Andrew Owen (he/him)

Volunteer Company Secretary

Andrew is a solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer specialising in corporate governance and ESG matters.

Having grown up with limited LGBTQIA+ role models, Andrew is passionate about providing support, guidance and visibility to LGBTQIA+ people studying and entering the workforce, so that they can feel comfortable and empowered to be themselves.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Global Studies (International Relations) from La Trobe University.

Management Team

Andrew Staite (he/him)

Board, Management Team

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer BA & LLB (The University of Melbourne) Andrew is managing director & chief executive officer of The Pinnacle Foundation…

Ben Nielsen (he/him)

Management Team

Volunteer Alumni Program Lead Ben Nielsen is a corporate affairs specialist, currently working in the higher education sector. He has previously worked in journalism, government…

Craig Murphy (he/him)

Management Team

Donor & Bequests Manager Craig has over 35 years of experience in marketing and sales, primarily within the FMCG sector. He has worked with global…

David Walsh (he/him)

Management Team

Volunteer Psychologist – Scholarship Selection David is a registered psychologist and has worked as a research psychologist in the School of Community Medicine at the…

Gavin Cao (he/him)

Management Team

Volunteer Chief Financial Officer Gavin is a seasoned finance professional who has transitioned from executive finance roles to a thriving accounting and financial planning practice….

Laura Cripps (she/they)

Management Team

Scholar and Mentor Manager Laura was a Pinnacle Foundation scholar in 2018, during her final year of a Bachelor of Laws (Honours). Laura remained with…

Ola Radka (she/her)

Management Team

Partnerships & Events Manager Ola has almost 20 years of experience across a wide variety of professional roles helping people discover their full potential, all…

Paula Corvalan M.A.C.A (Level 2) (she/her)

Management Team

Senior Program Manager Paula Corvalan brings over 15 years of experience across communication, marketing, and social services to her role, combining her diverse expertise with…

Sam Jacob (they/them)

Management Team

Volunteer Chair Scholarship Selection Committee Sam brings more than 30 years’ experience in higher education in the UK and Australia, including senior roles at Charles Darwin,…

Sophie Ellul (she/her)

Management Team

Financial Accountant Sophie is a qualified accountant (CPA) with substantial experience encompassing both industry and business services roles. Sophie has over 20 years of experience…

Tim Lai (he/him)

Management Team

Marketing Manager Tim has over 25 years of experience working in the retail technology and professional services space. Tim was appointed The Pinnacle Foundation’s Marketing…