Professional Experience:
With over 20 years of experience in financial management, grant administration, and operational leadership, I have a proven track record of driving financial sustainability, ensuring compliance with complex donor requirements, and aligning financial systems with organizational goals in mission-driven environments. My expertise spans non-profits, global health organizations, and UN-funded initiatives, managing budgets exceeding $235M and leading diverse, high-performing teams.
As Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO), I managed a $120M annual budget, delivering a 90% increase in surplus through strategic financial planning and process re-engineering. I spearheaded an ESG-aligned $120M investment strategy and secured over $45M in grants and donations, ensuring compliance with donor agreements. I implemented centralized financial systems across 34 offices, enhancing reporting transparency and operational efficiency.
At the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), a UN-funded organization, I oversaw a $235M global budget, ensuring compliance with USAID, UN, and EU regulations. I designed and implemented ERP systems to provide real-time financial data, enabling informed decision-making. My leadership in grant management resulted in clean audits for two consecutive years and established ICMP’s first-ever Annual Report, improving donor confidence and transparency.
In my role as Senior Project Manager with the United Nations, USAID, and DFID, I managed a $76M UNFPA-funded HIV prevention program across eight countries, ensuring programmatic and financial compliance. I conducted pre-award assessments and evaluations of financial systems for 29 international partners, enhancing their operational efficiency and adherence to donor requirements. I also provided technical assistance to align partner practices with grant deliverables.
As Senior Director at Ernst & Young (EY), I led financial compliance and governance projects for multinational corporations and non-profits, implementing COSO frameworks and internal audit systems. My work for UNDP included evaluating the utilization of funds by 179 implementing partners, ensuring alignment with project goals and donor expectations.
Currently, as Principal at Boyden Executive Search, I support non-profits and global organizations by recruiting leadership talent for financial and operational roles. I also provide advisory services on governance, grant compliance, and financial strategy, helping organizations optimize their workflows and achieve sustainable growth.
Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered results in managing multi-million-dollar budgets, streamlining financial operations, and fostering collaboration across teams. My expertise in grant management, donor reporting, and compliance ensures the integrity and transparency of financial systems, while my leadership in risk mitigation and ERP implementation drives operational excellence. With a strong commitment to mission-driven work, I thrive in roles that require strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and a focus on delivering measurable impact.