Our People
Our People
We come from different walks of life, with one thing in common: a passion to see children released from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Our Executive Team
Compassion Australia is led by our CEO, Clare Steele, and Executive Team. They provide strategic and innovative leadership to maximise impact for our supporters, partners, and the children we serve.
Clare Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Following a successful business career, Clare has worked for over a decade in Christian ministry, focusing on strategic leadership that enables churches to better serve their communities. She studied Engineering in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering at the University of Western Sydney as well as a Master of Divinity through Sydney Missionary and Bible College.
As Compassion Australia CEO, she is excited to see churches and Christians around the world empowered to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Tony Broughton
Chief Operating Officer
Tony began his career in engineering and manufacturing management before moving into general operations leadership roles. He served for a significant part of his career in the pharmaceutical industry, where he headed operations for multi-national companies in Australia and the UK. He has also served as a board member with various not-for-profit organisations.
Inspired by practical acts of Christian faith, he is humbled to serve with Compassion. He loves working with teams to create high performance through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Steve Baird
Chief Marketing Officer
Steve is a highly regarded senior leader and marketing executive with a passion for justice and a heart for people. He has served as CEO of International Justice Mission Australia, Head of Marketing for Virgin Australia’s Velocity, and held senior marketing roles with Qantas.
Steve excels at building high performing teams to optimise marketing and fundraising efforts, including brand management, strategy, PR, digital marketing, acquisition and analytics.
Steve joined Compassion in 2024 and is honoured by the opportunity to steward our brand and help create lasting impact for the children we serve.
Natanya Full
Chief Partnerships Officer
Natanya joined Compassion in 2021 after working in professional services for 17 years in Australia and Southeast Asia. During this time, she partnered with for- and not-for profit organisations to optimise financial and operational performance.
She is an energetic and innovative thinker with a passion for co-creating solutions and a human-centred approach to leadership. Nat is grateful to work alongside a wonderful team and see the strategic vision of Compassion realised.
Our Board
Compassion Australia is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors who ensure we operate in accordance with the principles and commitments stated in our Constitution.
Isaac Moody
Chair of the Board
Chair: CEO & Governance Committee, Executive Committee
Board member since 2008
Isaac has a group of businesses in hospitality, agriculture and property, which enables him to volunteer for ministries like Compassion and maintain strong community involvement in the Toowoomba region. Isaac is married to Mel and together they have six young children.
Mark McCrindle
Vice Chair of the Board
Member: Strategy Committee
Board member since 2015
Mark is a demographer, social researcher and founding principal of McCrindle Research. Along with his team of data analysts, he works to identify emerging trends and research insights that can inform strategy and effective engagement. Mark is regularly commissioned to deliver strategy and advice to some of Australia’s leading organisations.
Mabel Chua
Board Secretary
Chair: Risk Committee; Member: CEO & Governance Committee
Board member since 2012
Mabel holds a Master of Laws, Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in accounting and finance. Prior to becoming the Managing Director of M 6:8 Legal in Perth, Mabel was a partner at a multi-disciplinary boutique legal practice. Mabel has served in various leadership capacities in her local church and in the Christian community.
Mike Jeffs
Member: Finance Committee, Compassion International Board
Australian board member since 1995
Mike has extensive business knowledge, with 40 plus years experience in management and director roles. He is the Founder and Director of Network Communications Pty Ltd, Founder and CEO of Australian Christian Channel Pty Ltd, and Director of Southern Cross Institute Pty Ltd.
Kent Medwin
Chair: Finance Committee
Board member since 2015
Kent has been in business for over 25 years and is the Managing Director of Rock Property Australia and Pastor at Hillsong Church. Kent is passionate about seeing change, growth and empowering others to impact their sphere. Kent resides in Melbourne, Victoria with his wife and three children.
Jonas Golze
Member: CEO & Governance Committee, Strategy Committee
Board member since 2023
Jonas is a seasoned senior executive, transformation leader and executive coach. Throughout his 20-year career, Jonas has held diverse roles, both as an advisor and executive, helping leading organisations improve business performance, drive customer growth, and facilitate culture change. Today, Jonas is Group Chief Operating Officer at KMD Brands. He leads Technology, Supply Chain, Digital Marketing Performance, Data Analytics and the Next Level transformation across Rip Curl, Kathmandu and Oboz Footwear.
Rebecca Lambert-Smith
Member: CEO & Governance Committee
Board member since March 2025
Rebecca Lambert-Smith is a Practice Leader at Moores, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from Monash University. She provides expert legal and governance advice to charities, not-for-profits and social ventures, helping them navigate the complexities of the regulatory environment. Rebecca lives in Melbourne with her husband and three children.
Irene Yu
Member: Finance Committee, Risk Committee
Board member since 2023
Irene has over 20 years of experience in the accounting and banking industries. Prior to her current business leadership role with Westpac Group, she was a corporate banker with HSBC. Irene holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Mathematical Science and a postgraduate Diploma of Divinity. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow Certified Practising Accountants Australia, a Fellow Financial Services Institute of Australasia and a Chartered Banker.
Hear from our staff
Explore reflections from our team as they witness God move in the lives of children.
