ABOUT US
Expertise you can rely on driven by a passion for greater impact
The team bring a deep understanding of challenges and opportunities facing social sector Boards gained over 20 years of experience, relishing the opportunity to improve governance and social outcomes.
After co-founding People for Purpose in 2011, Melissa Macpherson and Rachael McLennan established Govern for Purpose drawing on their unique perspective of leadership and boards across the commercial and social sectors. Through years of experience working in, and consulting to the social purpose sector, Melissa leant into her experience in business and risk management, to lead the development of a comprehensive suite of tools and services tailored to the needs of the sector.
OUR TEAM
After starting her career at KPMG, Melissa worked for a decade in financial services before transitioning into the social purpose sector. Melissa brings over a decade of CEO leadership experience and is a trusted advisor to boards on leadership acquisition, structure and governance performance improvement for non-profit organisations and social enterprises. Melissa brings her cross-sector knowledge to support boards to consolidate their purpose and optimise performance and has a reputation for asking robust questions.
Rachael co-founded People for Purpose in 2011 believing an opportunity existed to connect passionate, talented leaders to organisations delivering social and environmental impact. Rachael transitioned from the commercial sector. Prior to People for Purpose, Rachael was the CEO of Australian Philanthropic Services and brings a wealth of knowledge as an experienced Non-Executive Director in the social sector. Rachael specialises working with boards and senior executives to build capability and achieve greater diversity.
Michelle is a former lawyer who brings globally acquired expertise across the commercial and not-for-profit sectors to assist boards and CEOs with their governance and strategic issues. Her experience includes advising boards and executives on effective strategy, change management, stakeholder engagement as well as governance, risk and organisational culture issues.
Michelle is an experienced CEO in the social sector and prior to this, worked in strategic advisory and business development roles.
Michelle is an experienced CEO in the social sector and prior to this, worked in strategic advisory and business development roles.
Pauline supports the Govern for Purpose team to manage Board reviews. Pauline works with clients to manage the implementation of our services and ensures that all interviews and consultations are planned well in advance.
“The questions that Govern for Purpose ask really illustrate the depth of the understanding that they have around sector challenges and governance issues. They challenge us and help us to find new ways of thinking which we value greatly.”
Michelle Stewart
CEO CURE BRAIN CANCER FOUNDATION
