Our Team

Paul is an innovative, and entrepreneurial Board Director and Executive who has earned a stellar reputation for achievement during distinguished career in both the Finance and Not for Profit sector. 

Paul has been acknowledged for his contribution to the Banking and Investment Industry by being awarded a Senior Fellowship of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia. Paul has also been recognised for his contribution to the not-for-profit industry by being awarded the Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year in South Australia/Northern Territory and has also been awarded the Equity Trustees Australian Not for Profit CEO Award for Innovation. Paul is a judge of the Napier Waller National Art prize awarded by the Australian War Memorial. 

Paul is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and currently holds positions as a Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chair of FIA Ltd, Non-Executive Director AusHealth Pty Ltd, Non-Executive Director BiomeBank Pty Ltd, Director of Military and Emergency Services Health Australia, Governor of Pulteney Grammar School, Trustee of the Pulteney Foundation Inc. and Executive Director of Australian Prostate Cancer Research Society Ltd. 

Paul is Chief Executive Officer of The Hospital Research Foundation Group and of its Australian affiliates: The Repat Foundation – The Road Home Inc; Australian Centre of Excellence for Post-traumatic Stress; Australian Breast Cancer Research; Kidney, Transplant and Diabetes Research Australia; The Centre for Creative Health; Cure for Stroke Australia; Parkinson’s SA/NT; Laurel Palliative Care Foundation, Stroke 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.

Tina joined the finance team at The Hospital Research Foundation in 2016. Tina is a CPA qualified Accountant with over 20 years of experience in finance and accounting across multiple sectors including Agriculture, Utilities, Mining, Visual Effects, and the Arts.

In her current role as Chief Financial Officer, Tina leads the day-to-day finance operations of the Group to ensure the strategic objectives of the organisation are met. Tina is honoured to work with a wonderful group of individuals for an organisation improving the lives of Australians through medical research and patient care initiatives.

When not in the office, Tina enjoys getting out in the sunshine and spending time with her family and friends, especially her husband and energetic young children.

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.

Juliet joined THRF Group in 2022 as Head of Legal, Risk & Governance. 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 development and oversight of the Group’s risk management framework and advice on governance matters.

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 the Governance & Risk and ICT & Cybersecurity sub-committees. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 for THRF’s various platforms and publications, driving media opportunities and delivering other communications.

Amy is a journalist by trade, having completed a Bachelor of Journalism and working in print media before moving to communications 14 years ago. She loves bringing her passion for writing and sharing stories to THRF, 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, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, supporting their many sporting endeavours and relaxing with a glass of champagne at the end of a busy day.

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!

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.

Renee joined THRF Group in 2021 as the Community Engagement Coordinator. Her role oversees our sporting partnerships with the Adelaide 36ers, Adelaide Thunderbirds, and Woodville West Torrens Football Club.

Renee collaborates with external organisations and other corporate partners to plan and execute  marketing activities, develop activations and build engagement across communities.

Prior to joining THRFG, Renee was the Senior Partnerships Manager at the Port Adelaide Football Club. She loves the diversity of working with different organisations and developing relationships across a broad network.

Away from the office, Renee enjoys spending time with her young family, taking trips to the country, and catching up with friends and family over a glass of wine.

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.

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.

Beginning at THRF in 2020, Jo brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her role as Relationship Manager. Jo’s background includes working in Melbourne in multi-national organisations including Gillette as a National Account Manager and Business Manager, as well as working in the University and Government sector. Jo is also a business owner of a Life Coaching practice, helping clients build resilience, recognising strengths and applying strategies to achieve their desired goals and vision. Currently, Jo is undertaking her fourth year of a Social Work degree.

One of her favourite aspects of her role at THRF is building relationships with our generous donors. She feels privileged to be able to engage in meaningful conversations and enjoys making donors feel safe to share their knowledge, experiences and provide valuable insight into the reason they donate to THRF. Jo feels grateful to be surrounded by talented and motivated people who collectively work together to improve patient care and treatments through innovative medical research.

On the weekends, Jo loves keeping active and walking the beach with a coffee in hand, spending time with family and friends and having a good laugh, and visiting local wineries and eateries. Jo also enjoys colourful cultural events and relaxes with a good book and meditation.

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.

Joining the team in early 2013, Rebecca came to The Foundation from Bluescope Steel where she worked as a Personal Assistant.

In her current role at The Foundation, Bec assists the Foundation by providing any admin and support services. As the Support Services Officer she is also responsible for managing our Under Our Roof properties for country cancer patients. Rebecca enjoys being a part of a great team who are making a difference in the community. She is amazed at how generous and willing people are to support medical research that helps find cures for illnesses we have all been touched by.

Outside of the office Rebecca likes to cook, renovate her home, read and spend time with her family and friends!

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.