Staff

Dr Lesley Fitzpatrick

Chief Executive Officer
EdD, MA, BA, AFASCHE, AFAIM, SGN(I)F

Dr Lesley Fitzpatrick is the CEO of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. Prior to taking on this role in 2007, she was General Manager Medical Education for General Practice Education and Training Ltd (GPET) for four years. Lesley is a health sociologist. She has extensive experience in management, strategic planning, research, program planning, policy development, community development and political advocacy. Lesley has worked in many contexts and with a broad constituency including community groups, bureaucrats, academics and service providers.

She has worked as a consultant in organisational development and has held senior and executive management positions in the heath, education and welfare sectors. Lesley has a doctorate in education and a Master degree in health sociology. She is a Fellow of the Sir Gustav Nossal International Fellowship for Leadership in Health Reform and has been a participant in many, peak sector, state-wide and national fora and planning groups. Lesley has used these opportunities to contribute to public discussion and to participate in the development and re-orientation of policy and structural issues in the health sector.

Karim Haddad

karim3 Program Manager

Karim Haddad brings a broad background in leadership development training and design. He spent 14 years with Outward Bound Australia in a variety of leadership roles from Group Instructor, Course Co-ordinator to CEO. He has consulted extensively in Leadership program design within Australia as well as in Oman, Madagascar, Indonesia, New Zealand and Malaysia.

Zoe Routh

Manager: Network and Short Courses

Zoe Routh has recently taken on the role of Manager: Network and Short Courses. She is responsible for managing the Fellows Network and developing new leadership short courses for the industry sectors and other interested rural stakeholders. Zoe hails originally from Canada, where her career in outdoor experiential education began leading canoe trips and managing the out-tripping program. She spent ten years with Outward Bound Australia where she established the award-winning instructor training program. She is also the past President of the Chamber of Women in Business.

Robyn Stone

Business Manager

Robyn Stone is responsible for the management of the Foundation's business including; corporate governance, office management and financial systems. Included in theportfolio is the management of the Foundation's budget, human resources, contract management and the overseeing of office systems and procedures.

Robyn has had extensive experience in business management, prior to joining the Foundation Robyn spent a considerable length of time in both the Planning and Environmental sectors to achieve solutions to environmental and planning challenges.

Philippa Woodhill

Manager: Leadership, Engagement and Development

Philippa Woodhill is responsible for facilitating and managing the 500+ leadership alumni of the ARLP and the MDBLP. Her role as Manager: Leadership, Engagement and Development provides a platform by which graduates can gain access to professional development opportunities and contribute back to rural and regional Australia.

Philippa’s interest is within community and human capacity development stemming from a career in education, sports, rural health and volunteer activities. She is an alumnus of the Commonwealth Study Conference, participating in 2007. Philippa was an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development (based in the Pacific) just prior to joining the ARLF. She has taught extensively within the Queensland education system and served on the Board of Womensport Queensland Association Inc. Philippa has a Bachelor of Applied Science.

Miranda Hou

Bookkeeper

Miranda Hou has a number of years' experience working in finance in the not-for-profit sector. She is also studying to complete her CPA and eventually her MBA.Miranda undertakes the day-to-day bookkeeping role and supports the Business Manager in financial monitoring, processing and reporting activities.

Li-er Kendall

Program Coordinator

Li-er Kendall is the Foundation's Program Coordinator working closely with Karim (Program Manager) to support the administration and logistics of the Australian Rural Leadership Program. Most recently, Li-er coordinated an international music festival and managed her own early childhood music program. Li-er has strong administrative and inter-personal skills having worked with non-profit organisations, schools, a real estate company and a legal firm.

Tina Phimphisane

Short Course/Network Administrator

Tina Phimphisane fulfils the role of Short Course Network Administrator. Her role is to provide logistical and administrative support to both Zoe (Short Courses) and Philippa (LEAD Network). Tina is responsible for liasing with participants, fellows, guest speakers and service providers to ensure Foundation events are run smoothly. Tina has completed a Certificate IV in Business Administration.

Annette Bunfield

Administrative Officer

Annette Bunfield holds the position of Administrative Officer. As well as Reception duties and contributing to the smooth operation of the ARLF office, her role is to provide administrative support to all members of staff, including ARLP Applicants, Participants, Graduates, Fellows, Sponsors and Board members. Annette has had many years experience in administrative and customer service roles with the AFP, Telstra, the Australian Passport Information Service, RSPCA (National Office), and an accounting firm. Annette has been a volunteer for over 10 years both with the Red Cross Home Visitor Service and the Canberra Hospital Auxiliary.