ChildFund Australia CEO
Nigel Spence
Since joining ChildFund Australia as CEO in 2006, Nigel has
overseen the expansion of its child-focused development programs
in Cambodia, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea, as well as continuing
aid and development work through ChildFund Alliance partners in
Africa, Asia and the Americas. Nigel has a long history of
working with vulnerable and marginalised children, both in
Australia and internationally. Prior to his role at ChildFund, he
was CEO of the Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA),
and Director of Children and Youth Services with Centacare,
Catholic Community Services, Sydney.
International program director: Mark McPeak
Mark McPeak
Mark's work in international development and social justice began
with two years in the Peace Corps in Ecuador. During the
following 20 years, he has held a range of leadership roles in
Colombia, Vietnam, United Kingdom and Ethiopia, where he served
as acting regional representative for ChildFund International.
Most recently, Mark was the founding executive director of UUSC
Just Democracy, a human rights and social justice organisation.
Country director: Cambodia
Carol Mortensen
Carol has over 20 years experience in international development.
This includes in-country assignments in countries such as
Botswana, East Timor and Cambodia, and managing program work in
Afghanistan, India, Nepal and Vietnam. Carol has significant
management, program development, strategic planning and advocacy
experience. She holds a Masters degree in Development, and is a
specialist in child protection and child rights, as well as
quality programming.
Country director: Papua New Guinea
Warwick 'Smokey' Dawson
Warwick joined ChildFund in 2005. In previous roles, he has
worked at the PNG National Apprenticeship Trade Testing Board and
within indigenous communities of northern Australia. These
experiences fostered Warwick's interest in working in remote and
culturally challenging environments. Warwick has a strong
management background, commitment to community development and
empowering approach to capacity building, which are driving
sustainable growth in ChildFund's PNG programs.
Country director: Vietnam
Peter Walton
Peter has worked in development for 18 years, undertaking
assignments in over 30 countries. Peter holds the position of
Mekong Regional Representative which includes supporting
ChildFund's planned activities in Cambodia and Laos, and
overseeing operations in Vietnam in his capacity as Country
Director. Peter holds a Master of Science in Development
Economics and an MBA and was awarded the Vietnamese Government's
Medal for Friendship and Peace. Peter joined ChildFund in 2003.