50 Nonprofit CEOs Across English-Speaking Markets

A nonprofit CEO has to hold several time horizons at once. There is the urgent work of serving people well today, the patient work of building trust, and the hard work of making the organisation stronger for the people who will need it next.

As of August 2026, this list brings together 50 current nonprofit CEOs and chief executives across Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. It is a practical starting point for leaders who want to notice different models of stewardship, service and scale.

The organisations are different in size, purpose and setting. What connects them is the work of turning a public mission into decisions, systems and relationships that people can rely on.

1. Doug Taylor

Chief Executive Officer, The Smith Family

Doug Taylor is chief executive officer at The Smith Family, a nonprofit working in education and child wellbeing. The Smith Family is a national independent charity working with children and families in communities across Australia. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

The useful leadership question here is how to keep a national mission close to the children and families who experience it locally.

2. Sharon Callister

Chief Executive Officer, Mission Australia

Sharon Callister is chief executive officer at Mission Australia, a nonprofit working in homelessness, housing and community services. Mission Australia identifies Sharon Callister as its CEO, with the organisation working across housing, homelessness and community services. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Her work points to the importance of holding service quality, housing pressure and organisational resilience in the same frame.

3. Sarah Davies

Chief Executive Officer, Alannah & Madeline Foundation

Sarah Davies is chief executive officer at Alannah & Madeline Foundation, a nonprofit working in child safety and wellbeing. The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission identifies Sarah Davies as CEO of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, which works to help children grow up happy, safe and strong. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

This is a reminder that child safety leadership asks for both moral clarity and the patient systems work that makes safety real.

4. Jess Moore

Chief Executive Officer, Social Enterprise Australia

Jess Moore is chief executive officer at Social Enterprise Australia, a nonprofit working in social enterprise and employment. Social Enterprise Australia describes Jess Moore as a former CEO of Community Resources, a large jobs-focused social enterprise with more than 650 employees. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Social enterprise leaders show how employment, commercial discipline and social purpose can reinforce one another when the design is deliberate.

5. Darian Clark

Chief Executive Officer, AMF-Cufa

Darian Clark is chief executive officer at AMF-Cufa, a nonprofit working in economic development and financial inclusion. AMF-Cufa describes Darian Clark as leading aid and development work across the Asia-Pacific, including financial literacy, employment and enterprise programmes. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Aid and development leadership makes the connection between financial capability, local partnership and long-term independence impossible to ignore.

6. Karen Mundine

Chief Executive Officer, Reconciliation Australia

Karen Mundine is chief executive officer at Reconciliation Australia, a nonprofit working in First Nations reconciliation. Reconciliation Australia identifies Karen Mundine as a Bundjalung leader who has worked in reconciliation for more than 25 years and helped shape the Australian Reconciliation Barometer. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Reconciliation leadership asks organisations to turn values into sustained relationships, accountable practice and visible change.

7. Melodie Potts Rosevear OAM

Chief Executive Officer, ARACY

Melodie Potts Rosevear OAM is chief executive officer at ARACY, a nonprofit working in child and youth wellbeing. ARACY announced Melodie Potts Rosevear OAM as CEO from February 2026. She was the founding CEO of Teach For Australia, which enabled nearly 2,000 teachers and future education leaders. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Child and youth wellbeing work rewards leaders who can connect early investment with the conditions young people need over time.

8. Sara Parrott

Chief Executive Officer, Hand Heart Pocket

Sara Parrott is chief executive officer at Hand Heart Pocket, a nonprofit working in philanthropy and community impact. Hand Heart Pocket lists Sara Parrott as CEO of the charitable foundation, which has a history stretching back more than 110 years. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Philanthropic leadership is often about stewardship: making long-term intent practical through disciplined choices about trust and impact.

9. Denison Grellmann

Chief Executive Officer, ADRA Australia

Denison Grellmann is chief executive officer at ADRA Australia, a nonprofit working in international development and humanitarian aid. ADRA Australia identifies Denison Grellmann as CEO of the organisation delivering development and humanitarian programmes with partners across the region. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Humanitarian leadership depends on building systems that can move quickly while remaining accountable to the communities they serve.

10. David Spriggs

Chief Executive Officer, Infoxchange

David Spriggs is chief executive officer at Infoxchange, a nonprofit working in digital inclusion and technology for social justice. Infoxchange describes David Spriggs as CEO and links the organisation’s work to digital inclusion, technology and stronger community services. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Digital inclusion leadership shows that technology is most useful when it removes friction from essential community services.

11. Dr Charmaine Griffiths

Chief Executive, British Heart Foundation

Dr Charmaine Griffiths is chief executive at British Heart Foundation, a nonprofit working in heart and circulatory health. The British Heart Foundation identifies Dr Charmaine Griffiths as chief executive and works across research, health information, CPR training and community support. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Health charity leadership has to connect research, public understanding and practical support without losing sight of the person behind the statistics.

12. Béatrice Butsana-Sita

Chief Executive Officer, British Red Cross

Béatrice Butsana-Sita is chief executive officer at British Red Cross, a nonprofit working in humanitarian support and crisis response. The British Red Cross lists Béatrice Butsana-Sita as CEO. Her background includes leading Greenhouse Sports and working on large-scale organisational change. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Humanitarian organisations need leaders who can protect trust across volunteers, staff, partners and the people affected by crisis.

13. Chris Sherwood

Chief Executive, NSPCC

Chris Sherwood is chief executive at NSPCC, a nonprofit working in child protection. The NSPCC announced Chris Sherwood as its new chief executive from January 2025. He previously led the RSPCA and Relate. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Child protection leadership makes the case for clarity about safeguarding, prevention and the responsibilities that sit behind a public mission.

14. Theresa Shearer

Chief Executive, Enable

Theresa Shearer is chief executive at Enable, a nonprofit working in employment and support for disabled people. Enable says Theresa Shearer has led the organisation since 2015, during which its revenue grew from £25 million to £100 million and its reach expanded from 3,000 to 15,000 people. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Disability support leadership is strongest when growth is measured by greater choice, participation and everyday equality.

15. James Toop

Chief Executive Officer, Teach First

James Toop is chief executive officer at Teach First, a nonprofit working in education and social mobility. Teach First lists James Toop as CEO after his June 2025 appointment. His previous leadership roles included Bite Back and Ambition Institute. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Education and social mobility leaders have to connect aspiration with the practical support that makes opportunity more evenly shared.

16. Rohan Putter

Chief Executive, Woodgreen Pets Charity

Rohan Putter is chief executive at Woodgreen Pets Charity, a nonprofit working in animal welfare and pet ownership. Woodgreen Pets Charity lists Rohan Putter as chief executive and describes a career spanning Bloodwise, Barnardo’s and Marie Curie. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Animal welfare leadership highlights the value of designing services around the real relationship between people, animals and communities.

17. Simon Phillips

Chief Executive, WithYou

Simon Phillips is chief executive at WithYou, a nonprofit working in health, recovery and support services. WithYou identifies Simon Phillips as chief executive from January 2024, bringing more than 25 years of experience in support services. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Recovery and support services call for leaders who understand that trust is built through consistency, dignity and long-term presence.

18. John McLachlan

Interim Chief Executive Officer, Scope

John McLachlan is interim chief executive officer at Scope, a nonprofit working in disability equality and inclusion. Scope identifies John McLachlan as its interim chief executive and describes his long service across support work, service design and organisational change. His career connects operational understanding with the organisation's wider aim of ending disability inequality.

Disability equality leadership is strongest when culture, campaigning and service design work together rather than sit in separate silos.

19. Denis McDonough

President and Chief Executive Officer, Feeding America

Denis McDonough is president and chief executive officer at Feeding America, a nonprofit working in hunger relief and food security. Feeding America named Denis McDonough CEO from April 2026. Its network includes 250 food banks and 60,000 food programmes and partners. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Food security leadership is a lesson in network thinking: the organisation can coordinate scale while local partners stay close to need.

20. Suzanne McCormick

President and Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of the USA

Suzanne McCormick is president and chief executive officer at YMCA of the USA, a nonprofit working in community health and youth development. The YMCA of the USA identifies Suzanne McCormick as its first woman president and CEO, following leadership in United Way and the American Red Cross. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Community health leadership is about making a large movement feel useful and welcoming in the places where people actually live.

21. Steven C. Preston

President and Chief Executive Officer, Goodwill Industries International

Steven C. Preston is president and chief executive officer at Goodwill Industries International, a nonprofit working in jobs, skills and economic opportunity. Goodwill Industries International identifies Steven C. Preston as president and CEO of the network supporting people into jobs and skills. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Workforce development leadership connects practical skills, employer relationships and dignity at work into one coherent mission.

22. Derrick Johnson

President and Chief Executive Officer, NAACP

Derrick Johnson is president and chief executive officer at NAACP, a nonprofit working in civil rights and racial justice. The NAACP identifies Derrick Johnson as president and CEO since 2017. His work has included building NAACP Capital and the We Are Done Dying campaign. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Civil rights leadership requires a steady link between public courage, organisational discipline and the people whose rights are at stake.

23. Marc H. Morial

President and Chief Executive Officer, National Urban League

Marc H. Morial is president and chief executive officer at National Urban League, a nonprofit working in civil rights and economic empowerment. The National Urban League identifies Marc H. Morial as president and CEO, leading a long-running agenda focused on civil rights, economic mobility and community empowerment. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Economic empowerment leadership asks organisations to build capability, not only deliver programmes, so communities have more room to act.

24. Jonathan Reckford

Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity International

Jonathan Reckford is chief executive officer at Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit working in housing and community development. Habitat for Humanity identifies Jonathan Reckford as CEO since 2005. Its network works through affiliates in all 50 US states and more than 60 countries. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Housing leadership is a reminder that a clear mission still needs durable partnerships, local knowledge and operational patience.

25. Amy Weaver

Chief Executive Officer, Direct Relief

Amy Weaver is chief executive officer at Direct Relief, a nonprofit working in medical aid and disaster response. Direct Relief identifies Amy Weaver as CEO from May 2025 after senior leadership roles at Salesforce, public service and global finance. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Medical aid leadership brings a sharp focus to logistics, readiness and the human consequences of getting the details right.

26. Ike Anand

President and Chief Executive Officer, ALSAC

Ike Anand is president and chief executive officer at ALSAC, a nonprofit working in philanthropy and childhood cancer. St. Jude identifies Ike Anand as ALSAC president and CEO from July 2025, after leading digital transformation, data, technology and donor services. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Philanthropic leadership at scale depends on combining technology and data with a deep understanding of why donors choose to serve.

27. Tjada D’Oyen McKenna

Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Corps

Tjada D’Oyen McKenna is chief executive officer at Mercy Corps, a nonprofit working in humanitarian response and resilience. Mercy Corps says Tjada D’Oyen McKenna leads more than 4,300 humanitarians working in more than 40 countries. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Humanitarian leadership across borders asks for a clear centre of purpose and enough local trust to adapt responsibly.

28. Michelle Nunn

President and Chief Executive Officer, CARE

Michelle Nunn is president and chief executive officer at CARE, a nonprofit working in women’s rights and humanitarian development. CARE identifies Michelle Nunn as CEO since 2015. Its 2025 reporting described work with thousands of staff across more than 100 countries. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Women’s rights and humanitarian leadership show how global scale must still be translated into local agency and practical support.

29. Inger Ashing

Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children International

Inger Ashing is chief executive officer at Save the Children International, a nonprofit working in children’s rights and humanitarian action. Save the Children International identifies Inger Ashing as CEO of the global organisation working for children’s rights and protection. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Children’s rights leadership makes long-term protection and immediate response part of the same leadership responsibility.

30. Mark Green

President and Chief Executive Officer, ONE Campaign

Mark Green is president and chief executive officer at ONE Campaign, a nonprofit working in global health and economic opportunity. ONE Campaign named Mark Green president and CEO from May 2026. The organisation works on global health and economic opportunity, especially in Africa. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Global health leadership is a reminder that advocacy, partnership and operational follow-through must travel together.

31. Tawanda Mutasah

President and Chief Executive Officer, American Jewish World Service

Tawanda Mutasah is president and chief executive officer at American Jewish World Service, a nonprofit working in human rights and global justice. American Jewish World Service appointed Tawanda Mutasah president and CEO from February 2026 after roles with Oxfam America, Amnesty and Open Society. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Human rights leadership requires both values and execution, particularly when organisations are working across very different political settings.

32. Susan K. Urahn

President and Chief Executive Officer, The Pew Charitable Trusts

Susan K. Urahn is president and chief executive officer at The Pew Charitable Trusts, a nonprofit working in public policy, data and research. Pew says Susan K. Urahn remains president and CEO through February 2027 while a successor prepares to take over in March 2027. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Evidence-led philanthropy depends on leaders who can protect independence, invest in people and keep the public purpose clear.

33. Caroline Schumacher

President and Chief Executive Officer, Give Kids The World Village

Caroline Schumacher is president and chief executive officer at Give Kids The World Village, a nonprofit working in family support and children’s wishes. Give Kids The World Village identifies Caroline Schumacher as president and CEO of the 89-acre nonprofit resort supporting families with critically ill children. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Family support leadership shows how a focused physical place can create belonging, relief and dignity for people under intense pressure.

34. David Miliband

President and Chief Executive Officer, International Rescue Committee

David Miliband is president and chief executive officer at International Rescue Committee, a nonprofit working in humanitarian aid and displacement. The International Rescue Committee identifies David Miliband as president and CEO, leading humanitarian and recovery work in crisis-affected countries. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Displacement and humanitarian leadership make the case for systems that can scale without treating people as numbers.

35. Gary White

Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Water.org

Gary White is chief executive officer and co-founder at Water.org, a nonprofit working in water, sanitation and social finance. Water.org identifies Gary White as CEO and co-founder. Its current site says its solutions have helped more than 92 million people access safe water or sanitation. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Water and sanitation leadership shows how practical innovation can widen access when finance, infrastructure and community need are designed together.

36. Conrad Sauvé

President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Red Cross

Conrad Sauvé is president and chief executive officer at Canadian Red Cross, a nonprofit working in disaster response and community resilience. The Canadian Red Cross identifies Conrad Sauvé as president and CEO and has described a national readiness network with thousands of trained personnel. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Disaster response leadership depends on readiness before the emergency, not only courage during it.

37. Andrea Seale

Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Cancer Society

Andrea Seale is chief executive officer at Canadian Cancer Society, a nonprofit working in cancer research, support and advocacy. The Government of Canada identifies Andrea Seale as CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society in its current cancer research announcement. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Cancer research leadership connects public trust, scientific investment and patient support across a long horizon.

38. Owen Charters

President and Chief Executive Officer, BGC Canada

Owen Charters is president and chief executive officer at BGC Canada, a nonprofit working in children, young people and community centres. The Canada Revenue Agency’s charitable-sector advisory information identifies BGC Canada as the country’s largest child and youth-focused charity and Owen Charters as its leader. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Child and youth leadership is often about building safe, welcoming places where relationships make the programme work.

39. Kevin McCort

President and Chief Executive Officer, Vancouver Foundation

Kevin McCort is president and chief executive officer at Vancouver Foundation, a nonprofit working in philanthropy and community change. The Canada Revenue Agency identifies Kevin McCort as Vancouver Foundation’s president and CEO, with a long record of community grantmaking and philanthropy. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Community philanthropy leadership shows how local knowledge and patient grantmaking can strengthen the wider social fabric.

40. Inez Jabalpurwala

President and Chief Executive Officer, Brain Canada

Inez Jabalpurwala is president and chief executive officer at Brain Canada, a nonprofit working in brain research and innovation. The Government of Canada identifies Inez Jabalpurwala as president and CEO of Brain Canada in its current research investment announcement. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Brain research leadership asks leaders to turn complex science into shared investment and better outcomes for people and families.

41. Manon Pepin

President and Chief Executive Officer, Cancer Research Society

Manon Pepin is president and chief executive officer at Cancer Research Society, a nonprofit working in cancer research funding. The Government of Canada identifies Manon Pepin as president and CEO of the Cancer Research Society in its current research investment announcement. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Research funding leadership demonstrates the value of connecting public purpose with clear choices about where scarce resources can help most.

42. Allison Alley

President and Chief Executive Officer, World Vision Canada

Allison Alley is president and chief executive officer at World Vision Canada, a nonprofit working in child wellbeing and humanitarian development. World Vision Canada identifies Allison Alley as its CEO and president after her leadership at Compassion Canada. Her role sits at the intersection of child-focused development, advocacy and organisational stewardship.

Child-focused development leadership combines advocacy, fundraising and service delivery in a way that demands unusual organisational alignment.

43. Dominic Crowley

Chief Executive Officer, Concern Worldwide

Dominic Crowley is chief executive officer at Concern Worldwide, a nonprofit working in humanitarian response and poverty reduction. Concern Worldwide identifies Dominic Crowley as CEO from 2024 and reports work across emergency response, health and livelihoods in vulnerable communities. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Humanitarian poverty reduction leadership is a test of whether strategy can stay practical when needs change quickly.

44. Susan Glasgow

Chief Executive Officer, UNICEF Aotearoa New Zealand

Susan Glasgow is chief executive officer at UNICEF Aotearoa New Zealand, a nonprofit working in children’s rights and protection. UNICEF Aotearoa New Zealand lists Susan Glasgow as CEO of the national organisation supporting children’s rights and wellbeing. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Children’s rights leadership in Aotearoa shows the importance of connecting global purpose with local relationships and context.

45. Jo Lambert

Chief Executive Officer, Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand

Jo Lambert is chief executive officer at Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand, a nonprofit working in stroke prevention and recovery. Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand identifies Jo Lambert as CEO since 2021, with experience across community and social-service organisations. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Stroke leadership brings lived experience, prevention and recovery into one clear public mission.

46. Lisa Tai

Chief Executive Officer, Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand

Lisa Tai is chief executive officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand, a nonprofit working in family support during serious illness. Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand identifies Lisa Tai as CEO, leading support that helps families stay close to children receiving serious medical care. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Family support leadership makes a strong case for practical compassion backed by dependable systems and partnerships.

47. Denise Cosgrove

Chief Executive, Selwyn Foundation

Denise Cosgrove is chief executive at Selwyn Foundation, a nonprofit working in aged care and social support. The Selwyn Foundation identifies Denise Cosgrove as chief executive with more than 30 years leading complex social and commercial organisations. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Aged care and social support leadership calls for leaders who can hold commercial complexity and human dignity together.

48. Grace Matlhape

Chief Executive Officer, SmartStart

Grace Matlhape is chief executive officer at SmartStart, a nonprofit working in early childhood development. SmartStart identifies Grace Matlhape as CEO, with experience leading large-scale early childhood, health and education programmes across sub-Saharan Africa. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Early childhood leadership is long-horizon work: the most important outcomes may be built years before they are visible.

49. Phinah Kodisang

Chief Executive Officer, Soul City Institute

Phinah Kodisang is chief executive officer at Soul City Institute, a nonprofit working in gender justice and public health. Soul City Institute identifies Phinah Kodisang as CEO and a South African feminist leader working across health, rights and women’s leadership. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Gender justice and public health leadership asks organisations to pair advocacy with services that people can actually reach.

50. Gail Campbell

Chief Executive Officer, Zenex Foundation

Gail Campbell is chief executive officer at Zenex Foundation, a nonprofit working in education and developmental grantmaking. Zenex Foundation identifies Gail Campbell as CEO, with more than 15 years’ experience in developmental grantmaking focused on education. It connects leadership choices to people who depend on the work.

Education philanthropy leadership is a reminder that grantmaking works best when it is patient, focused and close to the learning challenge.

Conclusion

The organisations in this list work in different sectors, countries and operating models. The shared thread is not a single leadership style. It is the discipline of connecting the work of the organisation to the people it exists to serve, then building the trust, capability and partnerships needed to keep doing that work well.

For nonprofit leaders, the useful comparison is not who to copy. It is what your people need from leadership now, what your mission will require in three years, and which part of the system is making that harder than it needs to be.

That is where leadership becomes practical. Strong purpose still needs clear decisions, healthy teams and enough organisational capacity to make good intentions visible in everyday work.

About the Author

Jonno White helps leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at. He is the founder of Consult Clarity, a leadership consultancy that helps organisations become better places to work. Jonno is a keynote speaker, author and Working Genius facilitator.

Next Read

If you want to explore the ideas behind this list, read the guide to thought leaders in nonprofit leadership. When your leadership team is ready to turn those ideas into practical work, you can contact Consult Clarity.

A practical next step

If your nonprofit leadership team is working through culture, communication or accountability, I can help through a keynote, workshop or facilitated leadership session. Email jonno@consultclarity.org.