Our People

Dr. Gary Jacobson

Bachelor of Science (Hons), Masters of Public Health, Masters of Management, Doctor of Business.

This is what Marika says about Gary……………

Give Gary a complex problem, in an organisation filled with challenges and he becomes immersed. His passion and commitment is genuine and his enthusiasm to work towards solutions is admirable. Gary’s amazing analytical ability, negotiation skills and excellent business acumen shine through when he works with Boards and executives struggling to unpack the key issues. His extensive experience in leading both a large commercial enterprise and significant not-for-profit organisations, has led him to having a deep understanding of the sector. He lives his values and serves them through volunteering, accepting Board roles and fundraising for causes. Ultimately however it is Gary’s unweilding passion for social entrepreneurship that makes him one of Australia’s not for profit sector leaders.

Marika Kontellis

BA (Welfare Studies), Bachelor Social Work, Master of Management (Community).

This is what Gary says about Marika…………..

Marika is one of those people who can redirect conflict into agreements with all parties walking away thinking they have won. Her facilitation skills are exemplary and her intuitive style makes her one of the most effective communicators I know. She is strategic and can assess operating environments with ease. Her 20 years diverse experience in the community services industry is particularly evident when she supports organisations to understand their client’s needs, evaluate their programs and build their relationships. It is her commitment to social justice that I admire most and her capacity to be a community developer with almost everything she chooses to do. Marika is a past member of the Disability Council of NSW and the Guardianship Tribunal of NSW and currently, is an elected Local Government Councilor.