People are at the heart of our business. The role of our Executive Committee is to provide leadership, direction and support to enable our people to perform at their absolute best.

Led by our CEO Sharon Callister, the Executive Committee meets monthly to review operations, monitor performance, identify new opportunities and plan for the future.

Sharon Callister GAICD, MBA, BHA, RN

Chief Executive Officer

Sharon was appointed Mission Australia’s CEO in 2022. Adopting a servant-leadership style and with a strong strategic focus, Sharon is committed to Mission Australia’s vision of an Australia where everyone has a safe home and can thrive.

She has extensive experience in the Christian not-for-profit sector and managing large community service organisations, particularly within the aged care and social services sectors.

Sharon holds a Graduate Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Master of Business Administration, a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration and is a Registered Nurse. Sharon currently worships at Sacred Heart Church Mona Vale.

Sally Ascroft BEc, LLB, GAICD

General Counsel & Company Secretary

Sally was appointed General Counsel in 2012 and Company Secretary in 2014. With over 25 years' experience working with Boards and Executive Teams, Sally oversees Mission Australia’s legal, governance, risk and assurance activities. Sally is responsible for guiding our organisation through the increasingly complex legislative issues affecting the not-for-profit sector. Sallly holds a degree in Economics ad Law, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the New South Wales Law Society.

Andrew Sharkey FCCA, CA

Executive, Finance and Technology

Andrew's extensive knowledge and professional experience includes executive leadership, strategy creation and delivery, transformation, risk and governance. With over 25 years of industry experience in listed and private companies, Andrew has led high performing teams in various services sectors in Australia and Ireland. He is a fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (FCCA) and a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Andrew is committed to ensuring long-term financial sustainability and delivering great outcomes for donors, clients, employees and partners. Prior to his role with Mission Australia, Andrew held the position of CFO at an allied health provider.

Ben Carblis BA, MA, GAICD

Executive, Community Services

Ben’s passion and deep understanding of community services led to his appointment of Executive, Community, Family and Children’s Services in 2018. With over 20 years’ experience in leadership roles within community and employment services, Ben leads and directs nationwide teams and operations. Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Education from the University of Newcastle and a master's degree in Adult Education (MA Ed) from the University of Technology. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is also a Director of Jobs Australia.

Chris Bratchford MBA, LLB, GAICD

Executive, Housing and Property

Chris was appointed Executive of Mission Australia Housing Partnership Limited, Mission Australia Housing Tasmania in 2015, responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance and sustainable growth of Mission Australia Housing. With extensive experience in leadership roles across the not-for-profit and commercial sectors both nationally and internationally, Chris is also responsible for the management of Mission Australia’s property portfolio. Chris is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Laws.

Marion Bennett BA (Hons), GAICD

Executive, Practice, Evidence and Impact

With extensive experience in the NSW Government, Marion was appointed Executive, Practice, Evidence and Impact in 2017. Marion is responsible for driving the continuous improvement and growth of Mission Australia’s services through practice quality, service design, innovation, evidence and insights, research and evaluation, policy, advocacy, government relations and business development. She holds an Arts Honours Degree and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Marion is also a founding member and sits on the Board of the Constellation Project, a collaboration to end homelessness.

Phil Chapman BSc, Grad Dipl Bus Ops Mgmt

Executive, Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care

A purpose-driven servant leader, Phil is responsible for Chaplaincy Strategy, delivery of the staff and community chaplaincy programs and chairing the Ethics Committee. Mission Australia’s Christian chaplains support staff and clients by offering a listening ear, pastoral care, spiritual support and crisis intervention. Community Chaplains engage with clients and other community members in communities experiencing high disadvantage, partnering with local churches to foster community strengthening. Prior to his appointment in September 2022, Phil served as Mission Australia’s Senior Manager, External Communications. He has more than 20 years’ leadership experience across the commercial and not-for-profit sectors. Phil holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Graduate Diploma in Business Operations Management from the University of Technology, Sydney and has completed an Advanced Diploma of Bible, Mission and Ministry at Moore Theological College. He is a member of Engadine Anglican Church.

Ben Williams BTch, BSSc (Hons)

Executive, Corporate Services

With a background in education, operations, transformation and crisis management, Ben Williams is responsible for Corporate Services including oversight of Human Resources, Workplace Health and Safety, Learning and Development, Business Operations, Project Management Office and Procurement at Mission Australia. Ben joined Mission Australia in 2009 and has worked in a variety of operations, enabling and Service Delivery roles. Prior to his executive role, he led the sizeable Early Learning business, the organisational COVID-19 response, and most recently as Executive Support for People and Culture.

Anne-Marie Baker BA

Executive, Strategy and Engagement 

With a 20-year career in communications, brand, stakeholder engagement and strategic delivery, Anne-Marie is well placed to lead the Strategy and Engagement team at Mission Australia, overseeing the organisation’s Strategy, Fundraising, Marketing, Media, External and Internal Communications, Change and Corporate Affairs. Since joining Mission Australia in 2015, Anne-Marie has worked in leadership positions as Head of Media and Corporate Affairs and General Manager, Office of the CEO. Prior to Mission Australia, she worked for various financial services organisations in Australia, and as a senior advisor in the UK Labour Party. In her early career, Anne-Marie also worked as a journalist. She is experienced in leading organisational change and complex cross functional projects and is passionate about leading and developing people and creating an inclusive work environment. She has a BA in English and Politics from the University of York (UK) and a post-graduate National Qualification Journalism from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (UK).

 

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Our founding purpose - 'Inspired by Jesus Christ, Mission Australia exists to meet human need and to spread the knowledge of the love of God'