passionate about music, with a talent for songwriting, recording, and production.
Akhil Sharma
Growth Capital Advisor
Akhil combines his engineering background with his passion for startups and social impact. Leading the Investments process at Antler, a global early-stage VC firm, Akhil has honed his skills in corporate finance and strategy, previously sharpened during his time at Uber and Agoda. Driven by a desire to help organizations and individuals succeed, Akhil is deeply committed to climate action and social impact.
Akhil's proudest achievement is the success of those he's mentored, who have gone on to do incredible things. In his spare time, Akhil embarks on long drives, dives into video games, and indulges in various sports. He once embarked on a memorable 3000 km journey across India in a tuk-tuk with close friends.
Matthew Lewin
Growth Capital Advisor
Matthew Lewin applies his comprehensive understanding of due diligence across venture capital and growth equity, including both credit and equity aspects. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce and Advanced Studies from the University of Sydney, Matthew's journey in the venture capital realm spans three years, focusing on venture credit and growth equity.
Driven by a fascination with human action, Matthew is currently pursuing a Masters in Brain and Mind Science at the University of Sydney. His professional journey includes roles at OneVentures, where he was promoted from Investment Analyst to Investment Associate, contributing to equity and venture credit investments. In his leisure time, Matthew delves into neuroscience, tends to bonsais, enjoys reading, and stays active with running.
