Our Team

Paul is an experienced, innovative, and entrepreneurial Board Director and Chief Executive who has earned a stellar reputation for impact during a distinguished career in both the Finance and not-for-profit sectors.

Paul has received several awards and acknowledgements for his outstanding contributions to the Banking and Investment Industry, as well as the field of social entrepreneurship and not-for-profit organisations.

He was awarded a Senior Fellowship at the Financial Services Institute of Australasia, which recognises his exceptional achievements in the industry. Additionally, he was named the Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year in South Australia/Northern Territory for his innovative work in the field of social entrepreneurship. Moreover, he received the Equity Trustees Australian Not-for-Profit CEO Award for Innovation, which acknowledges his contributions to the growth and development of not-for-profit organisations. Finally, Paul was also awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the University of South Australia in recognition of his exceptional work and contributions to the community.

Paul is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and currently holds positions as a Non-Executive Director BiomeBank Pty Ltd, Director of Military and Emergency Services Health Australia, and a Governor of Pulteney Grammar School.

Paul is Chief Executive Officer of The Hospital Research Foundation Group and of its Australian affiliates: Military and Emergency Services Health Australia; Australian Breast Cancer Research; Kidney, Transplant and Diabetes Research Australia; Australian Prostate Cancer Society Ltd; The Centre for Creative Health; THRF Group – Stroke; THRF Group- Parkinson’s; Parkinson’s ACT Inc, THRF Group Palliative Care, Arthritis Foundation SA, and Australian Heart Research.

Briony joined The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) Group in 2010 and leads the day-to-day fundraising operations to ensure the strategic and operational goals of the organisation are met.

As COO, Briony assists the CEO in achieving THRF Group’s strategic and operational goals, including budget outcomes, enhancing the organisation’s effectiveness, providing leadership and overseeing portfolio initiatives as defined in the strategic plan. She provides the CEO with insight into areas of operations including policy direction, strategic marketing direction, group expansion and other initiatives.
As a key member of THRF Group’s Senior Executive Team, Briony provides strong and effective leadership by defining and achieving operational expectations, monitoring progress, and providing a work environment supportive of THRF Group’s strategic goals and ongoing staff development and growth.

Briony has a Masters in Business Administration, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and sits on various sub-committees for THRF Group including ICT and Cybersecurity, Governance and Risk, Finance and Audit and Human Resources.

A member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia, Briony is a passionate follower of industry trends and innovations, particularly in the evolving world of experience management, consumer insights and the use of data.

Briony enjoys balancing her career with spending time with her young family, made possible through THRF’s family-friendly and flexible working environment.

Toni joined The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) Group in 2023 and is responsible for directing and managing finance.

As a key member of THRF Group’s Senior Executive Team, she supports the CEO, COO and Board to achieve relevant objectives set out in the Strategic Plan. She joined The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) Group as I wanted to be a part of an organisation that has a great impact on the community. She also enjoys finding opportunities for process improvement in organisations, which help streamline and optimise processes and/or systems.

Toni has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and is CPA qualified with 10 years of senior management experience. She has over 20 years of finance knowledge in varying industries, from professional services, manufacturing, and agriculture to hospitality and tourism.  In her previous roles, she implemented a variety of finance and payroll systems.

When she is out of the office, you can see her in her motorcycle gear. She enjoys watching the Rugby League, enjoying a glass of red wine with friends and family, and keeping fit, which includes taking our two dogs on long walks.

Rajiv joined The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) Group in 2023, leading the newly created Client and Patient Services portfolio.

Rajiv is an experienced healthcare senior executive who has catalysed organisation-wide transformation across Healthcare within Australia’s largest private health insurance companies, State departments, and Health Advocacy groups with significant autonomy and responsibility over the end-to-end implementation of high-value programs that fortify brands such as BUPA, Medibank, SA Health and Dementia Australia.

Central to all his work experiences is his drive to add value through embedding globally recognised contemporary practices as a trusted advisor to commercial sustainability and strengths-based people leadership. Underpinning his approach is a strategy toolkit and utilising human-centred design for lasting innovation.

As a key member of THRF Group’s Senior Executive Team, Rajiv provides leadership, support and clinical guidance to ensure the Client and Patient Services brands deliver quality and contemporary services and research, leading to better health outcomes and impact for all Australians.

Rajiv is tertiary qualified as a Registered Nurse and has a Master’ in Business Administration. He brings a wealth of experience in change management, service reform, clinical governance and service design to contribute to the impact strategy of The Hospital Research Foundation Group.

He loves spending time with his son and family in his spare time. He is also connected with his cultural roots and strongly advocates diversity and inclusion. Rajiv also volunteers and serves as a Justice of Peace of South Australia.

Juliet joined THRF in 2022 and is General Counsel for the Group. Juliet is responsible for providing commercially relevant and solution-focussed legal advice to support THRF Group in achieving its strategic and operational goals. Her role also involves leading the risk and governance functions, including development and oversight of the Group’s risk management framework and advice on governance matters. Juliet is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Juliet has extensive experience working as a corporate lawyer in highly regulated environments including banking and finance and gaming and hospitality. Prior to joining THRF Group, Juliet led the legal and compliance team at SkyCity Adelaide as General Manager Legal, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs and prior to that she was a Corporate Lawyer at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. She has also worked for several regulators in New Zealand and is a Certified Compliance Professional.

Juliet is a member of THRF Group’s Executive team and regularly attends Governance & Risk, ICT & Cybersecurity and HR & Remuneration board committee meetings. She enjoys being part of a great team who are making a real impact in the community through life-changing medical research and improved health care.

Outside of work Juliet enjoys reading, yoga, keeping fit and spending time with her family including two active sons and one inactive dog.

Dr Van Hooff is the Director of Military and Emergency Services Health Australia and an experienced research scientist specialising in the mental health impacts of bushfires, adverse childhood adversity and occupational trauma. Completing her Bachelor of Arts (Hons Psych) in 1998 she was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Medicine at The University of Adelaide in 2010 for her research examining the adult mental and physical health outcomes of childhood exposure to the 1983 Ash Wednesday Bushfires. Since 1999 she has held various academic appointments at the University of Adelaide under the direction of International PTSD Specialist Professor Alexander McFarlane and was formally the Director of Research at the University of Adelaide Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies. Dr Van Hooff has authored 57 journal articles, 1 book chapter and 31 commissioned reports for the Australian Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs and the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service.

Over the course of her career, she has conducted several large-scale longitudinal studies of childhood survivors of the 1983 Ash Wednesday Bushfires, children hospitalised for a significant burn injury, children exposed to the neurotoxic effects of lead in childhood and adults exposed to the 2006 Black Tuesday Bushfires on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Since 2009, her research has focused on the mental health and wellbeing of current and ex-serving Australian military and emergency service personnel, as the lead researcher on three landmark studies: Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme, The Military Health Outcomes Programme and the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service Health and Wellbeing Study. These studies were the first in Australia to ascertain the prevalence of ICD-10 Mental Disorder in current and ex-serving ADF members and South Australian Firefighters and have been strong drivers of change in relation to policy and service provision. Over the last 10 years, Dr Van Hooff has received over $10M in competitive and commonwealth grant funding, with the majority of this funding invested in research designed to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of current and former Australian servicemen, servicewomen and their families. Currently she is a chief investigator on two studies examining the health and wellbeing of emergency service personnel following the 2019/2020 bushfires.

Olivia Nassaris is the Executive Director of Parkinson’s SA & NT and The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Stroke.

Olivia has extensive experience in communications and advocacy in aged care, higher education and health both in Brazil and Australia. This role has enabled strong expertise in business development, key strategic partnerships, philanthropic grants and communications. Under Olivia’s leadership, a client-centred hub focusing on living well as we age was created. At the heart of everything, Olivia focuses on maximising choice, independence and wellbeing for people living with neurological and movement disorders. With that in mind, THRFG’s social enterprise, the Brain x Body Fitness Studio was founded which focuses on body and brain health (neuroplasticity) through exercise.

At a national level, she successfully wrote a grant application to the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building body of the National Disability Insurance Agency for over $1 million. The Young Onset Parkinson’s Exchange (YOP-X) App provides information and education designed specifically for people under the age of 65 living with Parkinson’s and related conditions. It breaks down barriers connecting clients, health professionals, NDIA staff and contractors to access high quality education and information. YOP-X also gives people living in regional and remote communities access to quality information that is quick and easy to access. Olivia recently helped transition Stroke SA and Parkinson’s SA&NT to become charities of The Hospital Research Foundation, ensuring increased capacity to provide improved support to people living with neurological and movement disorders, more awareness and funding research into the area.

She is passionate about community health and is a Director of The Maggie Beer Foundation and Treasurer of the Rare Find Foundation, a childhood dementia charity. Olivia and her primary-aged son love to travel with friends where they can explore new places and create memories.

Fi joined our Communications Team in 2020, before moving to her current role as Senior Manager – Palliative Care early 2022. She is responsible for driving THRF Group’s contribution to improving statewide palliative care within SA through research, education and patient services, plus planning and delivering communication strategies with a focus on palliative care awareness. She also develops and promotes the LEAF Project/LifeCycles education around grief and loss literacy into South Australian schools.

Prior to joining THRF, Fi held various roles both within Australia and the UK at Qantas, Australian F1 Grand Prix Office, Associated Newspapers, Harper Collins, South Australian Tourism Commission, and lecturing at TafeSA. Her wealth of experience spans across travel, tourism, event management, business development, education, and non-profit industries, in addition to running her own freelance copywriting business.

Having completed a cycling tour in Cambodia and local triathlon to raise funds for palliative care, Fi is delighted to be part of the THRF Group’s support for this area of healthcare, thanks to personal experience. She feels privileged and proud being part of the THRF team, providing positive impact to everyday people and sharing their stories.

Away from work, Fi enjoys seeking out new adventures, travelling with her family, movies and theatre, or good food and wine with friends – keeping the balance through hiking and swimming!

Joining the Group in mid-2022, Paul brings extensive IT experience to his role as the Head of Technology.  Paul has worked in the membership services and financial sectors for 30 years and has a background in technology strategy, governance, operations, and cyber security. His role is to build and optimise the Group’s technology related operations to ensure effective and secure use of information and technology, critical to the continued delivery of trusted services to the community.

Paul enjoys engaging stakeholders to ensure teams have access to the right technology and systems enabling the delivery of day-today activities across the Group. In his spare time, Paul enjoys working out in his home gym, preparing for the annual Masters League Games and DIY home renovations.

Jim joined the Research Strategy and Programs team in 2021 and is responsible for the logistics and analysis of the Group’s research grant rounds and programs.

With a science background, Jim is a strong believer in the power of research to change lives and make a real impact in the community. Following his time as a research assistant at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Jim enjoyed many more years in research grant and program management, most recently at the University of Adelaide.

Away from work, Jim attempts to play guitar without annoying his family or the neighbours and spends most weekends out in the garden dabbling in some home maintenance.

Bianca joined The Hospital Research Foundation Group in 2008 as a volunteer, then a junior in the Communications team whilst completing her university degree. Since then, Bianca has held a number of roles within the Foundation including Communications Manager before moving into the Marketing and Fundraising team.

Bianca’s current role as the Head of Marketing and Fundraising involves leading The Hospital Research Foundation Group’s brand, marketing and fundraising activities. She loves working with her diverse team to execute the Group’s creative brand campaigns, fundraising appeals, and peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, as well as managing the logistical and data operations. Bianca is passionate about raising awareness and funds that enable THRFG to change and save lives.

Bianca is studying her Masters of Business Administration at the University of Adelaide and volunteers for Variety – The Children’s Charity. Outside of the office, Bianca enjoys spending time at her small property in the Adelaide Hills, and loves good food, wine and quality time spent with her furbabies, close family and friends.

Ash has over 13 years of experience working in business and marketing roles with global consumer facing brands across Asia, Europe and now Australia. His extensive experience involves marrying digital strategy with creative marketing to achieve business objectives. A blend of analytical and creative thinking has helped him deliver great results in previous roles at Microsoft, Yahoo and Viacom.

Currently, Ash works as the Campaigns and Fundraising Manger at The Hospital Research Foundation Group where his team delivers multi-channel appeals and campaigns to generate leads and raise funds for THRF Group through individual giving, monthly giving and peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns. Away from work, Ash enjoys playing guitar, video games and football (soccer).

Melissa Westgate joined the Group in April 2022 as Senior Manager of the Supporter Engagement team. She is responsible for motivating, engaging, and informing our generous supporters and stakeholders. Melissa’s role is vital in supporting the Group’s effort to fund more than 50 areas of medical research and patient care throughout South Australia.

Previously, Melissa has worked in marketing and leadership positions focusing on sports sponsorship, not-for profit, education, and profit for purpose. Melissa is passionate about connecting with people and adding real value to people’s lives through philanthropy.

Amy joined our communications team in 2018 and is responsible for producing content across the Group, driving media opportunities and sharing the impact that we are making in the community.

Amy is a journalist by trade and worked in print media before moving to communications 18 years ago. She loves bringing her passion for writing and sharing stories to THRF Group, being able to share hope and inspiration about the amazing research and patient care initiatives we are funding with the public’s support.

Away from work, you’ll probably find Amy at a sports stadium supporting her family’s many endeavors or trying to relax with a glass of champagne at the end of a busy day.

Hannah joined THRF in 2020 as the Partnership and Sponsorship Manager. Her role consists of developing, growing and executing our partnerships and sponsorships, as well as overseeing the peer-to-peer fundraising and volunteer programs. This role builds and maintains strong relationships with corporate and community organisations and individuals.

Hannah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, including expertise spanning stakeholder engagement, sponsorship, events, project management and client management. Her previous role included working for the Northern Territory Government in Darwin. Hannah enjoys meeting and speaking to new people and her goal is to help others and make a difference in their lives.

In her spare time, Hannah enjoys spending time with her three active sons, cooking and entertaining friends, staying active with running and Pilates.

Josh joined the Group’s finance team in April 2021 as our Finance Manager.

Josh has completed a Bachelor of Commerce and is a CPA qualified accountant. Prior to joining THRF, he worked in business services for 14 years servicing a wide variety of industries across practices in both Adelaide and Melbourne.

Josh is excited and grateful to work for an organisation that gives so much back to the wider community.

Outside of the office, Josh enjoys spending time with his family and friends and being actively involved in his children’s various sporting interests.

Starting with THRF in 2020, Becky is the Fundraising and Volunteer Coordinator, supporting our peer-to-peer fundraising and volunteer programs while also maintaining and building relationships with community members, corporates and volunteers.

Becky is excited to be part of THRF, working towards funding medical research and improving the lives of people in our community. Prior to joining THRF, she was the Cultures and Engagement Programs Lead for People’s Choice Credit Union where she managed staff fundraising, volunteering, corporate and community sponsorship activities and corporate events.

On the weekends you will find Becky, her husband and their furry baby Bodhi at various sporting games, cheering on their active sons Jack and Cooper.

Katie joined the Group in April 2022 as an Administration Services Officer. Prior to joining the team, she worked in the finance industry for 14 years in customer service positions.

In her current role, Katie assists the Group by providing administrative support and welcoming supporters and visitors to the Woodville head office.

Away from work, Katie enjoys catching up with friends and spending time with family including her two beautiful daughters.

Jess joined the Group in the middle of 2022 as an Administration Services Officer. Previously, Jess worked as a receptionist and administrative assistant at an Adelaide law firm.

Jess assists the Foundation by providing administrative support and welcoming people to the Woodville head office.

Jess relishes the opportunity to be involved with an organisation that supports medical research and makes a real impact in our community.

Outside of work, Jess loves to spend time with her family, and friends and try out new places to eat around Adelaide.

Joining THRF Group in 2022, Sue brings a wealth of experience to her role as Supporter Engagement Manager. Her background includes working as a Business Development Manager and Partnership Manager in the travel, tourism and media industries. In her current role, Sue is responsible for engaging with THRF Group’s valued supporters to build awareness and educate our donor community on the work we do. She enjoys engaging with our supporters to build and nurture long-term relationships. One highlight for Sue is seeing the impact THRF Group has on the community through research and improved health care outcomes.

On the weekend, you will find Sue spending time with her partner and two boys enjoying the outdoors, walking her border collie on our southern beaches, as well as visiting many local wineries and eateries around SA.

After 12 years in various partnerships and volunteer management roles in the not-for-profit sector, Judi joined The Hospital Research Foundation Group in 2023.

Her career has focused on people-centric roles such as business and relationship development, engagement and customer service.

Judi also worked in recruitment roles in the not-for-profit and medical sectors. But these days her passion lies with medical research and how vital it is for the community.

She said working at THRF Group is “the next best thing” to studying medical research – an area of strong interest because of its importance in the community.

Currently Judi works three days a week to balance family responsibilities, which includes babysitting.

In her spare time Judi can be found on a golf course aiming for a hole-in-one.

Jacqui joined the The Hospital Research Foundation Group in 2023 and is based at our Lyell McEwin Hospital Hub, three days a week.

Since 2009 she has held a variety of roles in the philanthropy sector, predominantly in health.

Medical research, especially advances in medicine and how it adds value to the community, is an area of interest for Jacqui. Her experience in a public hospital has provided insight into the challenges faced by staff in hospitals and how philanthropy can make a difference to patient outcomes.

Jacqui is passionate about the role of philanthropy in the community. She is always looking for ways to connect with our supporters to ensure that they are valued and feel a part of the organisation.

As part of her role Jacqui nurtures a group of our valued supporters and educates stakeholders of the work done by THRF Group.

In her spare time, Jacqui enjoys pottering in the garden, restoring furniture, drinking quality coffee and brunching with friends and family. Jacqui is also appreciative of the benefits a pet can have on wellbeing, so time with her fur babies is important.

Joining THRF in 2018, Kristy Wildy is one of the friendly faces of our Supporter Engagement Team, based at our Hub at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Kristy comes with a wealth of knowledge, previously working for News Corp for 16 years in various advertising sales and marketing roles, raising corporate funds for Anglicare and selling office products. In her current role, Kristy works to grow a portfolio of donors and supporters, building and nurturing relationships across our THRF Group, with a view to ongoing stewardship. She also supports fundraising activities and is the face of THRF at community presentations.

Kristy is passionate about medical research and loves that much of the research we support is quickly translatable from the lab to the bedside. She also enjoys communicating to our donors that their gift can be directed to a particular area of research. In her spare time, Kristy enjoys reading, challenging herself with quizzes and listening to the magpies sing. She is a passionate scuba diver and enjoys taking trips in winter to warmer climes.

Prior to joining THRF in July 2015 Irene worked for 20 years in the Arts as a Development Manager for the State Theatre Company of South Australia, Windmill Theatre and Brink Productions.

In her current role she works closely with Military & Emergency Services Health Australia donors and supporters to encourage community and financial support for its work in the critical areas of medical research and projects that support veterans, defence and emergency personnel and their families. Irene enjoys the opportunity to connect with people in our community who support those in need – those who support financially and volunteer their time, those who work in medical research and special PTS related projects and those who benefit from this important work. She believes that it promotes a feeling of giving back in some small way and also being part of something bigger than ourselves.

In her spare time Irene is an avid reader, loves spending time with her family and really enjoys sharing good times with friends. She’s also part of a care team that looks after an elderly lady in her own home. At 98 she is a constant reminder to Irene that life is to be treasured and you’re never too old to take up a new challenge.