The Benefolk team
The Benefolk team
Meet the founder
Julia Keady, CEO, aka Chief Cheerleader
Having experienced and observed wide-scale burnout in the social purpose sector over the last 15 years, Julia set up Benefolk as a dual entity social enterprise to not only provide support and services for changemakers to achieve their mission without burning out - but to also be a voice for sector reform. Julia brings 30 years' experience across the private, public and not for profit sector to Benefolk, including 15 years working in agencies and consultancies. Prior to Benefolk, Julia ran her own consultancy, and was the inaugural CEO of Australian Women Donors Network (now Australians Investing in Women). She has a Masters in Social Investment and Philanthropy, and is a speaker, writer and thought leader in the social sector. In Benefolk, she leads the Concierge and Services area, supporting clients and providers – drawing from her vast experience of working with 150+ providers, 300+ clients across more than 500 service engagements. She has been called the 'NFP CEO Whisperer' for the care and support she provides to organisation leaders. Read more/Linkedin bio.
Meet the team
We have a small yet amazing team at HQ.
We procure all the additional support and services we need from within the community of Specialist businesses.
Our Specialists are also key to our success, with many providing volunteer support across leadership, events and community activities.
We are also deeply grateful to Sarah Davies AM for being inaugural Chair of Benefolk Foundation from 2020-2024.
Dr Wendy Scaife
Inaugural Director
Benefolk Foundation
Few people can say they have worked, studied and taught philanthropy and fundraising for three decades. Wendy is one of the sector's quiet achievers and most fierce advocates, and helps lead the Benefolk mission to see collaboration, research and smart people unite in an worthwhile quest. Wendy is an Associate Professor and the Director of Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (ACPNS) at Queensland University of Technology. Wendy is also the Social-Purpose Research Theme Leader at QUT’s Centre for Future Enterprise.
Katherine Ellis
Director Benefolk Foundation
Katherine Ellis, CEO of Leadership Victoria, brings over 30 years of leadership experience across private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. With degrees in Public Administration, Commerce, and e-Business, she is a Harvard Kennedy School graduate and a passionate advocate for leadership development. As a Director of Benefolk Foundation, Katherine champions its mission, aligning with her commitment to empowering social sector leaders to create meaningful change.
Sally Alden
Client Services and Operations Manager
Sally keeps the Benefolk wheels turning across our network, services and resource hubs teams.
Sally has a diverse background both in Australia and overseas, city and country, across media, events, education, business, management and community, is deeply involved in her community in the Liverpool Plains, north west NSW and brings with her, vital insights on the needs of rural and regional communities as well, having worked across rural affairs for more than 25 years.
Annette Herschtal
Benefolk Foundation Manager
Annette has been an integral part of the Benefolk community since day one, and brings 20 years' experience in the Social Purpose sector to the mission. Annette has led The Community Well and the video library resource hub development, and works closely with our philanthropic and government partners. Annette has worked in partnership development, philanthropy, business coaching and building digital prototypes of systems maps and outcomes maps for better giving.
Kirrily Graham
Network Community Manager
Kirrily Graham is the first person our new Specialist members meet, as the Community Manager overseeing the successful transition for prospective new business members joining the Collective. The process is robust and takes on average three months to join the Collective. Kirrily brings an extensive career in the sector, along with experience in small business networking, and knows the immense benefit of bringing both together. Kirrily is also a Foundation Member and founder of Dovetail Social Enterprises.
Deb Vogel
Services Coordinator
Deb is a key part of our consulting services area, helping to collate the services information and service proposals, to make it streamlined for our consultants and clients to collaborate.
Jacqui Blanch
Technology Manager
Jacqui brings to life the digital presence and functionality for the Benefolk vision to thrive. With more than 30 years technology and development experience, across a number of member-based organisations, Jacqui has worked collaboratively with Benefolk to create our web presence, and also our flagship initiative, The Community Well.
Julie Weldon
Communications Lead
Julie and her team at JAW Comms have been our communications and events team since 2020, providing expert support and guidance across the RESET 2020 national research study, our online trainings and professional development for the sector, our national programs, strategic outreach and all outgoing communications. Julie has expertly helped us build and launch The Community Well in 2023, culminating with the expertly run Inaugural Changemaker Wellbeing breakfast.
Brendan Lucas
Chief Financial Officer
Brendan previously worked at PwC for nine years providing advice to private business owners in a role involving working through complex tax and business matters.
Brendan has extensive experience in the NFP sector, holding voluntary positions as the Treasurer of the Sutherland Shire Business Chamber and Wheelchair Rugby League Australia.
Brendan is tech-savvy and assists us in harnessing the power of technology, leveraging its capabilities to streamline our accounting processes and enhance our operational efficiency.
Tina Webb
Accounts Manager
Tina loves numbers and analysis, and she has vast experience working alongside clients small and large. She previously worked for Unilever across the areas of finance and sales.
Focusing on small business tax and reporting compliance, she also volunteers as the Treasurer for her local football club.
Tina is passionate about sharing valuable insights and ensuring we understand all the financial information we need for success.
Dahlene Jordan
Administration Manager
Dahlene is the glue behind the scenes, working across the most important day-to-day aspects of Benefolk. Dahlene has a career that spans government relations and small business ownership, and she brings a smile to the face of everyone who connects with her. We would be lost without her.
