Staff - Head Office Victoria
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Jo Swift CEO After years in the exhibition and display industry, and having completed studies in Public Relations at RMIT, Jo joined KUC as Communications and Events Manager in 2003. A rising star, Jo was soon promoted to General Manager to focus on the smooth running of the organisation. Jo became CEO in 2007 and has since taken the organisation to new heights. Under her leadership, the team has grown to 12 staff, has expanded nationally, accommodation programs have grown and new initiatives have been implemented. Despite being ‘The Boss’, Jo remains down to earth and conscious of the well-being of her staff, who are often found in her office seeking advice of both a professional and personal nature. Patrick Caruana Patrick’s career started more than 30 years ago, and spans the private sector, government, the building industry, aged care and the restaurant trade. He has a Grad Cert and Grad Dip in Social Science with a major in Housing Management and Policy from Swinburne University. Patrick joined KUC in 2009 where he uses his extensive experience to manage a dedicated team responsible for coordinating our Accommodation and Scholarships programs. Patrick is very knowledgeable on a range of subjects and appreciates fine music and food. We’re lucky that he’s also a keen amateur photographer and often take advantage of this when we have an event going on. Sarah Dalton After completing a Diploma of Social Science (Justice) followed by Forensic Science, Sarah worked for Victoria Police, attending scenes of crimes and taking fingerprints. She moved to Edinburgh for two years, and upon returning home worked in Community Corrections with adult offenders, then moved to take on projects at Alzheimer’s Australia Vic. She joined KUC in 2010. In her role as Program Coordinator, Sarah oversees the Studio build program and works with CSO’s to ensure the right young people benefit from our studios. Sarah is always up for an adventure, regularly travels the world to find them and even spent time in Africa volunteering at an orphanage.
Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Economics from Adelaide University. She has over 20 years’ experience within the fields of accounting and finance, commencing her career in professional practice firms. Rebecca also lived in London before returning to Melbourne to take on roles with a listed stockbrokers and later, a funds management company. This is Rebecca’s first foray into the Not-for-Profit sector and she’s well-qualified to keep a close eye on the purse strings, and ensure the ongoing financial viability of KUC. Like most of the team, Rebecca has a penchant for chocolate, which gives her the vital energy required to juggle both a job and a small, but very active, toddler. |
Kathryn McKeough After completing a business degree, majoring in HR, Kathryn started her career in community health, working for five years at the Victorian peak body, VCOSS, within Finance and Legal administration.
Following a stint at Melbourne University, she joined Kids Under Cover in April 2008 as Operations Manager. Kathryn was brought into this new role to focus on the efficient and effective running of the organisation, including reviewing and updating policy and procedures. She also supports the department managers in HR, Legal compliance and budgeting. Kathryn ensures that the office - and everyone in it - runs like a well-oiled machine. As well as this ability to get things done, Kathryn has a wicked sense of humour which keeps us highly entertained on a regular basis.
Lucy Mickleburgh After completing a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing & Management) at Monash University, Lucy headed to the UK, where she worked for the Children’s Fund as Project and Marketing Officer for three years. Upon returning to Melbourne, she worked in events at Plan before moving to the Leukaemia Foundation, where she was played a crucial role in the incredibly successful, World’s Greatest Shave. She joined KUC in 2008. Lucy brings this experience to her role heading up Marketing and Fundraising, generating awareness of Kids Under Cover and raising funds to support ongoing projects. Lucy is super-efficient, has an endless supply of energy and is constantly on the go, both inside and outside of work. Kerry Butcher A designer by trade, Kerry studied Visual Communications in Adelaide, but has many strings to her bow. She has worked in design & multimedia for both private and government sectors, and has even had her own business, which enabled her to live and work in the US for several years. Kerry initially came to us as a volunteer but was too good to let go. For two years, she worked in Events & Marketing, running the infamous Cubby House Challenge and annual Umbrella Ball and is now looking after our Corporate Partnership Program in Victoria. Kerry is a never ending source of creative ideas and a mine of useful information on a range of obscure, but fascinating topics. Laura van Wagensveld Laura is originally from the Netherlands, where she gained a degree in Social and Community Studies. As part of her studies, she undertook a six month internship in Melbourne, working on the Next Wave Arts Festival. After graduating, Laura emigrated to Australia and undertook a variety of administration roles, before joining us at KUC in 2010. In her role, Laura provides invaluable administrative support to the whole team, in particular the busy events and marketing department. Laura is always cheerful and takes things in her stride, no matter what problems are put her way. She likes to keep active and cycles into work most days, just not when it’s raining! She’s also a pretty mean tennis player. |
Staff - Queensland
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Phil gained a degree in Economics and Public Policy in the UK and began his fundraising career with the Australian Red Cross, then at the International Red Cross in Geneva. On returning to Australia he worked at the Brisbane Youth Service, a homeless young person’s drop-in centre. Phil joined our Queensland office in 2011 to secure funding from Government, business and community to support at risk and homeless young people across the State. Even though he’s based in Queensland, Phil is close to the rest of the team and regularly joins meetings via speaker phone. Despite protests to the contrary, he must feel he’s had a lucky escape not having to working in an office with so many women! |
