The Giving Academy Expert Writers and Contributors
We’re currently designing The Giving Academy to be an accessible, world-class professional development program for the philanthropic sector - and getting the content right is critical.
That’s why we’re incredibly fortunate to be working with some of the most respected thought leaders, strategists and changemakers in philanthropy to shape the curriculum. Meet the brilliant minds behind The Giving Academy and discover why they’re considered the very best in the field.
Stay up to date with The Giving Academy:
Jo Taylor - Content Lead
Jo has 25+ years of leading for-purpose organisations. Over her career, she has raised over $100m leading for-purpose organisations and has distributed more than $400m globally through philanthropic organisations.
Jo is the inaugural CEO of the Siddle Family Foundation, the inaugural Executive Chair of the Pay What it Takes initiative, a Leap Ambassador, and an advisor to numerous philanthropic organisations. This experience has given Jo a deep understanding of the challenges of building resilient organisations focusing on impact and a burning passion for leaders to do their best work and look after themselves.
Jo has designed and led reflective leadership retreats and action learning programs for social change leaders, LGBTQI leaders, young leaders, social entrepreneurs, women, culturally and linguistically diverse leaders, directors and philanthropic leaders nationally and internationally.
Jo holds a LLB from Leicester University and an Executive Global MBA from Sydney University.
Jo has studied adaptive leadership at Harvard (US), international public policy at Lee Kuan Yew School of public policy (Singapore), AI and technology (USYD) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Anne Robinson AM
Anne is the founder of Prolegis Lawyers – Australia’s only specialist charity NFP and philanthropy law firm. After some 40 years working as a charity law specialist and corporate governance adviser, Anne is now focusing on corporate governance in the charity and NFP sector. She works with boards and governors to resolve complex issues and navigate crises.
Georgia Mathews
Georgia is a philanthropic consultant and respected leader in the field. She has held numerous executive roles in the sector, including as Director of Philanthropic Services at Australian Communities Foundation. Georgia is also Deputy Chair of Rainbow Giving Australia and Co-Chair of the Nexus Australia Advisory Committee and a Director of Fair Agenda. She has had a significant impact on the field through the establishment of several award-winning philanthropic initiatives, the publication of research, and support for sector education and development.
Jessica Bulger
Jessica is a proud Wiradjuri from Tumut and Brungle in country NSW. Her most recent executive position is as CEO of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute and she is also Co-Chair of Outward Bound Australia. She has worked in the NFP sector for 15 years focused on effective community governance, women in leadership and nurturing emerging leaders.
Krystian Seibert
Krystian has extensive experience shaping the policy and regulatory frameworks for Australia’s not-for-profit sector. As an Executive Director at Philanthropy Australia, he leads the peak body’s efforts to drive policy outcomes and strategic initiatives to grow giving and its impact. Krystian previously served as an Associate Commissioner at the Productivity Commission, appointed by the Australian Government to jointly lead a 'once in a generation' inquiry examining the policy framework supporting philanthropy. It’s final report, Future Foundations for Giving, was released in July 2024. He is also Chair of Mental Health First Aid International, and an Adjunct Industry Fellow with the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne University.
Dr Liz Branigan
Liz is a passionate educator, researcher and sector leader with over 25 years’ experience working across the for-purpose sector, higher education and vocational training. As Director, Knowledge & Practice at Philanthropy Australia, she leads professional learning and capability-building initiatives, including the LEAF network. Liz is an award-winning adult educator and holds a PhD in social anthropology, along with two postgraduate qualifications in education. She’s a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a founding board member of The Luke Batty Foundation, where she continues to advocate for social justice and community-led change.
May Miller-Dawkins
May is the co-founder of Prism Co and brings over 20 years’ experience working with philanthropic institutions, community groups, social enterprises, coalitions, and social movements to support long-term social change and build collective leadership capability. Globally, May has led learning and impact development processes for Open Government Partnership (Washington DC), Transparency International (Berlin) and The B Team in New York. She is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at UNSW and a Fellow of the Centre for Policy Development.
Dr Genevieve Timmons
Dr Genevieve Timmons is a philanthropy strategist with decades of experience working across Australia and globally. She has held multiple executive roles in the philanthropic ecosystem, to advance philanthropic giving for socio-economic justice. Genevieve has authored books, created key professional development resources for the philanthropic sector in Australia and New Zealand, and is an Adjunct Industry Fellow with the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne University. She’s also travelled to more than 25 countries as a Fellow of the Johns Hopkins International Fellows in Philanthropy Program.
Murray Baird
Murray Baird is a Consultant at Prolegis Lawyers and is an Australian Legal Practitioner and leading advisor on the Law, Governance and Regulation of Charities in Australia. He was formerly the Assistant Commissioner General Counsel for the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission for seven years. He has acted for many of Australia’s prominent charities and been involved in several leading cases defining charities in Australia.