Composed of highly experienced members who represent a variety of sector expertise, our Board is supported by the following sub-committees: Audit and Risk (ARC), Remuneration and Employment (REC), and a Nominations Committee (NC). The Board has delegated powers to a largely independent Investment Committee (IC).
About Team Board Financials
Ben Gales
Interim Chair Sefa, Chair IC, Non-executive Director Sefa
Ben Gales is currently the Chief Delivery Officer at the Paul Ramsay Foundation. From 2013 to 2016, he served as CEO of Sefa, and he now chairs Sefa’s Investment Committee. An economist by training, Ben brings deep expertise in impact investing, social impact measurement, and fostering innovation, having led major reforms and initiatives across government, finance, and the social sectors.
In the UK, Ben was involved in the early days of impact investing through the launch of the Social Investment Taskforce in 2000 under Sir Ronald Cohen while working at HM Treasury. In the NSW Government, he played a critical role in developing Australia’s first Social Impact Bonds, “Newpin” and “Resilient Families,” and managed the Office of Social Impact Investment, overseeing over $200 million in impact investments and payment-by-outcome contracts. Ben also led the establishment of the NSW Productivity Commission and developed the NSW Evidence Bank within NSW Treasury. His experience includes working in venture capital with 3i plc in the UK and US from 2000 to 2008. He has sat on several boards and is currently a board member of the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network.
David Rickards, OAM
Chair Sefa Partnerships, Non-Executive Director Sefa
David was formerly the Head of Research and an Executive Director at Macquarie Bank. After he retired in 2012 he co-founded Sefa. David founded Sefa Partnerships in 2016. Before joining Macquarie Bank he was responsible for establishing the risk management company, BARRA International, in Australia.
David was also Director and Treasurer of Bush Heritage Australia for nine years. He is currently a Director of Australian Museum Foundation, Director of Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN), Director of NAOS Absolute Return Fund Ltd and NAOS Emerging Opportunities Fund Ltd, and Director of Midland Conservation Fund.
Councillor Charles Lynch
Non-executive Director Sefa
A proud Aboriginal - Gomeroi man from Tamworth NSW, Charles has 30 years of experience working with Aboriginal communities and businesses within the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC). During this time, he's co-chaired Closing the Gap and represented NSWALC at the United Nations. This helped hone his expertise in governance, place-based arrangements in communities, financial stewardship, legislation, and policy. At Sefa he uses these skills and his deep knowledge to help us continue to bring people together for a common good.
On the weekends you’ll find him restoring vintage motor cars, fishing or cheering on his beloved Manly Sea Eagles. Charles lives and works on Gomeroi land.
Heidi Hardy
Non-executive Director Sefa
Heidi Hardy is a proud Ngemba woman from Brewarrina, NSW, and a leader committed to driving meaningful change. With deep cultural connections and a sharp focus on impact, she brings extensive experience in policy, project, and financial management.
Currently serving as Interim CEO of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Heidi champions strategic collaboration to strengthen community representation. She believes that listening and learning from others is key to ensuring Aboriginal communities have the voice and support they deserve. Known for her innovative approach and big-picture thinking, she continues to lead with purpose, working alongside communities and stakeholders to create lasting change.
Councillor Leeanne Hampton
Non-executive Director Sefa
Leeanne Hampton has dedicated 18 years to advancing community welfare, with a focus on empowering Aboriginal communities. As a board member at Sefa, her incisive questioning and empathetic communication skills drive her passion for societal progress. Leeanne’s journey began in the private sector as a small business owner before transitioning to the nonprofit space, where she has served as CEO of the West Wyalong Local Aboriginal Land Council and currently holds multiple roles within the NSW Aboriginal Land Council.
Leeanne is also deeply committed to her family, considering her children her greatest achievement. In her downtime, she enjoys exploring the realms of science fiction and fantasy and is a regular at country music concerts. Leeanne’s approachability and thoughtful engagement are cherished by her colleagues and community alike. Leeanne lives and works on West Wyalong.
Our Investment Committee is composed of experienced professionals with a diverse set of skills and backgrounds, ranging from social finance, philanthropy, credit, fund management to not-for-profit, corporate and government. This diversity aligns with Sefa's principles-based approach to investing that seeks to provide bespoke financial solutions to our clients.
Ben Gales
Chair IC, Non-executive Director Sefa
Ben Gales is currently Chief Strategy Officer at Paul Ramsay Foundation. Between 2013 and 2016 he was the CEO of SEFA. Ben is an economist by training with expertise in impact investing, social impact measurement, and delivering innovation. He has led the delivery of several major reforms and initiatives and held senior positions in government, finance, and social sectors.
In the UK Ben was involved in the genesis of the impact investing sector with the launch of the Social Investment Taskforce in 2000 under Sir Ronald Cohen when he worked in HM Treasury. During his time in NSW Government, he was instrumental in developing the first Social Impact Bonds in Australia, “Newpin” and “Resilient Families”, and was responsible for the Office of Social Impact Investment where he oversaw over $200 million of impact investments and payment by outcome contracts. He led the establishment of the NSW Productivity Commission and set up the NSW Evidence Bank in NSW Treasury. Ben worked in venture capital in the UK and US for 3i plc between 2000 and 2008. He has sat on several boards.
Emily Fuller
Member IC, Non-Executive Director Sefa Partnerships
Emily's experience in the private and not-for-profit sectors spans strategy, communications, research, international development and philanthropy. She has deep expertise in strategic philanthropy, social innovation and in cross-sector collaborations aiming to disrupt persistent social issues and shine a light on structural improvements.
Emily is the Social Impact Manager at Future Generation, the first Australian listed investment companies to deliver investment and social returns, and was previously the Foundation Manager of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation. She is a Director of Mundango Abroad, a private ancillary fund grantmaking in Papua New Guinea and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Anna Schell
Independent member
Anna recently moved into a not for profit role, after almost 20 years as a senior finance professional working for a range of public and private companies covering utilities, telecommunications, construction and housing sectors. These roles have focused on strategic support to achieve stakeholder and customer outcomes, planning and investment analysis.
Having initially qualified as an electrical engineer, Anna is now a Fellow of CPA, Australia. Anna is currently: Financial and Planning Manager at Starlight Children’s Foundation, and a member of the management committees for her daughters’ childcare and after school care centres.
Deborah Williamson
Independent member
Deborah is an experienced finance professional with over 25 years' experience in the banking industry. She has led credit risk teams supporting business partners across private and public sectors including health, property, professional services, education, not for profit, aged care, hospitality, and real estate. Deborah has also been involved in the development and implementation of professional training programs for bankers.
Deborah holds a Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance and is a member of RMA Australia. She has mentored female banking professionals, and served on committees at local schools, community, and sporting clubs. She is inspired by the flexibility of thought and creativity engaged in social enterprise, and passionate about supporting the growth of purpose driven entities in a sustainable manner.
Jeremy Burke
Independent member
Jeremy Burke has been at the forefront of the transition to a green economy for the last 15 years. He is a director and co-founder at Ecotone Partners and has worked in financial services in Melbourne, London and New York. He has extensive experience in developing solutions to deliver responsible and green investments.
Jeremy was most recently Head of Product & Strategy at Impact Investment Group, where he developed a number of funds including the Solar Asset Fund, the WA Impact Fund and a diversified impact fund of funds focused on alternatives. Jeremy has extensive governance experience within for-profit and not-for-profit organisations and is chair of the Audit & Risk Committee for CDP Worldwide (the leading global environmental reporting platform) and is a fellow of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
