Gerlinde spent her executive career in higher education and medical research. She held seven different roles over 14 years at the University of Melbourne, including five years as Director of Development. She was subsequently General Manager at a specialist medical research institute, the Centre for Eye Research Australia.

Today Gerlinde serves as a non-executive director and chair of the board of FMC Mediation and Counselling Victoria and is a Director of the Alternative Technology Association, a member-based organisation dedicated to environmental sustainability.

Gerlinde completed the Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders at Stanford University in 2014 and is an active member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2007, Gerlinde was commissioned to write Donor Service – A Quick Guide, a practical handbook for fundraising staff (Wiremill Publishing Pty Ltd., U.K., 2008).

Q&A:

What attracts you to the non-profit sector?

The many extraordinary people who are passionate about their purpose and not just a pay cheque.  I also love the complexity and challenges of having to manage expectations of so many stakeholders in a resource-constrained environment.

Non-profits to watch?

I believe any non-profit working in the sustainability space is an organisation to watch.  These organisations must be politically savvy and commercially focused while also needing to engage the hearts and minds of grassroots communities. It’s complex and vital work.

Next big trend in the sector?

Creating a two-way street for talent moving between the non-profit and commercial sectors. Professionals from commercial backgrounds are increasingly welcomed into non-profit leadership roles. I believe it would be very enriching for the public and private sectors to welcome more people from the non-profit sector, particularly into leadership roles.