Meet the executive team
Melissa Lipsett, CEO

Melissa is an experienced executive in the Christian for purpose space. Her skills in leading diverse teams and complex organisations were developed in the Australian military, refined in executive leadership within the church context, and enriched in the Christian for purpose sector. She has extensive cross-cultural experience and a deep appreciation for working alongside First Nations people.

Melissa is a strong professional and servant leader with active governance roles across the church and for purpose Christian sector. She holds a Bachelor of Ministry and a Bachelor of Applied Science, and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Melissa is passionate about helping people know and reflect the love of Jesus. She is ordained in the Uniting Church but has extensive cross-denominational experience. She is a sought-after public speaker who combines her passions of excellent leadership, advocacy, pastoral and practical theology. Melissa believes ending poverty IS possible, and is determined to work toward and inspire others so that together we can make a better world for all.

Natasha Gerhardt, CFO

Having moved to the not-for-profit sector from a senior corporate career within finance and governance, Natasha is committed to making a difference as a senior executive working for a Christian organisation. A mature and committed Christian, Natasha has a passion for justice and a desire to see vulnerable people flourish, both of which fuel her desire to work as an executive in the not-for-profit area. Natasha has strong commercial acumen, strategic development and engagement skills and has direct experience in international development across Africa, India and South East Asia.

Natasha holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Graduate Diploma in Finance and Investment. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant and is AICD qualified. Natasha’s experience also includes serving on and chairing not-for-profit boards and committees. Natasha has recently completed a Master of Laws in Human Rights and Policy.

Fiona Smith, Director Of International Programs

Fiona has been with Baptist World Aid for over two years, and in that time has become a well-respected leader within the Programs team and across the organisation. Fiona has 10 years of experience in child-focused community development, advocacy, and NGO leadership across four countries. Prior to joining Baptist World Aid, Fiona served in a start-up company seeking to apply data and new technology towards sustainable development. She holds a Masters in Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Oxford, and degrees in Law and Arts (Communications) from the University of Technology Sydney.

Jessica Barry, Director Of Risk, Governance And Business Optimisation, Company Secretary

Jessica joined Baptist World Aid in 2015, and brings over a decade of dedicated service in the areas of compliance and risk to the organisation. With qualifications from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), she combines her expertise in safeguarding with strategic governance to drive positive change in global communities.

Jessica is committed to the empowerment of vulnerable people and communities through the strengthening of governance and system structures. Passionate about social justice, she serves on multiple not-for profit boards. Jessica was formerly National Safeguarding Officer for Australian Catholic University, where she spearheaded the implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse and Australian Human Rights Commission recommendations into student safety on campus.

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