20 Nonprofit CEOs Across Asia Pacific Charities

Last updated: 9 August 2026

Charity leadership is both a public responsibility and a daily operating discipline. The people below lead organisations working across humanitarian response, children's rights, health, food rescue, conservation, education and community support. Together, they offer a useful view of how nonprofit leadership is being practised across the Asia Pacific region.

The list focuses on current chief executives and equivalent leaders whose roles and organisations can be checked through an official team page, governance page or current organisational report. It is designed as a practical starting point for people who want to learn from the sector, connect with its work or think more clearly about leadership in a purpose-led organisation.

Nonprofit CEOs work inside a different promise from most commercial organisations. They have to steward money and people carefully, build trust with communities, work with boards and partners, and keep a mission intact while the world around them changes. The strongest examples tend to connect purpose with habits: clear choices, honest communication, good listening and a steady focus on the people who depend on the work.

A regional view also makes the range of the work visible. Others work through partnerships, federations or local organisations. Some leaders are responsible for national operations. Their contexts differ, but the leadership question is familiar: how do you help many people make good decisions together when the work matters deeply and the resources are finite?

Jennifer Tierney leads Oxfam Australia as its chief executive. Oxfam Australia's 2025 profile says she brings more than 20 years in the international humanitarian sector and has held executive leadership roles in Australia. That combination makes Jennifer Tierney worth watching for leaders who want to understand local partnerships and systems change without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Andrew Colvin leads Australian Red Cross as its chief executive officer. The Australian Red Cross governance page lists Andrew Colvin AO APM as CEO after national recovery and policing leadership roles. That combination makes Andrew Colvin worth watching for leaders who want to understand large-scale response and recovery without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Mat Tinkler leads Save the Children Australia as its chief executive officer. Save the Children Australia's executive team page lists Mat Tinkler as CEO, leading the child rights organisation in Australia. That combination makes Mat Tinkler worth watching for leaders who want to understand child rights and long-term systems without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Sharon Callister leads Mission Australia as its chief executive officer. Mission Australia's profile says Sharon Callister became CEO in 2022 after senior roles across community services and social impact. That combination makes Sharon Callister worth watching for leaders who want to understand servant leadership and community services without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Susanne Legena leads Plan International Australia as its chief executive officer. Plan International Australia's executive page says Susanne Legena joined in 2011 after public policy and management roles. That combination makes Susanne Legena worth watching for leaders who want to understand girls' rights and public policy without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Morgana Ryan leads CARE Australia as its chief executive officer. CARE Australia says Morgana Ryan became CEO in September 2024 after serving as interim CEO and previously joining its board. That combination makes Morgana Ryan worth watching for leaders who want to understand humanitarian leadership and governance without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Jacinta Reddan leads Cancer Council Australia as its chief executive officer. Cancer Council Australia introduces Jacinta Reddan as CEO and notes her background across the Asia Pacific region and regional economic development. That combination makes Jacinta Reddan worth watching for leaders who want to understand advocacy and prevention without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Sarah Hosking leads Cancer Council NSW as its chief executive officer. Cancer Council NSW lists Sarah Hosking as CEO from April 2025, bringing research, clinical and executive experience. That combination makes Sarah Hosking worth watching for leaders who want to understand evidence and public health without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Graham Strong leads Lifeline Australia as its chief executive officer. The Australian training register lists Graham Strong as Lifeline Australia's CEO, providing a current role check across a service network with multiple entities. That combination makes Graham Strong worth watching for leaders who want to understand national crisis support without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Kirsten Sayers leads Caritas Australia as its chief executive officer. Caritas Australia's 2024-25 annual report says Kirsten Sayers was formally appointed CEO in April 2025 after an interim period. That combination makes Kirsten Sayers worth watching for leaders who want to understand humanitarian development and social action without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Grant Bayldon leads World Vision Australia as its chief executive officer. World Vision Australia's FY25 materials record Grant Bayldon as CEO from January 2026 after an interim period. That combination makes Grant Bayldon worth watching for leaders who want to understand child-focused development and justice without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

James Goth leads OzHarvest as its chief executive officer. OzHarvest says James Goth took the helm in March 2024, leading food rescue, education and advocacy. That combination makes James Goth worth watching for leaders who want to understand food rescue and systems change without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Kate Alexander leads Barnardos Australia as its chief executive officer. Barnardos Australia says Dr Kate Alexander was appointed CEO in late 2025 after senior child protection and practice roles. That combination makes Kate Alexander worth watching for leaders who want to understand child protection and practice frameworks without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Richard Mussell leads RSPCA Australia as its chief executive officer. The current Community Council member page lists Richard Mussell as RSPCA Australia CEO, a role he began in January 2020 after leading AWL South Australia. That combination makes Richard Mussell worth watching for leaders who want to understand animal welfare and national coordination without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Susan Glasgow leads UNICEF Aotearoa as its chief executive officer. UNICEF Aotearoa's executive management page lists Susan Glasgow as CEO, leading the New Zealand organisation within the global children's rights movement. That combination makes Susan Glasgow worth watching for leaders who want to understand children's rights and public trust without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Heather Campbell leads Save the Children New Zealand as its chief executive officer. Save the Children New Zealand lists Heather Campbell as CEO and says she began in the role in March 2025. That combination makes Heather Campbell worth watching for leaders who want to understand child rights and international development without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Abbie Reynolds leads WWF-New Zealand as its interim chief executive. WWF-New Zealand lists Abbie Reynolds as interim chief executive while Dr Kayla is on leave, following leadership roles in conservation and climate initiatives. That combination makes Abbie Reynolds worth watching for leaders who want to understand nature recovery and coalition leadership without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Josie Pagani leads ChildFund New Zealand as its chief executive officer. ChildFund New Zealand's profile identifies Josie Pagani as CEO, with current commentary focused on children's needs in the Pacific and beyond. That combination makes Josie Pagani worth watching for leaders who want to understand Pacific children and advocacy without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Benjamin William leads Singapore Red Cross as its secretary-general and chief executive officer. Singapore Red Cross lists Benjamin William as Secretary General and CEO, leading its humanitarian secretariat. That combination makes Benjamin William worth watching for leaders who want to understand humanitarian response and volunteer mobilisation without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Meenakshi Ramesh leads Pratham Education Foundation as its chief executive officer. Pratham's current leadership page lists Meenakshi Ramesh as CEO and describes her as bringing more than two decades of social sector leadership. That combination makes Meenakshi Ramesh worth watching for leaders who want to understand education at scale and government partnerships without losing sight of the people the organisation exists to serve. The practical lesson is not to copy one operating model. It is to keep the mission visible, make leadership choices explainable and give staff, volunteers and partners a clear way to see how daily work connects to public purpose.

Across this group, the useful patterns are practical rather than glamorous. Leaders are translating values into operating choices, building relationships across sectors and making room for people closest to the work. They are also carrying the less visible parts of the job: succession, governance, financial care, staff culture and the patient work of keeping a large organisation pointed in the same direction.

If you lead a nonprofit, the question is not which of these leaders to imitate. It is which small leadership habit would make your own organisation clearer, kinder and more effective next week. A good place to begin is to ask your team what the mission asks of them in ordinary decisions, then remove one barrier that makes the right choice harder.

If your organisation is working through a leadership or culture question, I help leaders turn good intentions into habits people can feel. For a keynote, workshop or facilitated leadership session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

Jonno White is a Brisbane-based leadership consultant, keynote speaker and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, and the author of Step Up or Step Out. He works with schools, corporates and nonprofits around the world. To enquire about a keynote, workshop or facilitated leadership session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.