Our Executive Team

Paul Ronalds is one of Australia's leading voices on poverty eradication and international development.

Paul joined Save the Children Australia as Chief Executive Officer in July 2013. He is committed to ensuring Save the Children lead the way in child rights, humanitarian response, healthcare and education – helping children everywhere fulfil their potential.

His diverse background encompasses senior executive roles in government, the private sector and domestic and international non-government organisations (NGOs). From co-founding one of Australia's first online companies to assisting tsunami-affected people in Sri Lanka, Paul's experience gives him unique insights into some of the world's most significant social, economic and political challenges. More about Paul.

Mat has dual responsibility for delivering our International Programs and ensuring Save the Children is a strong voice for children within government policy, the media and the Australian community.

Previously, Mat worked as Chief of Staff to a senior Cabinet Minister with the Federal Government, overseeing a diverse range of portfolios covering taxation law, superannuation and financial services regulation, consumer credit, charity and not-for-profit regulation, insurance reforms, workplace relations and disability reform. Prior to this role he was Acting Executive Director for the Public Law Clearing House, an organisation that provides legal services to the most disadvantaged Australians. Mat began his career as a corporate lawyer at Minter Ellison.

Contact: mat.tinkler@savethechildren.org.au

Jo leads Save the Children's fundraising, marketing and innovation activities. She is responsible for engaging supporters including high net-worth individuals, trusts and foundations, corporates and individual supporters. She generates essential support to resource Save the Children's work in domestic and international programs.

Jo is a professional marketer with a background in commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations. Before joining Save the Children Australia, she held leadership roles with Telstra, World Vision Australia, YWCA Victoria (CEO) and the State Library Victoria where she was the Director of Community Engagement.

Jo is committed to strengthening communities and supporting children through the development of strong partnerships and delivery of great supporter experiences.

Contact: jo.watson@savethechildren.org.au

Mel leads the shared services and operational teams that support Save the Children's domestic and international programs. She is a passionate advocate for the empowerment and advancement of women and girls.

Mel’s expertise is leading complex change and prior to joining Save the Children Mel was the Chief Transformation Officer at QBE Insurance. She has extensive international experience, including in the UK, Singapore, Philippines, India, Hong Kong, USA, and the Pacific. She served on a peace monitoring mission on Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea. 

Dianne has more than 20 years' experience as a senior human resource management executive in blue chip organisations. Most recently, Dianne was a consultant for the CEO of Service Stream Limited. She has also provided consulting advice and program leadership for large-scale business transformation, including 10 years with GE. Dianne has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma in Education. 

Contact: dianne.francois@savethechildren.org.au

Matt has responsibility for services delivered across every state and territory, including violence prevention, youth services, child development, community development and child wellbeing services. 

He is on the Board of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) and the Chair of the Qld Council of Social Service (QCOSS) and is the Co-Chair of Anti Poverty Week in Qld. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psych & Couns), Masters in Clinical Counselling and Grad. Dip. in Strategic Leadership and is completing his MBA. 

Matt is passionate about therapeutic practice, social justice and advocating for systems change. He has held senior executive roles in some of Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisations, and is a leader in innovative models of outcome measurement and contracting.

Contact: matt.gardiner@savethechildren.org.au

Nikki is responsible for leading our strategic intention to leverage innovation to deliver excellent service experiences for our beneficiaries, to drive operational performance and to achieve our mission.

Before joining Save the Children Australia Nikki gained broad career experience, with disruptive innovation being the common theme. This included spearheading a digital transformation of Lifeline Australia,  transforming service delivery as National Manger 1800RESPECT Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence service and working in a variety of private sector roles. Nikki holds a Masters of Commerce and Administration.