50 Charity CEOs Across English-Speaking Markets.

Charity leadership is not one job. Some leaders are building national reach. Others are holding a federation together, leading through a transition, or turning a clear public mission into reliable daily work.

Here are 50 current charity CEOs and senior charity leaders across Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland. The list includes acting, interim, co-CEO and secretary general roles where that is the current title. For related context, see NFP leaders in Australia and New Zealand and leadership team development.

1. Sharon Callister

Chief Executive Officer, Mission Australia

Sharon Callister leads a national community services organisation focused on housing, homelessness, employment and social support. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her servant-leadership style and strategic focus show how a charity can combine care with disciplined delivery. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

2. Mat Tinkler

Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children Australia

Mat Tinkler leads work for children in Australia, the Pacific and around the world. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His focus on advocacy, technology and climate resilience gives the role a clear public purpose. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

3. Doug Taylor

Chief Executive Officer, The Smith Family

Doug Taylor leads a national charity helping young Australians overcome educational inequality caused by poverty. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His work makes education, long-term support and measurable outcomes central to charity leadership. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

4. Penny Harrison

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Australian Red Cross

Penny Harrison leads the organisation through humanitarian programmes, volunteering and community response. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her background across international programmes, volunteering and state leadership makes the acting role unusually broad. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

5. Trudi Mitchell

Chief Executive Officer, Australia for UNHCR

Trudi Mitchell leads fundraising and public engagement for refugee protection and humanitarian work. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

She brings together strategy, innovation, technology, data and supporter trust in a mission built across borders. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

6. Toby O'Connor

National Council Chief Executive Officer, St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia

Toby O'Connor supports national governance and public policy across a federated social services movement. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His experience across aged care, disability, housing, employment and community services gives the role practical range. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

7. Chris Staines

Chief Executive Officer, GIVIT

Chris Staines leads a national donation platform connecting people who want to give with communities that need help. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His humanitarian and disaster-response background fits a model built around timely, local support. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

8. Chelsea Tobin

Chief Executive Officer, genU

Chelsea Tobin leads a large social and community services organisation working across children, youth, families and disability. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her move from frontline family violence response to a larger organisation shows how sector leadership can scale. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

9. Melodie Potts Rosevear

Chief Executive Officer, Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth

Melodie Potts Rosevear leads a national health promotion charity focused on better outcomes for children and young people. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her experience founding and scaling Teach For Australia gives the role a systems-change lens. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

10. Grant Bayldon

Chief Executive Officer, World Vision Australia

Grant Bayldon leads Australian support for relief, development and advocacy work that reached communities in 42 countries. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His move from World Vision New Zealand to Australia shows how leadership can travel across a connected charity network. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

11. Cliff Holtz

President and Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross

Cliff Holtz leads the United States’ major humanitarian network across disaster response, blood services and community preparedness. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His operating background puts execution and resilience at the centre of a very visible public mission. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

12. Jonathan Reckford

Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity International

Jonathan Reckford leads a global housing movement working through local affiliates in the United States and more than 60 countries. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His long tenure highlights the leadership challenge of keeping a global network aligned around a practical mission. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

13. Rosie Allen-Herring

Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Worldwide

Rosie Allen-Herring leads the national office of a worldwide network working with communities on health, education and financial stability. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

An interim leader must protect trust, keep delivery moving and create room for the next chapter. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

14. Denis McDonough

Chief Executive Officer, Feeding America

Denis McDonough leads the United States’ largest hunger-relief network of food banks and community partners. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His arrival brings large-scale public-service experience to a mission that depends on local partners and national coordination. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

15. Steven Preston

President and Chief Executive Officer, Goodwill Industries International

Steven Preston leads a network of local Goodwill organisations focused on workforce training, opportunity and economic self-sufficiency. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His focus on labour-market needs connects charity leadership with practical pathways into work. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

16. Edgar Sandoval

President and Chief Executive Officer, World Vision United States

Edgar Sandoval leads World Vision’s United States organisation, connected to work in nearly 100 countries. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His path from operations to the top role shows the value of learning an organisation from the inside. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

17. Michelle Nunn

President and Chief Executive Officer, CARE

Michelle Nunn leads a global humanitarian organisation working with millions of people across more than 100 countries. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her leadership links humanitarian reach with savings groups, domestic programmes and a strong public voice for women and families. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

18. Michael J. Nyenhuis

President and Chief Executive Officer, UNICEF USA

Michael J. Nyenhuis leads the United States organisation that mobilises public support for UNICEF’s work for children. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

The role is a reminder that national fundraising organisations need both public trust and global connection. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

19. David Miliband

President and Chief Executive Officer, International Rescue Committee

David Miliband leads humanitarian and refugee programmes across crisis-affected countries and cities in the United States. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His work brings policy, field delivery and refugee resettlement into one leadership brief. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

20. Christine Squires

President and Chief Executive Officer, Americares

Christine Squires leads a global health and disaster relief organisation delivering medical aid and health programmes. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her role depends on calm coordination between medical supply chains, local providers and emergency response. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

21. Suzanne McCormick

President and Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of the USA

Suzanne McCormick leads the national office of a community network focused on healthy spirit, mind and body. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

The federation model makes shared purpose, local ownership and consistent standards equally important. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

22. Jim Clark

President and Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Jim Clark leads a national youth network supporting academic success, health, leadership and workforce readiness. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His brief shows how a national charity can keep local clubs focused on a shared future for young people. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

23. Carter Roberts

President and Chief Executive Officer, World Wildlife Fund United States

Carter Roberts leads the United States organisation within a conservation network working across 100 countries. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His approach connects science, policy, communities and business to conservation at the scale of the problem. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

24. Amy Weaver

Chief Executive Officer, Direct Relief

Amy Weaver leads a humanitarian organisation delivering medical aid to communities affected by poverty, disaster and conflict. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her move from global corporate leadership to humanitarian work makes operating discipline part of the story. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

25. Michelle Mitchell

Chief Executive, Cancer Research UK

Michelle Mitchell leads the UK’s major cancer research charity through research, public information and fundraising. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her role shows how a charity can turn scientific progress into public confidence and sustained support. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

26. Gemma Peters

Chief Executive Officer, Macmillan Cancer Support

Gemma Peters leads a UK-wide cancer support charity focused on helping people live with cancer. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her public writing keeps the work grounded in policy, community, workforce and the lived experience of cancer. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

27. Chris Sherwood

Chief Executive Officer, NSPCC

Chris Sherwood leads a major children’s charity focused on preventing abuse and supporting children and families. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His move from the RSPCA brings experience of public trust, safeguarding and national campaigning. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

28. Matthew Reed

Chief Executive, Marie Curie

Matthew Reed leads a national charity supporting people affected by dying, death and bereavement. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His experience across children, health and social care gives the role both compassion and organisational range. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

29. Sarah Hughes

Chief Executive Officer, Mind

Sarah Hughes leads a mental health charity and federation working across England and Wales. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her long experience in mental health and social justice keeps strategy close to people’s real lives. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

30. Charmaine Griffiths

Chief Executive, British Heart Foundation

Charmaine Griffiths leads a major health charity combining research, public education and support for people affected by heart and circulatory disease. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her science and policy background helps connect research investment with better health outcomes. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

31. Hilary McGrady

Director-General, National Trust

Hilary McGrady leads one of the UK’s largest conservation charities protecting places, landscapes and history. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her brief combines stewardship, public access, membership and financial resilience across a huge estate. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

32. Lynn Perry

Chief Executive Officer, Barnardo’s

Lynn Perry leads a four-nation children’s charity delivering services for children, young people and families. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her background overseeing hundreds of services shows why consistent care needs clear organisation-wide leadership. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

33. Rose Caldwell

Chief Executive, Plan International UK

Rose Caldwell leads the UK organisation within a global movement for children’s rights and equality for girls. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her work puts local partnership, advocacy and girls’ voices at the centre of an international charity. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

34. Tim Wainwright

Chief Executive, WaterAid UK

Tim Wainwright leads WaterAid UK’s work towards clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene for everyone. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His role links public fundraising with global strategy, government influence and climate resilience. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

35. Richard Hawkes

Interim Chief Executive, Oxfam GB

Richard Hawkes leads Oxfam GB through an interim period after senior roles across major UK charities. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

An interim brief is about steadiness, honest choices and creating the conditions for a strong next phase. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

36. Hannah Bond

Co-Chief Executive, ActionAid UK

Hannah Bond shares leadership of a charity working for women’s rights and gender justice. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

The co-CEO model makes partnership, shared power and clear decision rights visible in the organisation’s structure. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

37. Taahra Ghazi

Co-Chief Executive, ActionAid UK

Taahra Ghazi shares leadership of ActionAid UK’s work with women’s rights movements and communities. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her background in anti-racist communications and education brings a strong voice to a shared leadership model. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

38. Peter Sparkes

Chief Executive, Royal National Lifeboat Institution

Peter Sparkes leads the lifesaving charity serving coastal communities across the UK, Ireland and nearby waters. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His maritime safety background fits an organisation where preparation, courage and clear roles matter every day. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

39. Béatrice Butsana-Sita

Chief Executive Officer, British Red Cross

Béatrice Butsana-Sita leads a humanitarian organisation supporting people in crisis in the UK and around the world. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her path through consulting, telecoms transformation and charity leadership shows the value of transferable operating skill. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

40. Michelle Dyson

Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer’s Society

Michelle Dyson leads a national dementia charity combining support, research and campaigning. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her public-service background brings policy and delivery experience to a cause with urgent human needs. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

41. Conrad Sauvé

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Red Cross

Conrad Sauvé leads a national humanitarian organisation with local, national and global emergency work. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His long tenure is built around organisational transformation, government partnership and community response. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

42. Kirstin Beardsley

Chief Executive Officer, Food Banks Canada

Kirstin Beardsley leads a national network supporting food banks and community organisations across Canada. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

The role combines immediate relief with advocacy for the conditions that create food insecurity. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

43. Andrea Seale

Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Cancer Society

Andrea Seale leads Canada’s national cancer charity across research, information, support and advocacy. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her career across science, environmental and social organisations gives the role a broad systems view. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

44. Doug Roth

Chief Executive Officer, Heart & Stroke

Doug Roth leads a national health charity working on prevention, research, public policy and recovery. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His strategy and evaluation background connects financial discipline with deeper mission impact. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

45. Peter Dinsdale

President and Chief Executive Officer, YMCA Canada

Peter Dinsdale leads the national office supporting a federation of local YMCAs that reaches communities across Canada. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

The national role is about strengthening local associations while protecting a shared purpose. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

46. Dan Clement

President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Centraide Canada

Dan Clement leads the national office of a movement supporting community services across Canada. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His work makes network leadership, public voice and local action part of the same job. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

47. Nicola Coom

Chief Executive, Cancer Society of New Zealand

Nicola Coom leads New Zealand’s national cancer charity across support, advocacy, research and prevention. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her leadership has focused on listening to people affected by cancer and building a clearer national plan. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

48. Nikki Gallagher

Chief Executive Officer, Irish Cancer Society

Nikki Gallagher leads Ireland’s national cancer charity across support, advocacy, research and public education. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her background in policy change and internal transformation gives the role a strong public-purpose focus. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

49. Dominic Crowley

Chief Executive Officer, Concern Worldwide

Dominic Crowley leads an international humanitarian and development charity working in countries affected by poverty and crisis. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

His path through emergency programming gives the top role deep field experience and practical credibility. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

50. Deirdre Garvey

Secretary General, Irish Red Cross

Deirdre Garvey leads the Irish Red Cross’s operational work and strategic plan as Ireland’s humanitarian network. That work sits at the meeting point of public trust, practical service and long-term purpose. The role is not only about setting direction. It is also about helping staff, volunteers, supporters and partners understand what matters most when the work becomes complex.

Her experience founding The Wheel brings a strong understanding of the wider charity ecosystem. A useful leadership question follows: what needs to be made clearer so more people can do good work with confidence? That is why this leader belongs in a list of charity leaders worth watching. Read the organisation’s current leadership information for the latest role and context.

Current as checked on 11 August 2026. Roles can change. This list reflects the public information available when checked and labels transition roles plainly. It is designed as a useful starting point for anyone learning how large charities are led across English-speaking markets.