Heather is the Chair of the Board and brings fantastic governance experience to the organisation.

She has held a number of governance roles in the community sector, including trustee, board member, deputy chairman and chairman. One of Heather's highlights has been serving as Deputy Chair of the Council for International Development.

Heather has a strong background in working in a multicultural environment both in New Zealand and overseas. Her experience ranges from community work with women and children in India, advocacy at international government level, developing national programmes and strategies for action in New Zealand, to turning around failing organisations. She has worked closely with government and has developed a wide network within the government sector. Heather is experienced in building strategic partnerships and introducing business systems and processes along with disciplined planning and financial management.

Passionate about making the world a better place for all, especially in the areas of poverty, inequality, discrimination and injustice, Heather works at local, national, and international levels to see change take place. Over the last ten years she has pursued this through leading not-for-profit organisations, such as her roles of chief executive of Refugee Services Aotearoa NZ, Save the Children and Parents Centre NZ.