Currently CEO of Make-A-Wish Australia, Gerard Menses has run some of Australia’s largest and most complex Not for Profit (NFP) Organisations. Moving from a background in psychology working with young offenders, Gerard now has over 27 years’ experience as a CEO leading large companies around Australia. As CEO of Make-A-Wish Australia, Gerard is inspired by the courage of children as they fight to overcome a life-threatening medical condition.

Gerard’s strategic and leadership ability combine to deliver outstanding results.
He has repositioned and revitalised the last four companies he has lead, leaving them a legacy of increased profile and community support.

Gerard is an energetic leader with significant experience in change management.
His leadership has been acknowledged by Government, winning the Prime Minister’s National Employer of the Year 2006 for his work with people with disability. The Australian Institute of Management named him Professional Manager of the Year (Qld) 2001 for his work leading Endeavour. His peers elected him to lead the NFP sector as Chair of the National Round Table of Non Profit Organisations during a period of intense reform.

He was an architect of the national brand “Anglicare” promoting cooperation between regional bodies. He saved one of Australia’s largest charities and won $30 million recurrent funding from the Queensland State Government. The South Australian government used Gerard’s effective skills in the economic review of the State, social justice advisory and in assessing urban development and planning for the State.

Greatly interested in technology and innovation Gerard has served on prestigious research and innovation bodies such as the Centre for Eye Research Australia and the Monash Bionic Vision Group.

A sought after speaker, Gerard is able to engage a broad range of stakeholders into a shared vision for change.