We believe in a self-determined future for First Nations people. Together we are removing the barriers holding back Indigenous entrepreneurs, and creating a sustainable and inclusive economy for all Australians.
Leah Armstrong
Managing Director
Board Member
Leah, a Torres Strait Islander, has over 20 years’ business and not-for-profit experience working collaboratively with governments, community and the private sector. Leah is currently on the Board of Foundations for Young Australians; CSIRO Indigenous Strategic Advisory Council; and BCA Indigenous Taskforce. LinkedIn
Jocelyn King
Executive Director, Business Development
Board Member
A proud Bundjalung woman by descent, Jocelyn was born and raised on Gadigal lands and now lives with her family at Djanaba Farm on Wonnarua Country in the Hunter Valley. Jocelyn has worked with many Indigenous organisations to facilitate economic development opportunities across Australia. LinkedIn
Jane Pound
Executive Director, Impact Capital
Board Member
Passionate about supporting Indigenous-led change, Jane has 25 years’ experience providing strategic and legal advice across both the private and not-for-profit sectors. After working as a corporate lawyer for a decade, Jane has dedicated the past 15 years to supporting a number of significant Indigenous initiatives for social change. LinkedIn
Craig North
Impact Partner
Craig North is in the business of Indigenous investments with long-term positive impact. A senior Indigenous executive for over 15 years, Craig operates across government and commercial sectors nationally. Craig is passionate about the possibilities of Indigenous economic development and impact investment outcomes.
LinkedIn
Wayne Reid
Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Wayne has over 16 years of Finance experience in the not-for-profit/government sector. He has also worked in local government, balancing financial management with strong, sustainable stakeholder relationships. Wayne completed a Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Newcastle, and went on to hold several accounting positions there. LinkedIn
Tara O’Connell
Head of Business Development
Tara was born and raised on Awabakal lands and lives in Newcastle NSW. Tara brings over 25 years of diverse experience including 6 years as CEO of Hunter Wetlands; Chairman and Director on regional tourism boards; Head of Digital Transformation for a national NFP; and as a consultant to Government Departments and NGOs. LinkedIn
Sugandha Chapman
Business Relationship Manager
Sugandha (Sig) is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, digital strategist and women’s leadership/wellness coach. She brings over a decade experience in both the corporate and NFP world helping launch startups as well as running her own online business. She has grown up and lives on Wurundjeri land and believes in women’s empowerment, diversity and inclusion, financial independence through good business and environmental sustainability.
LinkedIn
Garry King
Business Relationship Manager
A proud Bundjalung man by descent, Garry was born and raised on Gadigal lands and now lives on Wiradjuri Country in Temora, NSW. He has managed diverse small and medium enterprises, with over 30 years involvement in the building industry from hands-on tool work to senior management. Garry’s business achievements extend to include finance, engineering, tourism and aviation enterprises. For the last 20 years Garry has been a Chief Flying Instructor, training over 300 private pilots and over 200 commercial and military pilots.
Michelle Lilley
Business Relationship Manager
Michelle is an experienced, pragmatic, and innovative thinker who is passionate about empowering and equipping Indigenous business owners to live a life of impact and growth.
Michelle has owned and run her own businesses for over 15 years in Regional Victoria, building practical tools and strategies that develop sustainable, resilient business in uncertain times.
Michelle has influenced a wide variety of businesses, extending from building, construction and manufacturing all the way to not for profit community groups through coaching and Mentoring.
Erin Levey
Impact Research Officer
Erin leads the development and implementation of the FAC Impact Management Framework. Erin has over 10 years experience in sustainable business management and worked in the UK and Australia as a Responsible Investment Analyst. Erin was born and raised on Awabakal lands and lives in Newcastle NSW.
LinkedIn
Paul Cobbo
Investment Analyst
Paul is a proud Wakka Wakka and Kamilaroi man and a passionate business builder, avid learner and pragmatic thinker. He is an accounting and finance degree-qualified corporate professional with deep knowledge and passion for the success of businesses and business owners, working with a wide range of businesses from Small to Medium Enterprises to ASX listed companies, operating in diverse sectors and industries. LinkedIn
Peter Gow
Investment Analyst
Peter has specialised in the finance, marketing and investment areas and has developed an extensive knowledge of funding companies and investment vehicles. Well known for his lateral approach and his ability to deliver strong commercial outcomes, Peter has worked with a range of small and medium sized companies, including fast growth hi-tech companies.
Carly Mohamed
Board Member
Carly is a proud Goreng Goreng woman who grew up on Yorta Yorta country. She has recently completed a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts (Politics) at Monash University. Carly’s interest areas are in Indigenous Affairs, Social Justice and Education. LinkedIn
Shane Hamilton
Board Member
Shane is a Wakka Wakka and Bundjalung man from Queensland. Currently the CEO of Evolve FM, Shane is a respected leader with executive experience across corrective services, housing and professional services sectors in government and corporate enterprises. LinkedIn
Clive Ringler
Board Member
Clive Ringler is a Portfolio Manager and Financial Adviser with Morgan Stanley. He has over 25 years’ experience in the financial markets and covers both global and Australian investments across all asset classes including fixed interest and currencies. LinkedIn