Our 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.

Ravi Underwood

CFO

Ravi brings more than 25 years experience in high profile large ASX listed and private companies. More recently, he’s been a senior executive to a high net worth family office with global assets. Ravi’s also been heavily involved in the not-for-profit sector and is a board member of International Nepal Fellowship. Ravi’s skillset includes compliance and reporting requirements including working closely with DFAT’s ANCP requirements. He also has experience in investment decisions, structuring and other financial arrangements. His past roles involved working with international based partners and offices across many different cultures.

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.

Glen Hill

Director of National Engagement

Glen is a proven leader with 25 years of for-purpose experience—across development, advocacy, health, residential aged care, and medical research. Joining Baptist World Aid in 2024, Glen holds a Bachelor of Communications and brings senior expertise in leadership, communication, strategy, brand, engagement, data, fundraising and advocacy. Driven by a passion for empowering others to make a difference, he’s dedicated to building leadership capability and capacity, and ensuring sustainable growth. Glen’s passionate about leveraging his skills and experience to partner with people living in poverty and to motivate others on that journey. With his experience as a Baptist pastor, he understands the potential of churches to change lives.

Careers

Work With Us

Are you passionate about ending poverty? Join our Team to Create a Better World, Every Day

Join us